Ireland Visa for UAE Residents
Ireland is a popular European country amongst many UAE travellers, offering a strong economy and job market, numerous areas of natural beauty, and a rich culture. As such, many UAE residents choose to pursue tourist and professional opportunities in Ireland.
However, the Irish visa application process can often be complicated. At Total Law, we can help ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible. Contact us today on (+353) 061 518 025 to learn more about our full range of services and to get started on your own visa journey.
Do I need an Ireland visa from the UAE?
Citizens of the UAE do not require a visa in order to visit Ireland for stays of up to 90 days. However, if you are a UAE citizen and wish to stay longer than this – for reasons of work, study, or family, for instance – you will generally need to obtain an Irish visa.
If you are a non-citizen resident of the UAE, you may require a visa in order to visit Ireland even for short stays. This will depend on your specific nationality. If you are a citizen of the UK or an EU member state, for example, you won’t require a visa, whereas citizens of India and Saudi Arabia generally will.
Unless you are a citizen of the EU or UK, it is likely that you will require a visa if you wish to visit Ireland for more than 90 days. The visa which is right for you will depend on your reasons for travel and your specific circumstances.
Contact Total Law today on (+353) 061 518 025 for help identifying which visa route is right for you.
Page Contents
- Do I need an Ireland visa from the UAE?
- Types of Ireland visas from UAE
- Ireland Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
- Required Visa Documents
- How to Apply for an Ireland Visa from the UAE?
- Ireland Visa Decisions
- How to Track Ireland Visa Application?
- Ireland Visa Fee from UAE
- Ireland Visa Processing Time from UAE
- Ireland Visa Appeals
- How Can Total Law Help with Ireland Visa Application from UAE?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Ireland visas from UAE
UAE residents have a number of options when applying for an Irish visa. Some of the main routes are outlined below.
The route which is right for you will depend on your particular reason for visiting the country.
Short-Stay Visa (Ireland Tourist visa)
The Short Stay C visa is designed for visits of 90 days or less. This visa is a good choice if you are looking to visit Ireland temporarily for reasons of tourism, attending a business meeting, getting married, completing a short educational course, or visiting family.
In order to be eligible, you will need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Have a valid reason for wanting to enter the country
- Have strong ties to your country of origin, demonstrating your intention to return home before your visa expires
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay
If you are a UAE citizen, you will not require this visa in order to visit Ireland for stays of up to 90 days. If you are a UAE resident who does not have citizenship, on the other hand, whether or not you require a Visit visa will depend on your particular nationality.
Study Visas
Ireland has two major Study visas: the Short Stay C visa and the Long Stay D visa. The Short Stay C visa, as described in the previous subsection, allows stays of up to 90 days and can be used to complete short educational courses which fall within this time frame. The Long Stay D visa, on the other hand, allows stays of over 90 days, and is described below.
The Long Stay D visa is intended for individuals enrolled on one of the following courses:
- An English language programme which is at least 25 weeks long
- A higher education programme which is from level 6 to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (i.e. undergraduate to postgraduate university study)
- Professional awards
- Foundation programmes
The Irish government website provides a list of accepted courses.
In order to be eligible for the Long Stay D Study visa, you will need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Have a letter of acceptance from an eligible institution
- Have sufficient English or Irish language skills to complete the course
- Have the ability to financially support yourself for the duration of your stay, without being reliant on either welfare benefits or casual employment
- Be able to prove that you have the academic ability to complete the course in question (e.g. provide old transcripts or certificates)
Family Visas
There are also a number of visa routes to joining your family in Ireland. The exact route will depend on the immigration status of your family member and on the nature of the familial relationship.
If you are the spouse, partner, or minor or dependant child of a non-EU worker in Ireland, for example, you may be eligible to join them if they fall into one of the following categories:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit holder
- Investor
- Entrepreneur
- Business Permission Holder
- A student of the Researchers Approved Scholarship programme
- Intra Corporate Transferee
- PhD Student
- Full time doctor
- Minister of Religion
If you are the spouse, partner, or minor or dependant child of an Irish citizen, you may also be able to obtain a Family visa.
In general, when in Ireland on a Family visa, you are permitted to work during your stay, though the Employment permit rules vary depending on your particular route. You will not generally require an Employment permit if you are married to an Irish citizen, for example.
Contact Total Law today for more information on the right route for your particular circumstances.
Work Visas
If you are visiting Ireland for temporary business-related activities, such as attending business meetings, you can do so using the Short Stay C visa. Ireland offers a number of C visas for this purpose, including the following:
- Atypical Working Scheme Work visa (allows temporary work in a position which is not covered by other Work permits, e.g. working temporarily for an industry with a skills shortage)
- Conference or Event visa (allows travel to Ireland for up to 90 days in order to attend a conference, symposium, or related event)
- Training visa (allows you to complete a training course in Ireland for up to 90 days)
If you are planning on working in Ireland for over 90 days, however, you will need to apply for a Long Stay D visa.
The main routes are as follows:
- Employment visa (allows you to work long-term in Ireland)
- Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa (allows you to conduct research in Ireland under a ‘hosting agreement’ with an accredited research organisation)
- Employment (Van der Elst) visa: allows non-EU citizens who are legally residing and employed within another EU state to work temporarily in Ireland as part of their employment with their EU company)
You will generally need to have an offer of employment when applying for an Irish Work visa. You also generally need to obtain an Employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; you will need to do this before submitting your visa application.
Business Visa
If you want to enter Ireland temporarily, for up to 90 days, in order to complete business activities, you may require a Short Stay C visa. You may apply for a Conference/Event visa, for example.
However, if you are looking to invest in Ireland or start your own business, you must instead apply for a Long Stay D visa. If you want to invest in Ireland, you should apply via the Immigrant Investor Programme. If you plan to start a business in Ireland, on the other hand, you should apply instead via the Start Up Entrepreneur Programme.
Under the Immigrant Investment Programme, investors must have a personal wealth of at least €2 million and must invest at least €1 million for at least 3 years.
There are a number of investment routes open to investors, including:
- An investment of at least €1 million in an Irish enterprise for at least 3 years
- An investment of at least €1 million in an approved investment fund (approved and regulated by the Central Bank) for at least 3 years
- An investment of at least €2 million in an Irish REIT (one which is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange) for at least 3 years
Under the Start Up Entrepreneur Programme, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- They are a person of good character
- They have no past criminal convictions in any jurisdiction
- They have at least €50,000 of funding available
- They have an innovative business proposal
Ireland Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
The visa requirements for UAE residents vary significantly depending on the particular visa route in question. In general, however, there are a few common eligibility criteria which visa applicants usually need to satisfy:
- Have a legitimate reason for wanting to enter Ireland
- Have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay
- Have strong ties to your home country, which provide evidence of your intention to return there before your visa expires
There are also additional criteria for each specific visa route.
For more information on the eligibility criteria for your specific route, contact Total Law today.
Required Visa Documents
The required documents will vary significantly based on the specific visa route which you are taking. In general, however, you will require a range of the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Passport photographs
- Medical or travel insurance (if applicable)
- An application letter stating your reason for wanting to enter Ireland
- Details of any previous visa refusals
- A letter of acceptance to an educational institution or an offer of employment, as appropriate
- Proof of the ability to financially support yourself for the duration of your stay
You will also need to submit authorised translations of your documents in either Irish or English.
Once your application has been submitted, your documents will be returned to you by post.
How to Apply for an Ireland Visa from the UAE?
There are a number of steps which you will need to complete when applying for an Irish visa. While the exact steps vary depending on your particular visa route, they are generally as follows:
Step 1: Submit your online application via the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS). When you do so, a Summary Application Form will automatically be generated for you, which you should print, date, and sign. This form will also include details on where to send your supporting documents.
Step 2: Pay the visa application fee. The exact cost will vary depending on the visa for which you are applying.
Step 3: Send your supporting documents following the instructions on your Summary Application Form. If you are applying from within the UAE, you will likely be instructed to send the documents to the Embassy of Ireland, UAE, which is located in Abu Dhabi at the following address: Atiq Bin Majid Al Muhairi Street, Al Bateen, P.O. Box 61581, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. However, you should make sure to follow the specific instructions included on your Summary Application Form.
Step 4: Once you have submitted your documents, your application will be processed and you will eventually receive a decision. If you successfully receive a visa, you can use this to enter Ireland. If your application is not successful, you will be informed of the reason(s) why and given the chance to appeal.
Ireland Visa Decisions
Once your application has been processed, your request for a visa will either be approved or rejected. In the case that it is approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa included. You can then use this visa when travelling to Ireland. However, note that being granted a visa is not a guarantee that you will be granted access to the country. You will also need to demonstrate to the immigration agent who interviews you at the Irish border that you have a legitimate reason for wanting to enter the country.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a Letter of Refusal which outlines the reason(s) for the decision. You will be given the option to appeal the decision and will have 2 months in which to do so. Note that appeals of Irish visa decisions are free of charge.
Whatever the outcome, your submitted documents will be returned to you by post.
How to Track Ireland Visa Application?
Visa application decisions generally take a number of weeks and so it is normal not to receive a decision immediately. However, if you do wish to receive an update on your application, you can contact the embassy or consulate through which you applied. In the case of UAE applicants, this is likely to be the Irish embassy in Abu Dhabi, which can be contacted using the following number: +971 2 4958200. The embassy also has an online contact form on its website.
If you are applying from within Ireland, you should instead contact the Dublin Visa Office. You can also check your application status using their Customer Service Portal.
Ireland Visa Fee from UAE
Ireland visa fees vary depending on the specific visa for which you are applying.
Some of the most common costs are shown in the below table:
| Application Type | Visa Cost |
| Short Stay C visa (single entry) | €60 |
| Short Stay C visa (multiple entry) | €100 |
| General Employment permit (up to 24 months) | €1,000 |
| Critical Skills Employment permit | €500 |
| Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment permit | €0 |
| Start Up Entrepreneur visa | €350 |
You may also need to pay to have your documents translated into either English or Spanish, making sure to use an authorised translation service.
In some cases, applicants also choose to pay for legal assistance with their application. Contact Total Law today to learn more about our own range of services and how we can help ensure your application runs as smoothly as possible.
Ireland Visa Processing Time from UAE
While exact wait times depend on the specific visa for which you are applying and the number of other applications simultaneously being processed, you should generally expect to wait around 8 weeks for a decision on your visa. As such, it is important to submit your visa application in good time before your intended travel date.
Note that processing times may increase if your application is incomplete: if you do not submit all of the required documents, for example. In order to minimise delays, make sure to submit your application correctly and to include all of the necessary documents and information.
Ireland Visa Appeals
If you are unsuccessful in your application for an Irish visa, you will generally be given the option of appealing the decision. You will have 2 months in which to do so, starting from the date which is listed on your Letter of Refusal.
When appealing the decision, you will first need to write a Letter of Appeal, which should include the following information:
- Confirmation that you wish to appeal
- Your full name and postal address
- Your email address
- Your Visa Application Transaction Number
You will need to clearly explain why you think the decision should be reversed, making reference to the reasons you were given for the initial rejection. You should also include any new information which you think is relevant. Additionally, you should submit any relevant documents and, if specified in your Letter of Refusal, your passport. You must send the original version of any documents which you do send, and they should be translated into either English or Irish.
Once your application is ready to send, you should submit it to the Visa Appeals Officer at the address provided in your Letter of Refusal.
Your appeal will then be processed. Processing times vary significantly depending on the time of year and how many other applications are also being processed.
If your appeal is successful, you will be given instructions on how to obtain your visa. If the appeal is unsuccessful, you will be sent another Letter of Refusal. Note that, as only one appeal is allowed per visa application, you will not be able to appeal again. However, you have the option of submitting a new visa application.
In cases where your appeal is late, the original decision will remain as it is. However, you will have the option of submitting a new visa application.
There is no cost for submitting an Irish visa appeal.
Note that there are some circumstances in which you will not be given the option of appeal, for example if you submitted false or misleading information as part of your initial application.
How Can Total Law Help with Ireland Visa Application from UAE?
Ireland is a popular global destination which is a common travel choice amongst residents of the UAE. It boasts vibrant and culturally rich cities, stunning countryside, and picturesque beaches. It also offers easy travel access to the rest of the EU and to the UK.
If you are a UAE resident who is looking to travel to Ireland in order to work, study, or join family, it is likely that you will require a visa. However, the process of navigating the Irish immigration system can often be difficult and confusing. At Total Law, we offer a range of packages designed to make your immigration journey run as smoothly as possible. Contact us today on (+353) 061 518 025 to learn more and to receive bespoke immigration assistance.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
UAE residents can submit their visa application online. However, they will generally need to send their documents to the UAE Irish embassy, which is in Abu Dhabi at the following address:
Atiq Bin Majid Al Muhairi Street
Al Bateen, P.O. Box 61581
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
The embassy will return your documents to you by post once your application has been processed.
Generally speaking, you will not need to provide evidence of travel or medical insurance when applying for your Irish visa. However, you may be asked to provide evidence of insurance by the visa officer who is processing your application. In either case, you should make sure to have obtained medical or travel insurance by the time you arrive at the Irish border. The border agent is within their right to ask you for proof of insurance and may deny you entry into the country if you are unable to provide it.
Note that, if you are visiting Ireland as a tourist, you will not be entitled to access free healthcare services. It is therefore especially important to ensure that you book travel or medical insurance which is sufficient for your particular medical needs.
There are a number of reasons why Irish visa applicants from the UAE may have their applications rejected: failure to provide evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your trip, for example, or that you have a valid reason for wishing to enter Ireland.
Applications may also be rejected if additional information is requested but the applicant does not provide it.
Overall, in order to reduce your chances of an unsuccessful application, you should make sure you satisfy all of the eligibility criteria before applying and ensure that your application is completed correctly and thoroughly.
When you are applying for an Irish visa, you will be expected to provide details of any previous visa rejections which you have received. This applies to visa rejections from any country, not just Ireland. Decisions will then be made on a case by case basis. However, note that past visa rejections because of working illegally or overstaying your visa, for example, are likely to negatively impact your application.
For more guidance on applying for an Irish visa when you have received previous visa rejections, contact Total Law today on (+353) 061 518 025.
Whether or not it is possible to extend your visa will largely depend on the visa in question and your specific circumstances. If you are in Ireland on a Short Stay C visa, for example, you will generally not be able to extend your stay unless you have extenuating reasons for needing to do so, such as having become medically unfit to travel. If you are in the country on a Work or Study visa, on the other hand, you may be able to extend your stay, provided that you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
For more information on whether or not visa extension is an option in your particular case, contact Total Law today on (+353) 061 518 025.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.