Do I need a visa or work permit?If you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) you do not need a visa or a work permit to work or study in Ireland. There is no legal requirement to register with the immigration authorities even if you are staying in Ireland for a longer period of time. Some people choose to register in order to have documentary evidence of their stay when returning to their home country. Non-EEA nationals will require a visa or work permit. You may need to apply for a residence permit. Further information can be obtained from the Irish embassy in your country. There are several different types of visa. Further information, as well as online application forms, are available from the Department of Foreign Affairs Ireland. back to top How do I get a visa?Non-EEA nationals do not apply directly for a visa or work permit. You must first find an employer willing to offer you work. The employer then applies for the visa or work authorisation on your behalf, and they are required to establish that they have been unable to fill the vacancy with an EEA national for whom a work permit is not required. Further details and application forms are available from the Economic Migration Policy Unit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for Ireland (DETE) or from Irish embassies and consulates around the world. Application forms are available online. If you are from a non-EU country, contact the Irish embassy where you are currently residing. If you are living in the UK, go to the Embassy of Ireland in UK. You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Ireland. If there is no Irish embassy/high commission available near you, contact Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for Ireland (DETE). Employment Permit information and application forms can be downloaded from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for Ireland (DETE). Access to the labour market is restricted for nationals of Bulgaria and Romania; further information is available on the website. back to top How do I apply for permanent residency?Non EEA-nationals can apply for permanent residency once they have been a legal resident in Ireland for five years on work permit conditions. An application needs to be made to Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) with a copy of your work permit, certificate of registration (GNIB card), and passport including all endorsements. The process takes 18 months.
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Ireland: Visa and immigration
