Immigrating to Ireland
Total Law’s experienced and trusted Ireland immigration solicitors can help with your immigration case.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you. Call us on (+353) 061 518 025 or use the online contact form to get in touch.
Trustworthy, Capable Irish Immigration Solicitors
Total Law are an international immigration law firm working across several countries and continents.
We have a strong foothold in Ireland and in Irish immigration law, delivering only the best and highest quality legal service to our clients.
With dedicated solicitors working exclusively in Irish immigration law and decades’ worth of experience in the sector, Total Law can offer a wide range of solutions and packages to suit your needs.
For immediate help and advice with your Irish immigration case today, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly advisers. Call us on (+353) 061 518 025 or contact us online.
Our Areas of Expertise
Total Law covers a wide and varied range of Irish immigration areas, including the most popular and in-demand areas for those looking to travel to Ireland:
Employment Permits
Ireland has a total of nine employment permits to suit foreign nationals. These permits are mostly differentiated by the type of work or employment they allow, but some, such as the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit, are specifically targeted to allow certain family members of main applicants the ability to work in Ireland.
The most common employment permits in Ireland include the General Employment Permit, which is well-suited for most kinds of work, and the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which is intended to allocate highly skilled workers into sectors that have labour shortages.
Total Law’s legal professionals are experienced in all aspects of Irish employment law and can help assist you with obtaining an employment permit that suits your skills and experience.
Long Term Residency
Long-term residency in Ireland (also known as Stamp 4) is normally essential for anyone who wishes to make Ireland their permanent home, or for anyone aiming to become a naturalised Irish citizen.
Long-term residency is normally only possible after five continuous years of residence in Ireland with possession of an eligible employment permit.
However, there are also other ways to obtain Stamp 4, such as by immigrating to Ireland as the partner or spouse of an Irish national, as a refugee, or under the the Investor and Entrepreneur Programme.
Total Law’s immigration advisers are on hand to assist with your Irish long-term residency case, backed up by our decades’ worth of experience in the immigration sector.
Short Stay ‘C’ Visas
If you’re a national of a country that is on the visa-required list for Ireland, then you will have to apply for a visa before entering Ireland for any reason.
If your trip to Ireland will last less than three months then a Short Stay ‘C’ visa will likely be the best option for you. This will allow you to visit friends and family, explore the country, attend business meetings or attend short courses.
If you wish to stay longer than three months or perform a restricted activity such as taking on paid work, you must apply for a different visa and/or permit.
Long Stay ‘D’ Visas
The Ireland Long Stay ‘D’ visa is intended for visa-required nationals who wish to stay in Ireland long-term (for three months or longer). This visa is ideal for those who wish to study, work or settle in Ireland long-term.
Note that anyone intending to stay in Ireland for three months or longer must also apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) to demonstrate their eligibility to stay in Ireland.
Irish Citizenship
Obtaining Irish citizenship means acquiring all the rights that are afforded to Irish citizens, including the right to vote in elections, the right to live and work without restrictions, and the right to reside and travel in the EU.
Becoming an Irish citizenship by naturalisation requires you to be of good character and to have accrued enough reckonable residence in the country before applying. Alternatively, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship by descent or birth if you have some Irish heritage in your family.
Immigration Stamps
Immigration stamps in Ireland denote what kind of permission you have in the country if you plan to stay for longer than three months.
There are 12 stamps in total, each of which has a unique purpose. For example, Stamp 1 is for those who are authorised to operate a business in Ireland, while Stamp 2 grants permission to study certain courses that are not covered by normal Irish study permits.
For help with your Irish immigration stamp permissions, Total Law can assist and advise if you’re unsure about which one is right for your circumstances.
Pre-Clearance
Pre-clearance is a necessary form of permission for visa-exempt nationals who wish to enter Ireland for certain reasons. These include to volunteer, to work as a minister of religion, or as a de facto partner of certain Irish residents.
Even if you’re a visa-exempt national for Ireland, it’s important to ensure that you adhere to all necessary entry and residency requirements that might be imposed on you, such as applying for pre-clearance. If you need additional advice or clarification on what restrictions apply to you, speak to one of Total Law’s immigration advisers today.
Asylum and Refugee
If you’re at risk of persecution in your own country or cannot return because of risk of serious harm, you may be eligible to claim asylum in Ireland.
Successfully claiming asylum in Ireland is a complicated process that involves multiple interviews and giving detailed accounts of your personal situation.
It is highly recommended to seek legal advice or representation when trying to apply for asylum in Ireland due to the complexity of the process and the need for personalised, bespoke legal advice to help you through the process.
Reach Out to Total Law for Immediate Help
We are likely to be able to assist with your Irish immigration issue even if it is not listed here. Reach out to one of our advisers on (+353) 061 518 025 or contact us online to start your journey today.
Our Services
Advice Services
Legal advice tailored to your needs. One of our qualified Irish immigration experts will meet with you one-to-one either in person or remotely to discuss your case and help strategise a pathway towards success.
Application Services
Irish immigration routes can be complex, and refusals can be costly and time-consuming. Our application services can help maximise your chances of approval by assigning an immigration solicitor to your case to help fully complete your application to Irish government standards.
Document Checking Services
No one should overlook the importance of supporting documents in an immigration application. With the help of a Total Law immigration solicitor, we can examine and assess your supporting documents for your application and advise on improvements, gaps or shortfalls to address to give you full confidence when you hit submit.
Appeal Services
If you’ve had a visa or permit application refused, you may be eligible for an appeal. We can help guide you through the ISD’s formal appeal process, drafting a Letter of Appeal on your behalf and helping you through the steps to get you back on track with your application.
Whatever Your Irish Immigration Issue, Total Law’s Solicitors Can Help
Our advisers are standing by to help with your queries. Call our offices today on (+353) 061 518 025 or reach out to us online to get help with your Irish immigration case.
Eligibility for Immigrating to Ireland
Eligibility requirements will vary between different immigration routes but share some common attributes.
- Applicant must have a current and valid passport with an expiration at least six months after the intended date of departure from Ireland
- Applicant must intend to come to Ireland for the purpose stated, for example, if you come to Ireland on a work visa you must prove you intend to work.
- Applicants must have the intention to leave Ireland at the end of their valid visa or to make arrangements to apply for a new visa before the expiration of their current document.
- Applicant must be able to submit evidence of sufficient funds/ financial stability to support self, any dependent family members such as a spouse or civil partner, and any dependent children to prove they will not need to rely on public funds while in Ireland
Other eligibility requirements will be different. For example, when applying for permanent residency you need to prove that you have been living in Ireland continuously for up to five years. without leaving.
Documents Required
When you apply for immigration to Ireland you will be required to submit proof of evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria as a part of your visa application package. Required supporting documents will vary based on the route to immigration you are taking, but typically include the following:
- A current and valid passport
- Previous visas, including rejected visas
- Previous passports
- Two standard size passport photographs
- Your application letter including a written explanation regarding the reason for your travel to Ireland
- Application forms confirmation page
- Your itinerary including accommodation details in Ireland
- Detailed information regarding your financial stability, such as bank statements, that show you will be able to sufficiently support yourself and any dependent family members for the duration of your visa and that you will not need to rely on public funds in Ireland
- Proof of significant ties in your home country such as property or family
- Other information that supports your reason for travel, such as a bachelor’s degree, work permits, acceptance letter, etc.
- Proof of travel insurance
- Copy of medical card if applicable
- Copy of residence card if applicable
Documents from an academic, business, or financial institution, must be on official letterhead. Any original documents which are not in the English language must have certified translated copies made and submitted as part of your documentary proof.
Income Requirements for Immigrating to Ireland
Some paths to immigration do not have income requirements, while some are more stringent.
Typically income requirements are less strict for short-term visas, such as for tourists, and more strict for citizens who plan to live in Ireland and pursue Irish citizenship.
They can range greatly from small monthly amounts to millions of dollars in liquid assets depending on your circumstances.
How To Apply for Irish Immigration
For most paths of immigration, you will be able to apply easily online from your home country. The application process is straightforward. The application form will ask you for personal details to prove your identity and intention, and then immigration services will review your documents and determine if you are eligible for the visa, residency, or naturalisation process you chose to pursue.
If you are approved, you will be able to travel to Ireland. The Garda National Immigration Bureau is where you will register for your residence permit/ GNIB card once you arrive. Citizens of European countries and citizens of Switzerland do not need to register.
Processing Times
Processing times can vary from about three weeks to several months depending on which type of visa you are applying under.
After submitting your application and all supporting documents, you must lookout for any notifications from Immigration Services that are requesting more details or missing documents. You will need to reply to this notification as soon as possible to avoid your visa being delayed or rejected.
Reasons for delay can include incomplete or inaccurate information or missing documents. The best way to ensure an efficient processing time is to complete your application form thoroughly and follow all instructions as written.
Costs and Fees
Depending on the type of immigration route you are pursuing, you could have to pay the following types of fees:
- A visa fee
- A residence permit fee
- A fee for biometric information
- Fees to certified translated copies made of original required documents
Most visas fall into two categories: single entry and multiple entry. The cost of those are:
- Single entry visa fee: €60
- Multiple entry visa fee: €100
There are also Transit visas which cost €25. If applying for citizenship or preclearance, what you pay differs. Also, some visas including the Start-up Entrepreneur Program cost a different fee.
Without Condition to Time (Permanent Residence)
Without Condition As To Time is Ireland’s version of Permanent Residence. This is given by virtue of a Stam 5 permission to remain when a foreign national has lived in Ireland for at least 8 years of legal residency.
Unlike most countries though, a Stamp 5 permission is only valid for as long as the passport is valid. Nevertheless, time spent on a Stamp 5 can count towards an application for Irish citizenship.
You may be eligible for Without Condition as to Time permit if you meet the following:
- You have lived in Ireland for at least eight years under the appropriate permissions/immigration stamps, including one of the following:
- Stamp 1
- Stamp 1G
- Stamp 3
- Stamp 4
- Stamp 4S
- You are of good character
- You currently reside legally in Ireland
- You have abided by Irish immigration laws all these years
If you qualify, you can apply by completing an application form and mailing it to Immigration Service Delivery. You are also to attach some documents to prove your identity and eligibility. There’s no application fee, but you will be required to pay a registration fee if you are successful.
The processing time is 6 months on average. While you wait, still renew your current permission if it is about to expire to avoid being on the wrong side of the immigration authorities and getting a denial as a result.
Irish Citizenship
You can become an Irish citizen through various means including birth, descent, Irish associations, and naturalisation. Birth, descent, and Irish associations are based on your connection to an Irish citizen parent or grandparent.
The vast majority of foreign nationals who want to become Irish citizens will use naturalisation. Naturalisation is based on the time you have lived in Ireland under the appropriate permit and immigration stamps.
To apply, you must be of good character, at least 18, and have lived in Ireland legally for a time that counts as reckonable residence.
Reckonable residence is time that counts towards citizenship. Time on these stamps counts:
- Stamp 1
- Stamp 1G
- Stamp 3
- Stamp 4
- Stamp 5
Also, you must meet the residency requirements which you can find on our Irish citizenship application page. To prove you meet the residency requirements and reckonable time, you are to show your previous and current immigration stamps or documents from the Department of Justice & Equality that show the permissions you have been granted.
There are different application forms to use depending on the route you are using; if you are applying through naturalisation as an adult, the form would be different from an application for a minor entitled to citizenship by birth. The same applies to the required and supporting documents.
If you are successful with applying, you can then apply for an Irish passport and enjoy all the rights of an Irish citizen. For assistance, advice, or more information, please contact us by calling us on (+353) 061 518 025 today.
How Can Total Law Help?
With Total Law, any Irish naturalisation and immigration application can be completed by one of our professional immigration experts, ensuring you have the best chances of a positive decision. Our consultants have the same expertise as an immigration lawyer.
Your Total Law advisor will provide you with all the advice you need to proceed with your application process to enter Ireland. Contact us today at (+353) 061 518 025 for further information or use our online contact form to get in touch with our team of qualified immigration experts.
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
No, UK citizens have the right to move around Ireland freely while living, working, and studying, without having to apply for a visa or meet any specific requirements because of the Common Travel Area, an agreement between Ireland and the UK. However, if they want to become Irish citizens, they must apply like every other EU national and non-EU national.
It is difficult to give one answer to this question given that all immigration cases will differ in their complexity. Different people may also feel differently about how confident they are in tackling immigration applications themselves without a professional legal adviser.
However, it is generally recommended that you seek the help of an immigration solicitor if:
- You’re unsure or not confident about which immigration pathway is the best for you
- You are feeling confused about Irish immigration rules and regulations
- You have a particularly complex case or you are not able to find comprehensive advice regarding your case elsewhere
- You don’t wish to go through the hassle of putting together a complete application, appeal or document package yourself, or you feel you need reassurance that only a qualified legal professional can give you
Ireland has two types of visas: single entry visa and multi-entry visa or re-entry visa. The single entry visa allows non-EEA nationals and others who must obtain a visa to enter Ireland only once. Once you have entered Ireland, if you leave, you can’t enter again with the same visa even if it is still valid. However, if you have a multiple entry visa, you can enter Ireland again after leaving as long as your visa is still valid.
As with all immigration cases, this will vary based on your own personal circumstances, such as your eligibility for certain routes. For example, those with existing connections to Ireland, such as a job offer from an Irish employer, an Irish spouse or partner or Irish family members may find it easier to immigrate to Ireland.
Those with ties to the EU/EEA may also find it easier to enter Ireland, given its membership of the EU.
To be eligible to work in Ireland, you must fulfil a number of criteria, including having a job offer from an Irish employer. That job must also meet certain requirements, such as not being on the Ineligible List of Occupations and meeting the €34,000 per year minimum salary requirement.
A Labour Market Needs Test must normally also be carried out by the employer, as well as the workplace meeting the 50/50 rule in regards to Irish and foreign employees.
