Non-EEA Doctors Scheme
Qualified medical practitioners who are from a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country will first need to apply for an Atypical Working Scheme in order to come to Ireland to practice medicine.
If you are a qualified doctor looking to work in Ireland, call us for assistance with your application at (+353) 061 518 025. We are here to assist you in person, over the phone, or online.
Page Contents
- How can non-EEA doctors work in Ireland?
- Who is eligible to work under the Non-EEA Doctors Atypical Working Scheme?
- What are the requirements for non-EEA physicians?
- What is the application process for non-EEA doctors?
- What are the documents required for this Atypical Working Scheme?
- How long can non-EEA physicians stay in Ireland under this scheme?
- Can I use this visa to apply for specialist training?
- How Total Law Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Non-EEA Doctors Work In Ireland?
Doctors providing Locum Services in the Hospital Sector or in the Primary Care Sector (General Practice) are eligible to work in Ireland under the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS). AWS allows foreign nationals who are from a country not in the European Economic Area (EEA) to come to Ireland for the purposes of short-term employment that is not covered by the Employment Permits Acts.
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Who Is Eligible To Work Under The Non-EEA Doctors Atypical Working Scheme?
International doctors who are not from an EU country will need to have secured permission for locum work before applying for the Atypical Working Scheme. All applications for permission must be made outside of Ireland and approved before entering the country. In addition, doctors will need to meet the following requirements:
- The doctor intends to work in the Primary Care Health Sector (General Practice) or in a hospital
- The doctor is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland
- Locum work must not be undertaken in conjunction with an Employment Permit or a business permission/visa
- The doctor is registered with only one agency
- The Irish agency or host where the doctor is registered must possess a valid license from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) allowing them to engage in employment or recruitment work
- The Irish agency or host where the doctor is registered must keep an up-to-date and detailed record of all the work undertaken by the doctor while in the country
Furthermore, if a doctor holds an Employment Permit, he or she may not apply to work as a locum doctor under the Atypical Working Scheme unless they have been outside Ireland for at least 6 months after the expiration of their initial permit.
What Are The Requirements For Non-EEA Physicians?
Non-EEA nationals who would like to work as doctors in Ireland’s health service for a short-term basis under the AWS must meet the following requirements:
- The doctor must have received an offer of employment from an Irish-based host body (for example an agency, out of hours service, or General Practitioner) prior to submitting an application
- The doctor must leave Ireland on or prior to the expiration of their 6-month permission or apply for an Employment permit within their 6-month stay in Ireland
- The individual’s application must include all necessary supporting documentation complete with payment of the relevant fee
What Is The Application Process For Non-EEA Doctors?
International doctors applying for permission from the Atypical Working Scheme must do so from the Online Application portal. All applications must be made, processed, and approved while the applicant is outside Ireland. Any AWS application made from within Ireland will not be accepted.
After the application form has been completed online, the applicant will then need to submit all required supporting documents, and pay the application fee. Application fees can be paid online by credit card when completing the online form.
If permission is granted, the non-EEA foreign nationals will be able to travel to Ireland.
What Are The Documents Required For This Atypical Working Scheme?
International doctors from a non-EEA country who are applying for permission under the Atypical Working Scheme will need to submit the following documents:
- A colour copy of your entire passport. This passport must be current and valid for at least the duration of the permission being sought
- A signed letter of authorisation instructing that the legal representative or agency may act on your behalf (if a legal representative or agency is applying on your behalf)
- Confirmation of the doctor’s current registration with Irish Medical Council
- A letter confirming the offer of employment from the Irish-based host body. This letter should include a job description, the doctor’s weekly salary in Euros, the duration of the contract, and detailed information regarding the dates and locations of the proposed employment
- Proof of application fee payment to the Department of Justice
- Evidence of the dates and locations of employment in the State (if the doctor has previously worked in Ireland)
- Evidence of compliance with tax obligations by the agency or the Primary Care employer and the applicant
How Long Can Non-EEA Physicians Stay In Ireland Under This Scheme?
Non-EEA physicians applying for the AWS are granted permission to work as a doctor in Ireland for a 6 month period. It should be noted that only one 6 month stay will be granted for every 12 month period.
After 6 months, the doctor must either leave Ireland and reapply for the AWS after 6 months of the expiration of the initial AWS permission or apply for an Employment Permit. If applying for an Employment Permit, this must be done within the doctor’s 6-month stay.
Can I Use This Visa To Apply For Specialist Training?
In September of 2021, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly created new specialist training schemes giving physicians from non-EEA countries opportunities to come to Ireland for specialist and other postgraduate training for career progression. These new schemes which are approved by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO)should take effect in January 2022.
These new schemes will allow for non-EEA physicians to obtain a Stamp 4 visa if they have been working in the Irish health service for two years instead of five years in the old system. The Stamp 4 visa will allow doctors to apply for postgraduate training places and consultant posts.
For more information regarding who is eligible to register in the Trainee specialist division, visit the Irish Medical Council’s website.
How Total Law Can Help
Our expert team of immigration experts keeps up-to-date with all the latest development in Irish immigration law, including the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA doctors. Our team can offer the same expert advice as an immigration lawyer.
If you need any legal advice or practical assistance with your plans to work in the Irish health system, give Total Law a call at (+353) 061 518 025. We are here to help you online, in person, or over the phone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The normal AWS application will take a minimum of 20 working days to process once all of the required documents have been submitted. All applications will be processed in the order received and can not be expedited.
The application cost to apply for the Atypical Working Scheme as a doctor is €250. This payment can be made online through Electronic Funds Transfer and is non-refundable.
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