Irish Work Visas

What Is An Irish Work Permit?

To obtain a work visa, you will first need an Ireland work permit or Irish employment permit from Irish immigration officials.

The two most common work permit types in Ireland are the Irish general employment permit and the Critical Skills Employment Permit.

Depending on your field of work, circumstances, and specialized skills, you may be able to apply for one of the following less common Irish employment permits as well:

• Dependent/ Partner/ Spouse Employment Permit
• Intra Company Transfer Permit
• Contract for Services Employment Permit
• Reactivation Employment Permit
• Internship Employment Permit
• Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
• Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

Eligibility For Irish Work Visas

When applying for an Irish Work Visa, you must ensure that you meet the qualifications for eligibility. The requirements can vary depending on what type of work visa you are applying for.

Your job offer in Ireland must be for a minimum of two years and you must prove that you have the relevant qualifications, skills, and work experience for the job.

Required Documents For an Irish work visa

When you apply for an Irish work visa you will be required to provide sufficient evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria as a part of your visa application package.

Some specific documents will vary based on which employment permit you are filing for your visa. However, the majority of the documents needed will be the same across all categories. Ireland work visa requirements can include the following:

• A current and valid passport
• Two standard passport size  photos
• Previous passports and previous visas including rejected visas
• Contact information
• Irish employment permit
• Irish work visa application form
• Proof that you paid the visa fee
• Your detailed itinerary including your accommodation in Ireland
• Proof of your residence in your home country
• Job offer or employment contract
• Supporting documents for your work experience
• Proof of academic qualifications such as diplomas, certificates, and awards
• Proof of financial stability and sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your visa, such as bank statements
• Proof of private medical insurance
• Proof that you will return to your home country at the end of your visa, such as a return flight

All the documents which are not originally in the English language must have certified translated copies made and submitted as part of your documentation package. Documents from institutions such as financial, medical, or academic establishments must be on official letterhead.

How To Apply For An Irish Work Visa

The first step in the application process for the Irish Work Visa is to obtain an employment permit from the Irish government. To do this, you must complete the application form on the Employment Permits Online System or EPOS. Then, your application will be processed by an Irish immigration official who will review the information on your application and determine if you are eligible for your chosen employment permit.

If the immigration authorities need more information, you will have 28 days to submit the requested documents or evidence.

Processing Times

Typically it takes about eight weeks to receive a visa decision after you have submitted your application and paid work visa fees. Processing times can be slower or faster depending on your circumstances and the visa office.

Costs and Fees

The visa fee you will be required to pay can vary from about 500 to 1,000 EUR depending on the length of the visa. The visa fee covers the cost of processing your document and is nonrefundable. Fees will vary depending on which permit you are applying under, as well as if you are applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

• Single entry visa: 25 EUR
• Multiple entry visa: 100 EUR

Several nationalities including Bosnia and Ecuador can have the visa fee waived. The EPOS system will prompt you if you are a national of one of these countries.

Medical Insurance and Vaccinations

Ireland requires work visa holders to obtain private medical insurance. Your insurance must cover any medical treatment you need for the duration of your visa in Ireland. Many insurance companies provide coverage for a limited amount of days only so it is important to ensure that you can obtain adequate coverage for your entire trip.

You may also be required to submit proof of vaccinations. The EPOS will prompt you on which documents are needed for the work visa application once you complete your permit.