Ireland visa pathways and migration community
Ireland offers a rich blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for travelers and expatriates alike.
Visa pathways
Explore visas for Ireland.
Atypical Working Scheme
The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) allows non-EEA nationals to undertake specialised, highly skilled short-term employment in Ireland (generally up to 90 days) not covered by standard Employment Permits. It also supports certain specific roles for longer durations, such as locum doctors, nurses undergoing clinical adaptation or RCSI tests, and approved paid student internships.
Contract for Services Employment Permit
The Contract for Services Employment Permit allows foreign undertakings that have won a contract to provide services to an Irish entity to transfer non-EEA employees to work on the contract in Ireland. Permits can be granted for up to 24 months initially and extended to a maximum stay of 5 years.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit attracts highly skilled workers into Ireland for strategically important occupations facing shortages. It requires a minimum 2-year job offer meeting specific salary thresholds (such as €36,848, €40,904, or over €68,911 depending on qualifications and role). Benefits include exemption from the Labour Market Needs Test, immediate family reunification, and eligibility to apply for Stamp 4 permission to reside and work upon completion.
De facto partner of an Irish national
Allows non-EEA and non-Swiss de facto partners of Irish citizens to live, work, and study in Ireland. Applicants must have cohabited in a committed relationship for at least 2 years and must obtain either a Long Stay 'D' visa or a preclearance approval letter before travelling. Permission is initially granted for 1 year with Stamp 4 immigration conditions.
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
The Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit allows eligible dependants of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders or researchers under a Hosting Agreement to work in Ireland. Applicants must be legally resident in Ireland on Stamp 3 conditions and hold a valid job offer. The permit is free of charge, does not require a Labour Market Needs Test, and is issued for up to two years initially.
Dependent Adult Relative (Stamp 0)
Permission for a dependent parent or adult dependent child to join an Irish national or non-EEA/non-Swiss family member in Ireland under Stamp 0 conditions. Applicants must apply from outside the State, meet private medical insurance requirements, and have a sponsor who satisfies residence and financial threshold criteria. Visa-required nationals must also obtain a D Join Family visa before travelling.
Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa
The Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa allows individuals to come to Ireland for the purpose of carrying out research under a hosting agreement with an accredited research organisation.
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
The Exchange Agreement Employment Permit facilitates the employment in Ireland of foreign nationals pursuant to prescribed international exchange or reciprocal agreements, such as AIESEC, IAESTE, the Fulbright Programme, and the Vulcanus in Europe Programme. Permits are issued for periods up to a maximum of two years depending on the specific agreement, and there is no application processing fee.
General Employment Permit
Ireland's General Employment Permit attracts third-country nationals for occupations experiencing labour or skills shortages. All occupations are eligible unless listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations. The permit requires an eligible job offer, meeting remuneration thresholds, and usually a Labour Market Needs Test. It is granted for an initial duration of up to 2 years and can be renewed for up to 3 additional years, after which applicants may apply for long-term residency.
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is a pathway for non-EEA nationals with a minimum net worth of 2 million euros to secure Irish residence permission (Stamp 4) through approved long-term investments in Ireland. Note that the page indicates the closure of the programme.
Internship Employment Permit
The Internship Employment Permit allows foreign nationals who are full-time students enrolled in a degree or higher at a third-level institution outside Ireland to gain work experience. The internship must be in an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List and be a requirement for their course of study. Permits are issued for a maximum period of 12 months and are non-renewable.
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
The Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit facilitates the temporary transfer of non-EEA senior management, key personnel, or trainees from an overseas branch of a multinational corporation to its Irish connected branch, allowing employees to remain on the foreign payroll.
Join family visa
A long stay (join family) visa allowing visa-required non-EEA nationals to travel to Ireland to reside for longer than 3 months with an Irish family member.
Joining your UK national family member (Long Stay ‘D’ Join Family UK National Visa / Preclearance)
Allows eligible non-EEA family members (such as spouses, civil partners, de facto partners, dependent children, and dependent parents) to join or accompany a UK national family member residing or intending to reside in Ireland. Requires applying for a Long Stay 'D' visa or preclearance approval letter before traveling.
Long term study visa
A long term study visa is required for individuals who wish to come to Ireland to undertake a full-time educational course lasting more than 3 months.
Reactivation Employment Permit
The Reactivation Employment Permit allows foreign nationals who previously entered Ireland on a valid Employment Permit, but fell out of the system through no fault of their own or experienced workplace exploitation, to work legally again. Applicants must first receive a temporary Stamp 1 permission and a Reactivation Employment Permit letter from the Department of Justice / Immigration Service Delivery.
Retirement Permission (Stamp 0)
Retirement permission (Stamp 0) allows financially independent persons of independent means to retire in Ireland without accessing State benefits. Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least 50,000 euros certified by an Irish accountancy firm and have access to a lump sum for major expenses. Visa-required individuals must also obtain a D-Reside visa prior to arrival.
Short stay 'C' visa (Joining an EEA or Swiss National)
A single journey short-stay C visa permitting non-EEA family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens to enter and reside in Ireland for up to 3 months when accompanying or joining a family member exercising free movement rights under Directive 2004/38/EC.
Short stay ‘C’ visit (family/friend) visa
A short stay ‘C’ visit (family/friend) visa allows individuals to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to visit family or friends who are resident in the country. Holders cannot engage in paid or unpaid work or access publicly funded services.
Short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa
A short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa allows individuals to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term study, getting married, or receiving medical treatment. Holders are not permitted to engage in paid or unpaid work or access publicly funded services.
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
The Sport and Cultural Employment Permit facilitates the employment in Ireland of foreign nationals with relevant qualifications, skills, experience, or knowledge for sporting and cultural activities. Permits can be granted for up to 2 years (or seasonally) and require remuneration at or above the National Minimum Wage. At least 50% of the employer's workforce must be EEA nationals, though a Labour Market Needs Test is not required.
Van der Elst visa
The Van der Elst visa allows non-EEA nationals lawfully resident and legally employed in another EU member state to come to Ireland to provide services on a temporary basis on behalf of their EU employer without requiring an Irish work permit, for contracts up to 12 consecutive months.
Plan your move to Ireland.
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