C Short stay 'C' visa (Joining an EEA or Swiss National)

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Short-stay 'C' visa (Directive 2004/38/EC)
Stay	Up to 3 months (90 days)
Cost	Free (qualifying family) or €60 (permitted family)
Eligibility timing	Apply from home country or legal residence
Work rights	Not stated in the source
Study	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel facility	Single journey (single entry)
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen sponsor
Visa record	Not stated in the source
Processing basis	Accelerated in date order

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Purpose & Scope

This visa is for non-EEA family members seeking to join or accompany an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who is moving to or residing in Ireland pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive).

• Irish Citizen Sponsors: If your sponsor is an Irish national residing in Ireland, Directive 2004/38/EC does not apply; national rules apply instead.
• Stating the Directive: You must state clearly on your visa application that it is to be considered under Directive 2004/38/EC.

Visa Exemptions

You do not need an entry visa for stays up to 90 days if you hold a:

• "Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen" (Articles 5(2) and 10(1) of Directive 2004/38/EC)
• "Permanent Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen" (Article 20 of Directive 2004/38/EC)

Note: You must present this physical document to the carrier and border authorities. Non-Irish residence cards cannot be used to authorise a long-term stay in Ireland exceeding 90 days.

Family Categories and Fees

Category	Definition	Fee
Qualifying Family Member	Spouse, child under 21 (including of spouse), adopted child, dependent parent (or of spouse), or other dependent direct ascendants/descendants (e.g., grandparents, grandchildren).	Exempt (€0)
Permitted Family Member	Any other family member relying on the Directive.	€60 (Refunded if the visa is approved)

Additional Costs

• If lodging an application at a Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS) Centre, an administrative/logistics fee may apply.
• Applicants are exempt from any other administrative visa processing fees if applying directly at an Irish embassy, consulate, or visa office.
• Postage or courier charges are paid by the applicant.

Length of Stay and Longer Residence

• Entry Permission: The short-stay 'C' visa allows entry and residence for up to 3 months.
• Stays Exceeding 3 Months: You cannot rely on an EU residence card issued by another Member State for long-term residence. To remain longer than 3 months, you must apply for an Irish-issued Residence Card while in the State.

Required Supporting Documentation

To qualify, you must prove:

1. An EU/EEA/Swiss citizen exists from whom you derive rights.
2. The required family relationship (and dependency or household membership, where relevant).
3. You will accompany or join the citizen exercising free movement rights in Ireland (or provide a formal declaration/statement of confirmation).

Core Documents

• Passports: Valid original passports for both the applicant and the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
• Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers.
• Proof of Dependency: Relevant records confirming dependency or household membership (if applicable).
• Proof of Free Movement: Evidence the citizen currently resides in Ireland or a declaration that they will exercise free movement rights upon your arrival.

Translation and Attestation Rules

• Language: Documents not in English or Irish require a certified translation including translator contact details, signature, date, and confirmation of accuracy.
• Non-EEA/Swiss Public Documents: Official documents (birth, marriage, death, divorce certificates) issued outside the EEA/Switzerland, and their translations (if completed outside the EEA/Switzerland), must be apostilled/attested by the issuing country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• EEA/Swiss Public Documents: Do not require foreign ministry attestation. No translation is needed if submitted alongside a Multilingual Standard Form (MSF) or an Extract of a European marriage certificate.
• Originals: Submit original documents and certified translations. Original official certificates are returned; bank statements and invitation letters are not.

Applications for Children (Under 18)

• Child Travelling Alone: Submit the child's birth certificate and signed written consent from both parents/legal guardians, accompanied by copies of the parents' passports/ID cards showing signatures.
• Child Travelling with One Parent: Submit signed consent from the non-accompanying parent/guardian with a copy of their passport/ID card showing signature, or a court order granting sole custody.
• Child Travelling with a Non-Parent: Submit signed consent and ID copies from both parents/guardians.

How to Apply

1. Complete the application online via the AVATS online system.
2. Print, sign, and date the summary application form generated by AVATS.
3. Submit the signed form, original supporting documents, and biometric data (if required) to the appropriate visa office, embassy, consulate, or VFS Centre.

Processing and Appeals

• Processing: Applications under Directive 2004/38/EC are processed on an accelerated basis in date order.
• Refusal & Appeals:
  • Refusal notices detail the reasons and appeal instructions.
  • Appeals must be received by the Visa Division within 15 working days of the date on the refusal letter.
  • Original documents must be submitted with the appeal.
  • Late appeals will not be considered; a new application is required.

Port of Entry and Warnings

• Joining a Sponsor: You must present proof at the border that the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen resides in Ireland.
• Accompanying a Sponsor: You must arrive in Ireland in the physical company of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
• Border Warning: Failure to present required proof or travel together when required may result in entry refusal and a visa warning on your passport.
• Distinct Rights: A visa grants entry, not an automatic right to an Irish Residence Card under Article 7. Long-term residence requires an in-country assessment.