Looking for an Irish visa? Discover all visa types for Ireland here—from short stay (tourism, business) to long stay (study, work, family) visa types—to assist with your Irish visa application. Find information on the Irish visa application process, including requirements and where to begin with agencies such as INIS and how organisations like Immigration Advice Service (IAS) can support your visa types application for Ireland. Whether you need a tourist visa type, work visa type, or student visa type for Ireland, you’ll find the most important information here.
Do I Need an Irish Visa?
Determining whether you need an Irish visa depends on several key factors relating to your nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. Ireland’s visa policy maintains distinct rules for different visa types and categories of travelers, with specific requirements that must be carefully considered before making travel arrangements for your Irish visa.
Your Nationality and Its Impact on Irish Visa Requirements
Your citizenship plays the most significant role in establishing Ireland’s visa types and requirements for your visit. The Irish immigration system categorizes travelers into three main groups based on nationality. United Kingdom passport holders benefit from the long-standing Common Travel Area agreement, which permits unrestricted movement and residence rights between Ireland and the UK.
Visa-Free Entry for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens and Their Family Members
Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), and Switzerland benefit from unrestricted entry to Ireland, meaning no Irish visa is needed. They only need to present a valid passport or national identity card at border control, with no Irish visa required regardless of visa types—tourism, employment, study, or permanent relocation. The sole exception currently applies to Croatian nationals, who still need to obtain work permits for employment until 2025, which is separate from general visa types.
Irish Visa Exemptions for UK Visa Holders
Ireland offers Irish visa exemptions under two key programs for UK visa holders. The Short Stay Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from over twenty countries (including India, China, UAE) to visit Ireland without a separate Irish visa, provided they hold a valid UK short-stay visa type and enter Ireland directly from the UK, with stays limited to 90 days.
Schengen & UK Visa Limitations
A common mistake among travelers involves assuming a Schengen visa type allows entry to Ireland. However, Ireland operates a separate visa system, so a Schengen visa is not valid. Similarly, UK visas don’t automatically permit travel to Ireland outside specific visa type schemes like BIVS. Multiple destinations require multiple visa types.
Immigration Rules for Non-EEA Citizens
Non-EEA nationals typically need to obtain the correct Irish visa type before traveling. These visa types vary based on purpose—tourism, business, employment, study, family reunification, etc. Most Irish visa types require submission four to eight weeks in advance, with serious consequences for overstaying or violating conditions.
Visa Types for Children
Ireland applies special visa type rules for travelers under 18. All minors require individual Irish visa types when applicable. Those not traveling with both parents must supply notarized consent from the absent parent(s), and unaccompanied minors must prove guardianship and care arrangements. Schools organizing trips must also meet Irish visa documentation requirements.
Special Irish Visa Rules for Ukrainian Citizens
Due to geopolitical conditions, Ukraine nationals benefit from simplified visa type procedures, automatic work authorization, fast-tracked family reunification, and reduced documentation. These temporary visa types are regularly updated on the INIS website.
New Irish Visa Rules (March 2025)
As of March 2025, new visa type policies include ETIAS registration for visa-exempt nationals, stricter biometric data collection, and higher financial thresholds for Irish visa types. These apply across short-stay and long-stay visa types.
Refugee Travel Documents
Irish visa types for travelers with refugee travel documents depend on the issuing country. Those with documents from 1951 Refugee Convention signatories typically enter Ireland visa-free. Others must apply for appropriate Irish visa types and be ready to present proof of refugee status.
Long-Term Stays and Preclearance
Some long-term visa types require preclearance from Irish immigration, such as stays over 90 days, work authorizations, study programs, and family reunification. Preclearance is handled online via the INIS portal and generally demands more documentation than short-stay visa types.
Types of Irish Visas
Ireland’s visa types fall under two major categories: short-stay (Type C) and long-stay (Type D), depending on visit duration and purpose. Each Irish visa type has tailored requirements.
Short-Stay Visa Types (Type C)
Short-stay visa types include tourist, business, study, medical, and performer visas. Tourist visa types require proof of accommodation and €100/day in funds. Business visa types require invitation letters. Short-term study visa types cover courses under 3 months, requiring acceptance letters and proof of €700/month funds. Medical and performance visa types need documentation from doctors or event organizers. Temporary work is covered by the Atypical Working Scheme.
Long-Stay Visa Types (Type D)
Long-stay visa types permit residence over 90 days. Work visa types include Critical Skills (for high-demand jobs, €64k+ salaries) and General Employment (with labor market testing). Study visa types require acceptance from recognized institutions and proof of €7k–€12k funds. Family visa types require income thresholds and documentation. Other long-stay visa types include investor, retiree, religious, and volunteer categories. Re-entry and transit visa types are also available.
How to Apply for an Irish Visa
The Irish visa application process involves several steps and varies by visa type. Key stages include online registration (AVATS), documentation collection, payment, and biometric data submission.
Online Application
Start with AVATS, Ireland’s online visa application system. Select your visa type, complete the form, and upload documents. Then print, sign, and submit the summary with your physical documents. Check details carefully to avoid errors.
Pay the application fee based on your visa type. After submission, use your application reference number to track the status.
Required Documents
Every visa type requires a passport with at least 6 months’ validity, passport photos, and supporting evidence. The required documents vary depending on your visa type (e.g., travel itinerary for tourists, offer letter for workers, acceptance for students).
You must also show proof of funds—generally €100/day for short-stay visa types—and potentially provide accommodation proof, travel insurance, police clearances, and past visa decisions.
Biometric Submission
Applicants over age six must provide biometric data. Schedule this step promptly after submitting your application. Biometric info is valid for five years. Some health exceptions may apply.
Visa Fees & Payment
Fees vary by visa type: €60 for single-entry, €100 for multiple-entry short-stay visas, €300 for long-stay visa types, and €25 for transit. Some categories qualify for exemptions.
Processing Time
Short-stay visa types usually take 4–8 weeks; long-stay types take 8–12 weeks. Urgent processing may be possible for an additional fee. Track applications using your reference number.
Refusals & Appeals
Visa types can be refused due to incomplete documents, unclear travel intentions, or insufficient funds. Applicants can reapply or appeal. Appeals cost €300 and must cite new evidence or errors in the original decision.
Always refer to INIS for the most accurate updates on Irish visa types, exemptions, and application changes.