Migration questions Ireland

A residence permit in Ireland allows you to legally live, work, or study in the country on a long-term basis. 

Depending on your purpose for staying, choose the appropriate category of residence permit:

Work: for those who have received a job offer in Ireland.

Study: for students enrolled in accredited educational institutions.

Family Reunification: for family members of Irish citizens or residents.

Investment and Business: for entrepreneurs and investors.

Other Grounds: scientific work, religious activities, volunteering, etc.

 

Document requirements for main categories

Each category of residence permit requires a specific set of documents. Main ones include:

Common documents for all categories:

- International passport: a valid passport with copies of all pages.

- Completed application form: available on the Irish Immigration Service website.

- Health insurance: for the entire period of stay.

- Proof of financial means: bank statements, sponsorship letters, etc.

Documents for different categories

For work: Copy of work permit; Employment contract from the Irish employer.

For study: Letter of admission to an accredited educational institution; Proof of tuition payment or financial support.

For family reunification: Marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, and other documents proving relationship; Proof of citizenship or residency status of the main applicant.

For investors and entrepreneurs: Business plan, company registration documents or investment documents; Proof of financial investment.

 

Application processing times depend on the category:

Work visas: usually from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of work permit.

Study visas: about 4-6 weeks.

Family reunification: processing can take from 6 to 12 months.

Investment and business visas: usually up to 12 weeks, but may be longer depending on the size of the investment and business category.

Validity of residence permit

The duration of a residence permit in Ireland depends on the category and purpose of stay. Main durations are as follows:

Work visas:

   - Critical Skills Employment Permit: issued for 2 years. After this, you can apply for long-term residence.

   - General Employment Permit: usually issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension for up to 5 years.

Study visas:

   - Issued for the duration of the study, usually 1 year with the possibility of extension upon continuation of studies. The maximum duration for language course students is 2 years, for higher education up to 7 years.

Family reunification:

   - Residence permit for family members is usually issued for 1-2 years with the possibility of extension provided the main applicant retains the right to reside.

Investment and business visas:

   - For investors and entrepreneurs, a residence permit may be issued for a period of 2-5 years with the possibility of extension upon maintaining investment conditions.

Long-term residence:

   - After 5 years of continuous residence in Ireland (for holders of certain types of work visas) you can apply for a long-term residence permit, which is issued for 5 years and is automatically renewed.

These durations may vary depending on the specific situation of the applicant and the type of visa.

1: Determine your purpose of stay: work, study, family reunification, business or investments, other grounds (volunteering, scientific research, religious activities, etc.).

 

2: Check the requirements and conditions and prepare the necessary documents

 

Each category has its specific requirements. General criteria include:

- A valid international passport.

- No criminal record.

- Proof of financial means.

- Health insurance.

 

3: Submission of application

 

From outside Ireland: Contact the nearest Irish embassy or consulate; submit an application for the relevant type of visa (e.g., D-visa for long-term stay).

 

Within Ireland: Some categories allow you to apply while in the country; Contact the Naturalisation and Immigration Service for clarification on the procedure.

 

4: Payment of fees.

 

5: After receiving approval

Registration in Ireland:

- Visit the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

- Obtain the Irish Residence Permit — a plastic card confirming your status.

 

6: Compliance with stay conditions

Condition changes: if your situation changes (e.g., change of employer), notify the Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

 

Note: It is recommended to regularly check official sources for up-to-date information.

Main rights of EU and EEA citizens in Ireland

 

Right to enter and stay

Visa-free entry: citizens of EU and EEA countries can enter Ireland with a valid passport or national ID card.

Stay up to 3 months: for short-term stay, such as tourism or visiting, no specific permits are required.

Stay over 3 months: EU and EEA citizens have the right to remain in Ireland if one of the following conditions is met:

  - Employment or self-employment.

  - Studying or participating in vocational courses.

  - Financial self-sufficiency to support themselves and their family without the need to apply for social assistance.

 

Right to work

No permit required: EU and EEA citizens can work in Ireland without obtaining specific work permits.

Self-employment and business: EU and EEA citizens can engage in entrepreneurial activities, start a business, or work as freelancers without restrictions.

Social rights of workers: EU and EEA citizens have the right to equal working conditions, including minimum wage, social security, and protection of labor rights on par with Irish citizens.

 

Special features for family members

If non-EU family members plan to join you in Ireland, their entry and stay must be arranged:

- For family members from the EU: they can enter and stay in Ireland without specific permits.

- For family members from non-EU countries: a residence permit must be obtained. After arrival, they can register in Ireland and receive a residence card confirming their status.

Entry and visa acquisition

Short-term stay (up to 90 days)

For citizens of non-EU countries, entry into Ireland even for a short period, such as tourism or business, may require a Category C visa. Exceptions depend on the country of citizenship, as Ireland has visa waiver agreements with some countries.

Long-term stay (over 90 days)

For long-term stay, a Category D visa must be obtained. The most common purposes for this visa include: work, study, family reunification. The Category D visa is usually valid for up to 90 days, during which time you must register upon arrival in Ireland for a long-term residence permit.

Work permit

Citizens of non-EU countries need a work permit for legal employment. Several types of permits exist, suitable for different categories of workers:

Critical Skills Employment Permit: for highly skilled specialists in areas such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Duration: permit is issued for 2 years and grants long-term residence rights with the possibility of applying for permanent residence.

General Employment Permit: for workers not falling under the category of highly skilled professions; work contract: must be signed with an Irish employer before applying. Duration: can be renewed for up to 5 years.

Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit: for employees of international companies transferred to an Irish branch of the company. Duration: from 1 to 5 years, depending on contract conditions.

Other Permit Types: Other permits, including Contract for Services Permit, Reactivation Employment Permit, and Sport and Cultural Employment Permit, exist with more specific applications and are issued under certain conditions.

Registration and residence arrangements

Registration upon arrival

Irish Residence Permit (IRP): Upon arrival in Ireland, it is necessary to register and obtain an IRP, confirming your resident status. Registration must be completed within the first 90 days.

Local Immigration Office: Visit the nearest immigration center, providing all necessary documents including passport, visa, and contract.

Personal Public Service Number

- PPS Number: Necessary for working and accessing public services, including the healthcare system and taxation.

- Obtaining the number: Visit the local social protection office with proof of your identity and residential address.

Medical Insurance

- Medical Insurance: Citizens of non-EU countries are required to have private medical insurance, as public coverage is not provided at the initial stages.

Family Reunification for Citizens of Non-EU Countries

Family reunification application: Family members such as spouses and children may apply to join you in Ireland.

Residence specifics: Family members may obtain a residence permit, however, a separate work permit may be required depending on their status.

The extension of a residence permit depends on the category of your current permission.

 

Main steps to extend a residence permit

 

1: Prepare all necessary documents

 

The list of documents for extension depends on your permit type, but the main documents include:

Irish Residence Permit: a valid plastic card that needs to be extended.

Valid passport: copies of all pages, including blank ones.

Proof of continued purpose for staying:

  - For work: extended contract or new work permit.

  - For study: proof of enrollment for the next academic period.

  - For family: documents confirming your status as a relative of an Irish citizen or resident.

Medical Insurance: valid for the entire extended stay.

Financial documents: bank statements or other evidence of financial sufficiency.

 

2: Submit the extension application online or in person

Online submission: many categories can be extended online through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website.

In-person extension: for some categories, extension requires a personal visit to the local immigration office or the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

 

3: Pay the extension fee

Payment methods: depending on the submission method — online by card or in-office by bank draft or card.

 

Residence permit extension timelines

It is recommended to apply 4-6 weeks before your current permission expires. Processing times may vary:

- Work visas: usually processed within 2-4 weeks.

- Student visas: processing may take up to 4 weeks.

- Family visas: often require more time — from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on application complexity.

 

Awaiting decision: While awaiting your application's decision, the current residence permit remains valid, allowing you to continue lawful residence and activities in Ireland.

 

Important aspects when extending

Compliance with permission conditions: It is important to continue meeting the requirements related to your permission category.

Financial stability: Proof of ability to support yourself throughout the extension period is required.

Regular updates: The Irish Residence Permit needs to be updated each time a residence permit is extended, and it's mandatory in case of any change in status or stay conditions.

 

Failure to extend on time may lead to the cancellation of the residence permit and the necessity to leave Ireland. In case of a delay, it is recommended to immediately contact the immigration office and discuss possible solutions.

 

Useful links and contacts

Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB): for extensions in Dublin and some other regions:

Hotline Phone: +353 (0)62 32500 for information about the status of your extension.

Email: immigration@justice.ie

To obtain a residence permit in Ireland, citizens of countries not part of the European Union are required to have valid medical insurance covering healthcare costs throughout the entire stay.

 

Main Requirements for Health Insurance for Residency

When obtaining health insurance for a residence permit, it is important to consider the following requirements:

- Cover all major medical expenses: treatment in case of illness, injury, and preferably emergency medical care.

- Duration of coverage: the insurance should be valid for the entire intended period of stay or, at a minimum, for one year with the possibility of extension.

- Minimum coverage amount: insurance with coverage of at least 25,000–30,000 euros is recommended. Some types of visas may require higher coverage.

- Validity period: the insurance must be valid at the time of application and throughout the stay.

 

 

Insurance Company Options for Immigrants

VHI Healthcare: a large Irish insurance company providing local plans with comprehensive coverage of medical services.

Irish Life Health: offers various health insurance plans, including access to a range of private clinics.

Laya Healthcare: offers comprehensive health insurance plans for residents of Ireland.

Allianz Worldwide Care: an international provider with a wide range of plans covering medical services both in Ireland and other countries.

Cigna Global: offers international coverage with extensive plan customization options.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is private health insurance necessary if you have public insurance?

 

Citizens of non-EU countries do not have automatic rights to public health insurance when obtaining a residence permit, so private insurance is mandatory.

 

Can an insurance policy be issued in your own country?

 

Yes, you can issue an international insurance policy in your own country, but it must meet Ireland's requirements and include coverage of medical services within the country.

There are several paths to Irish citizenship:

 

1: By birth: for those born in Ireland under certain conditions.

2: By descent: if one of the parents or grandparents is an Irish citizen.

3: Through naturalization: the most common way for immigrants.

4: Through marriage or civil partnership: if you are married to an Irish citizen.

5: Through investment: for investors making significant financial contributions to the country's economy.

 

To obtain citizenship through naturalization, the following conditions must be met:

 

Age

- The applicant must be over 18 years of age.

- Minor children can be included in the parent's application.

 

Legal Residence

- Overall term: residing in Ireland for at least 5 years in the last 9 years.

- Continuous residence: of these 5 years, the last year before submitting the application must be continuous.

 

Good Character

- No criminal convictions or involvement in illegal activities.

- Compliance with laws and societal norms.

 

Intention to Reside in Ireland

- The applicant must plan to continue residing in the country after obtaining citizenship.

 

Financial Independence

- Ability to support oneself and family without seeking state assistance.

 

 

Additional Information

 

Dual Citizenship

- Ireland allows dual citizenship.

- Check the legislation of your country of origin regarding dual citizenship.

 

Denial of Citizenship

- Possible in case of providing false information or failure to meet the requirements.

- If denied, you have the right to reapply after a certain period.

Possibility of Leaving and Returning

With a temporary residence permit, you can leave Ireland and return, but under the following conditions:

- Having a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP): to return to Ireland, your IRP must be valid. If it expires during the trip, you need to renew it before departing.

- Having a visa (if required): citizens of some countries, even with an IRP, may require a multiple-entry visa to return to Ireland. For example, citizens who initially require a visa to enter Ireland are advised to obtain a Re-Entry Visa.

 

Re-Entry Visa for returning to Ireland

Citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter Ireland initially must obtain a Re-Entry Visa to return after traveling outside the country.

- Requirements for obtaining a Re-Entry Visa:

  - A valid passport.

  - A valid IRP.

  - Application form and fee receipt.

Application procedure: applications for a Re-Entry Visa are submitted through the Irish Immigration Service and may take several weeks to process, so it is recommended to apply in advance.

 

Temporary absence and conditions for long-term residence

With an IRP, it is important to comply with the conditions regarding the length of absence:

- Short-term trips (up to several months): allowed and do not affect the temporary residence status.

- Long-term trips (over 6 months): may affect the possibility of renewing residence permits and rights to long-term residence. Therefore, if planning a long absence, it is recommended to clarify possible consequences with INIS in advance.

 

Cases when additional permissions are required

Renewing IRP before the trip: if the IRP expires soon, renew it before traveling. This will ensure a hassle-free return.

Traveling with an application for renewal: if you have submitted an application for renewal of your residence permit and are awaiting approval, the unconfirmed renewal may pose a risk of entry denial.

Change of residence conditions: if your residence conditions have changed (e.g., job change), you need to notify INIS and ensure the IRP is up-to-date for travel.

 

Useful links and contacts

Information on Re-Entry Visa: (https://www.irishimmigration.ie/re-entry-visa)

INIS Hotline: +353 (0)62 32500 for clarifying the status of residence permits and visa requirements.

Primary reasons for residency permit refusal may include:

Incomplete or incorrect documentation package: lack of necessary documents or errors in the application.

Non-compliance with requirements: for example, insufficient income level, lack of health insurance, absence of a work contract, or other non-compliance with residence permit conditions.

Information errors: providing false or incomplete data can lead to refusal.

Violation history: existence of past violations of Irish immigration or legal norms.

 

Steps after residency permit refusal

 

1: Carefully read the refusal letter

When refused a residency permit, you will receive an official letter indicating the reasons for the refusal. Carefully review this letter to understand what exactly led to the refusal. Some reasons may be easily corrected (e.g., document supplementation), while others may require more detailed analysis and preparation.

 

2: Assess the possibility of appeal

In some cases, the refusal can be contested through an appeal:

- Check the right to appeal: the refusal letter usually indicates if the applicant has the right to appeal.

- Appeal deadlines: appeals must be filed within a certain period after receiving the refusal (usually within 2-4 weeks).

- Appeal procedure: refer to the instructions in the refusal letter and submit an appeal with new or corrected documents that address the refusal reasons.

 

3: Gather additional evidence

For a successful appeal or reapplication, it is important to gather additional documents that can confirm your compliance with the requirements.

 

4: Preparing for reapplication

If an appeal is not possible or has been denied, you can submit a new application, correcting the previous mistakes. Prepare a cover letter: briefly explain what changes have been made to meet the requirements and eliminate the reasons for refusal.

 

Where to seek help in case of refusal

- Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS): clarify if there are additional recommendations or procedures for your case.

- Legal consultation: contact an immigration lawyer or consultant for a detailed analysis of your situation. A specialist can help draft an appeal or reapplication correctly.

- Immigrant support organizations: in Ireland, organizations like Crosscare Migrant Project and Immigrant Council of Ireland provide free or low-cost consultations and support for migrants.

 

Recommendations. Using professional help: lawyers and consultants can help create a stronger statement and avoid repeat mistakes.

 

Useful links and contacts

Immigrant Council of Ireland: (https://www.immigrantcouncil.ie)

Crosscare Migrant Project: (https://www.migrantproject.ie)

Are translators needed for immigration procedures?

 

Document translation: all documents submitted in languages other than English or Irish must be officially translated. This is a mandatory requirement for any immigration applications, such as residence permit, citizenship, or family reunification. Documents requiring translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, diplomas, and more.

   

Interpreters for personal visits and interviews: for some applicants who do not speak English, interpreters may be needed during personal meetings or interviews, especially in cases involving asylum or migration status issues. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and other governmental services may allow the use of an interpreter if necessary for a clear understanding of all procedure aspects.

 

Official requirements: in most cases, interpreters and translation companies must be certified, and translations must be notarized. This ensures the accuracy and official recognition of translations.

 

How to find a translator for immigration procedures

 

Accredited translation agencies

There are accredited translation agencies specializing in immigration procedures and having experience with Irish services. Some of the well-known agencies in Ireland are:

- Translation.ie: an agency accredited to perform certified translations in accordance with immigration requirements.

- Instant Translation: a company that provides document translations for visa and immigration needs.

- Certified Translation Services Ireland: specializes in translations for immigration and legal procedures.

 

Lists of recommended translators

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website provides recommendations and requirements for translators, although specific companies are not usually mentioned. When applying for a visa or residence permit through an embassy, it’s also worth checking for recommended translators directly with the embassy.

 

Recommendations from immigration organizations

Some Irish organizations, such as the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Crosscare Migrant Project, may recommend trusted agencies or translators for immigrants. 

 

Useful links

Translation.ie: (https://www.translation.ie)

Certified Translation Services Ireland: (https://www.certifiedtranslationservices.ie)