Short Stay ‘C’ Visa: Apply from the UK
If you are a UK citizen, you can come to Ireland without a visa. If, however, you are from a non-EEA country, you have to apply for a visa before arriving in the country.
Call our lawyers today on 0333 305 9375 for assistance with applying for a visa to Ireland.
Who needs a visa to come to Ireland for a short visit?
UK citizens do not need visas to come to Ireland. That is thanks to the Common Travel Area Agreement, which guarantees open borders between Ireland and the UK. As a UK citizen, you can come to visit Ireland short term without having to meet any specific requirements and apply for a visa. If you would like to stay in Ireland long term or even move there permanently, you can do that freely as well.
Those who are citizens of EU/EEA countries, as well as citizens of Switzerland, also have the right to come to Ireland without a visa. They can spend up to 90 days in Ireland visa-free. After that, they can stay longer provided that they prove that they work or study in Ireland.
Those who are nationals of non-EEA countries or residents of the UK and also citizens of a visa-required country, however, have to obtain visas to be able to come to Ireland. If you are a non-EEA citizen and you arrive in Ireland without a visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country. To be able to visit Ireland for a short visit, you have to obtain a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa.
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What are the Short Stay ‘C’ Visas to Ireland?
Short Stay ‘C’ Visas are intended for those who want to come to Ireland for up to 90 days. There are several visas that fall under this category, and the specific permit you have to apply for depends on the reason for your journey to Ireland.
Short Stay ‘C’ Visas you can choose from are:
- Tourist Visa for those who want to visit Ireland for holidays or short-term language course
- Business Visa for those coming to Ireland to do business with Irish companies
- Family/Friends Visa for those who are coming to visit friends or family members who reside in Ireland
- Conference/Event Visa for those who want to attend a conference or event in Ireland
- Atypical Working Scheme for those who want to engage in short term employment not eligible for an employment permit
- Exam Visa for those who need to sit a necessary exam in Ireland
- Internship Visa for those who want to complete an internship in Ireland
- Marriage Visa for those who want to come to Ireland to get married or enter into a civil partnership
- Training Visa for those who are coming to Ireland to attend a training course
- Performance or Tournament Visa for those who are coming to Ireland to participate in a competitive tournament.
Tell our lawyers why you want to travel to Ireland and they will help you determine which Short Stay Visa to Ireland you should apply for.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Short Stay ‘C’ Visas to Ireland?
The exact requirements for the Short Stay ‘C’ Visas vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Nevertheless, the general eligibility requirements that all applicants need to meet are:
- You intend to spend no more than 90 days in Ireland
- You have ties in your home country that will make you leave Ireland and return there once your visa expires
- You have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Ireland
- You have not previously made serious breaches of Irish or UK immigration law
- You have not previously been convicted of having committed serious crimes.
All information you provide in the application has to be true. If you lie and the immigration officials find out, your application will automatically be rejected and you might have troubles when applying for Irish visas in the future.
Our lawyers can assess your eligibility for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa. They can also explain to you in detail what criteria you need to meet depending on the type of the Short Stay ‘C’ Visa you are applying for.
How to apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa?
Regardless of which type of the Short Stay ‘C’ Visas you want to apply for, the first step is to complete an online form. There, you have to provide personal information and state why you want to come to Ireland.
After you submit the form, you have to pay the visa application fee. For a single-entry visa, you have to pay €60 and for a multiple-entry one €100. Keep in mind, however, that multiple-entry permits are granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Once you have paid the fee, you have to start gathering documents that prove your eligibility for the visa. Our lawyers can help you compile a complete portfolio of evidence to ensure that no documents are missing.
Finally, you have to send the documents for processing. The waiting time for the decision varies depending on the complexity of each case. If your application is accepted, you will be able to start preparing for your journey. Nevertheless, even a successful outcome of the application procedure does not mean that you will be allowed to enter Ireland. When you arrive, you will have to present your documents to an immigration officer and they will decide whether you will be permitted to enter the country.
In case of a visa refusal, you will be informed of the reasons for it.
How can Total Law help?
At Total Law, our lawyers have a thorough knowledge of Irish immigration law and they have helped many clients successfully apply for various visas to Ireland. They can assess your circumstances and advise you on which type of the Short Stay ‘C’ Visas is the best one for you.
Your lawyer will guide you through each step of the application process and answer all your questions, making sure that you understand what information and documents you need to provide.
By hiring an immigration lawyer, you can be sure that your case is as strong as possible. That allows you to maximise the chances of your application being accepted.
Call us today on 0333 305 9375 to find out more about how we can help.
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
All Short Stay ‘C’ Visas to Ireland are valid for 90 days. Unfortunately, it is not possible to extend a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa so, after spending three months in Ireland, you have to leave the country. If you would like to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you have to apply for a Long Stay ‘D’ Visa. Our lawyers can assist with that.
Whether or not you can work on a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. If you obtain the Business Visa, the Internship Visa, the Training Visa, or you successfully apply for the Atypical Working Scheme, you will be able to engage in certain work activities. Nevertheless, Short Stay ‘C’ Visas do not allow to engage in regular, full-time employment. If you would like to come to Ireland to work, you should apply for an Irish Work Visa.
Luckily, citizens of all EU countries do not need a visa to come to Ireland. All you need to enter the country is your national id or passport that confirms your identity. EU citizens can come to Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. After that, they can remain in Ireland longer provided that they can prove that they are working or studying in Ireland.
As an EU citizen, you can work in Ireland without having to obtain an employment permit. Moreover, you do not have to have a job offer prior to embarking on your journey to Ireland. You can look for employment after you arrive.
Foreign citizens can stay in Ireland for more than 90 days if they successfully obtain a Long Stay ‘D’ Visa to Ireland. There are many visas that fall under this category so our lawyers can assess your circumstances and help you determine which one you should apply for.
However, if you come to Ireland on a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, you can remain in the country for a maximum of 90 days. After that, you must leave Ireland and return to your home country or fly somewhere else. So, it is not possible to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days on a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa.