Non-EEA Doctors Scheme

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

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.

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

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.