Deep coverage18 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
Personalize for your passports
Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Ireland.
3 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Ireland Short Stay 'C' Visit/Tourist Visa
Required for visa-required nationals visiting Ireland for tourism or to visit family/friends, for up to 90 days. Fee is EUR 60 single-entry or EUR 100 multi-entry (multi-entry valid up to 5 years); applications are made online via AVATS and ISD advises applying at least 8 weeks before travel. Ireland is not in Schengen, so a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland; the visa cannot be extended for tourism and does not lead to residence.
Government fee
€60
Service fee
€150
Processing time
56 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (9)
PassportValid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure from Ireland.How to get it ↓
AVATS application summarySigned and dated summary sheets from the online AVATS application.How to get it ↓
Application letterSigned letter explaining purpose of visit, dates, and undertaking to observe visa conditions and leave on time.How to get it ↓
Passport photographsTwo recent colour passport-sized photographs meeting ISD specifications.How to get it ↓
Proof of financesUp-to-date bank statements (usually 6 months) showing sufficient funds for the trip.How to get it ↓
Accommodation and travel detailsHotel bookings or host details and a travel itinerary; do not buy tickets before visa approval.How to get it ↓
Evidence of ties to home countryProof of employment/study, family or property obligations showing you will return home.How to get it ↓
Sponsor/host documentsOptionalInvitation letter and host's immigration status proof if visiting family or friends.How to get it ↓
Medical/travel insuranceOptionalEvidence of travel or medical insurance for the visit.How to get it ↓
Transit Visa
Ireland Transit Visa
Nationals of a small list of countries must obtain a transit visa before arriving in Ireland to transit en route to another state; it does not permit entry into Ireland, only passage through the port/airport. The fee is EUR 25 and applications are made online via AVATS. Travellers with onward connections who are not on the transit-visa list do not need it.
Government fee
€25
Service fee
€150
Document checklist (5)
PassportValid travel document for the whole journey.How to get it ↓
AVATS application summarySigned summary of the online transit visa application.How to get it ↓
Onward ticketEvidence of booked onward travel to the destination state.How to get it ↓
Visa for destination countryProof you are permitted to enter the country of final destination.How to get it ↓
Passport photographsRecent colour passport-size photographs.How to get it ↓
Business Visitor Visa
Ireland Short Stay 'C' Business Visa
Short stay C visa for visa-required nationals attending meetings, negotiations or conferences, or working in Ireland for up to 90 days (work beyond 14 days also needs an Atypical Working Scheme permission or employment permit). Fee EUR 60 single-entry / EUR 100 multi-entry. Maximum stay is 90 days and the visa cannot be extended in-country.
Government fee
€60
Service fee
€150
Processing time
56 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (7)
PassportValid for at least 6 months after intended departure from Ireland.How to get it ↓
AVATS application summarySigned summary of the online visa application.How to get it ↓
Invitation letter from Irish companyLetter from the host business in Ireland stating purpose, dates and who covers costs.How to get it ↓
Letter from employerLetter from your employer confirming your role and the business purpose of the trip.How to get it ↓
Proof of financesBank statements showing sufficient funds, or confirmation that costs are covered by employer/host.How to get it ↓
Accommodation detailsEvidence of where you will stay during the trip.How to get it ↓
Evidence of ties to home countryEmployment and family/economic ties showing intention to return.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
2 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Ireland Long Stay 'D' Study Visa / Stamp 2
Visa-required nationals enrolling full-time on a degree or other ILEP-listed programme apply for a long stay D study visa (EUR 60 single / EUR 100 multi-entry) showing paid fees and access to EUR 10,000 for first-year living costs (EUR 7,000 if tuition fully paid); all non-EEA students register for Stamp 2 (EUR 300 IRP fee) after arrival. Stamp 2 allows 20 hours/week casual work in term and 40 hours/week in holidays. Graduates at level 8+ can stay 12-24 months under the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) to seek employment.
Work: up to 20 h/week
Study: Full-time degree programme
Government fee
€60
Service fee
€200
Processing time
56 days
Document checklist (8)
Letter of acceptanceAcceptance from an Irish institution for a full-time ILEP-listed course (15+ hours/week).How to get it ↓
PassportValid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.How to get it ↓
Evidence of fees paidProof tuition fees have been paid to the college.How to get it ↓
Evidence of financesProof of immediate access to EUR 10,000 for the first year (EUR 7,000 if tuition fully paid), plus EUR 10,000 for each subsequent year.How to get it ↓
English/academic ability evidenceEvidence of English language ability and academic background relevant to the course.How to get it ↓
Private medical insuranceMedical insurance cover for the stay in Ireland.How to get it ↓
Gaps in education explanationOptionalAccount of any gaps in educational history.How to get it ↓
Previous visa refusals disclosureDetails of any visa refusals for any country.How to get it ↓
Language Course Visa
Ireland English Language Student Permission (Stamp 2)
Non-EEA students enrolled on a paid full-time English language course of at least 25 weeks (15+ hours/week daytime tuition) on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes can hold Stamp 2 permission of up to 8 months per course. A maximum of three consecutive 8-month permissions (2 years total) is allowed, with required attendance of 85% and progression via end-of-programme exams. Visa-required nationals apply for a long stay D study visa (EUR 60); work rights are 20 hours/week in term, 40 hours/week in holidays.
Work: up to 20 h/week
Study: English language course only
Government fee
€60
Service fee
€200
Processing time
56 days
Max stay
240 days
Validity
240 days
Document checklist (5)
Enrolment letterProof of enrolment and payment for an ILEP-listed English course of at least 25 weeks.How to get it ↓
PassportValid passport for the duration of the stay.How to get it ↓
Evidence of financesProof of access to sufficient funds (EUR 10,000 standard for visa applicants; EUR 3,000 at in-country registration).How to get it ↓
Private medical insuranceMedical insurance for the period of study.How to get it ↓
Attendance/exam evidence (renewals)Optional85% attendance record and end-of-programme exam results when extending to a further course.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
6 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Not available
Ireland has never operated a digital nomad or remote-work visa; remote workers cannot work in Ireland on a visitor permission beyond very short stays.
Residence for non-EEA founders of innovative, export-oriented high-potential start-ups with secured funding of at least EUR 50,000 (EUR 30,000 for each additional founder), from own resources, business loans, angels/VC or an Irish state agency grant. Non-refundable application fee EUR 350 covering the family; proposals are assessed quarterly by an evaluation committee; successful applicants get Stamp 4 permission for 2 years, renewable for 3 years, with a path to long-term residence. Retail, catering, personal services and similar businesses are not eligible.
Work: Own start-up business only
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family included
Government fee
€350
Service fee
€250
Validity
730 days
Min. investment
€50,000
Document checklist (6)
Online application formCompleted STEP application form submitted electronically.How to get it ↓
Business planPlan for an innovative high-potential start-up with export potential, expected to create 10 jobs and EUR 1m sales within 3-4 years.How to get it ↓
Evidence of EUR 50,000 fundingProof of secured funding and its source (own funds, loan, VC/angel, state agency grant).How to get it ↓
Passport copyCopy of passport for applicant and family members.How to get it ↓
Evidence of good characterPolice clearance/affidavits for applicant and family members over 16.How to get it ↓
Application fee payment proofEUR 350 non-refundable fee paid by EFT with reference 'STEP - passport number'.How to get it ↓
Skilled Work Visa
Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
For highly skilled occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List with a 2-year job offer; minimum salary EUR 40,904/year from 1 March 2026 (EUR 36,848 for recent graduates; EUR 68,911 for occupations not on the list). Application fee EUR 1,000 (90% refunded if refused); no labour market needs test; permit issued for 2 years, after which holders can apply for Stamp 4 residence allowing work without a permit. Immediate family reunification applies, and DETE advises applying at least 12 weeks before the start date; visa-required nationals additionally need a long stay D employment visa.
Work: Full-time, employer-tied initially
Residency after 2 years
Family: Immediate; spouse can work
Government fee
€1,000
Service fee
€200
Validity
730 days
Min. income / month
€3,408.67
Document checklist (7)
Job offer / contractSigned job offer or employment contract of at least 2 years' duration with a registered Irish employer.How to get it ↓
Passport copyCopy of passport pages showing photo, personal details and signature.How to get it ↓
Passport photographRecent passport-style photograph of the applicant.How to get it ↓
Qualifications evidenceDegree or qualification relevant to the occupation (required for jobs on the Critical Skills list under EUR 68,911).How to get it ↓
Employer registration detailsCompany registration with Revenue/CRO; at least 50% of employees must be EEA nationals (waiver for startups under 2 years backed by Enterprise Ireland/IDA).How to get it ↓
Details of remunerationAnnual salary meeting the applicable threshold, excluding bonuses (health insurance may count toward part of remuneration).How to get it ↓
Registration/pin details of employmentFull description of the proposed employment, including start date and occupation classification.How to get it ↓
Skilled Work Visa
Ireland General Employment Permit (GEP)
For occupations not on the ineligible list; minimum salary EUR 36,605/year from 1 March 2026 (EUR 32,691 for horticulture workers, meat processors, healthcare assistants and home support workers). A labour market needs test (advertising the job) is required in most cases; fee EUR 1,000 for permits of 6-24 months (EUR 500 up to 6 months), 90% refund if refused. Issued for up to 2 years, renewable up to 3 further years; after 5 years holders may apply for long-term Stamp 4 residency.
Work: Full-time, employer-tied
Residency after 5 years
Family: Reunification after 1 yr; spouse works
Government fee
€1,000
Service fee
€200
Validity
730 days
Min. income / month
€3,050.42
Document checklist (7)
Job offer / contractJob offer from an Irish-registered employer for an eligible occupation.How to get it ↓
Labour market needs test evidenceProof the job was advertised with the Department of Social Protection/EURES and in newspapers, unless exempt.How to get it ↓
Passport copyCopy of passport showing photo and personal details.How to get it ↓
Passport photographRecent passport-style photograph.How to get it ↓
Qualifications/experience evidenceEvidence of qualifications, skills or experience required for the role.How to get it ↓
Salary detailsAnnual remuneration meeting the EUR 36,605 threshold (or applicable sector threshold).How to get it ↓
Employer detailsEmployer registration with Revenue/CRO and compliance with the 50:50 EEA workforce rule.How to get it ↓
Seasonal Work Visa
Ireland Seasonal Employment Permit
New permit launched 19 February 2025 (pilot) allowing non-EEA nationals to work up to 7 months per year (mid-April to mid-November) as horticultural operatives in the soft fruit and vegetable sector, for pre-approved seasonal employers only. Minimum salary EUR 30,000/year pro-rata at launch; the permit can be renewed for a maximum of three seasons. Created by the Employment Permits Act 2024; the pilot may be expanded to more employers and sectors.
Work: 3-7 months seasonal, employer-tied
Service fee
€200
Max stay
210 days
Validity
210 days
Min. income / month
€2,500
Document checklist (5)
Job offer from approved seasonal employerOffer from an employer holding 'approved seasonal employer' status with DETE.How to get it ↓
Passport copyCopy of passport valid for the season.How to get it ↓
Passport photographRecent passport-style photograph.How to get it ↓
Accommodation detailsApproved seasonal employers must arrange suitable accommodation for workers.How to get it ↓
Medical insuranceEvidence of health insurance cover for the duration of the stay.How to get it ↓
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Ireland Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
Allows senior managers and key personnel of multinational companies to transfer to the Irish branch; minimum salary EUR 49,523/year from 1 March 2026 (trainees EUR 36,605), and the transferee must normally have worked for the group for at least 6 months (1 month for trainees). Fee EUR 500 (up to 6 months) or EUR 1,000 (6-24 months); issued for up to 2 years, extendable to a maximum of 5 years (1 year for trainees). It is a temporary assignment route and does not itself lead to Stamp 4 long-term residence.
Work: Full-time, employer-tied transfer
Family: Spouse needs own permit to work
Government fee
€1,000
Service fee
€250
Validity
730 days
Min. income / month
€4,126.92
Document checklist (6)
Assignment letterLetter from the foreign employer confirming the transfer, role, duration and salary.How to get it ↓
Evidence of prior employmentProof of at least 6 months' (1 month for trainees) employment with the overseas group company.How to get it ↓
Passport copyCopy of passport showing photo and personal details.How to get it ↓
Passport photographRecent passport-style photograph.How to get it ↓
Corporate link evidenceDocuments showing the relationship between the foreign company and the Irish entity.How to get it ↓
Salary detailsRemuneration meeting the EUR 49,523 threshold; board/lodging allowances may count partially.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
2 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
Not available
Ireland's golden visa (EUR 1m investment / EUR 500k endowment options, Stamp 4) was closed to new applications from 15 February 2023; approved investors are unaffected. No replacement investor-residence scheme exists as of June 2026.
Residence permission for retirees and others with passive income: requires a reliable annual income of at least EUR 50,000 per person (EUR 100,000 for a couple) plus access to a lump sum to cover unforeseen expenses (roughly the cost of a home in Ireland) and full private medical insurance. Granted for 1 year at a time, renewable annually; work and access to public funds are not permitted, and Stamp 0 time is not reckonable for naturalisation. Applications go to Immigration Service Delivery (about 4-6 months); visa-required nationals then apply for a long stay D visa, and registration in Ireland costs EUR 300.
Family: Limited; each needs own means
Processing time
150 days
Validity
365 days
Min. income / month
€4,166.67
Document checklist (7)
Application form and letterWritten application to ISD's Residence Division explaining circumstances and intentions.How to get it ↓
Evidence of annual incomeProof of pension/investment income of at least EUR 50,000 per person per year, verified in euros by an Irish accountancy firm.How to get it ↓
Evidence of lump sumProof of access to a capital sum for unexpected major expenses (benchmark: price of a residential property in Ireland).How to get it ↓
Private medical insuranceFull private health insurance covering hospital stays and emergencies in Ireland.How to get it ↓
Police clearance certificateClearance from countries of residence showing good character.How to get it ↓
Birth/marriage certificatesOptionalCivil documents supporting identity and any joint application.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Business Investor Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Working Holiday Visa
Ireland Working Holiday Authorisation
Reciprocal scheme letting young people (generally 18-30 or 18-35 depending on nationality) from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA live and work in Ireland for up to 12 months (24 months for Canadians). Applications are made to the Irish embassy/consulate responsible for the applicant's country; fees vary by nationality (e.g. CAD 150 for Canada, USD ~360 for the US, free for Hong Kong). Proof of funds and return ticket or funds to buy one are required; the authorisation is not renewable beyond the scheme limits.
Work: Casual work, no hour limit
Study: Short courses up to 6 months
Service fee
€200
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Application formWHA application form for the relevant Irish embassy/consulate.How to get it ↓
Passport copyPassport valid for the duration of the stay.How to get it ↓
Passport photographsRecent passport-sized photographs.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsBank statement showing sufficient funds to support yourself initially (commonly around EUR 1,500-4,000 depending on country and ticket).How to get it ↓
Return ticket or extra fundsOnward/return ticket or additional funds to purchase one.How to get it ↓
Proof of student status or eligibilityOptionalSome partner schemes (e.g. USA) require current students or recent graduates.How to get it ↓
Medical/travel insuranceInsurance covering the working holiday period.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
3 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Ireland Family Reunification - Joining a Non-EEA Resident
Family members (spouse/partner, minor children) of non-EEA residents apply for a long stay D join-family visa under the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. Category A sponsors (Critical Skills permit holders, researchers, investors/entrepreneurs) qualify for immediate reunification; Category B sponsors (e.g. General Employment Permit holders, students) must wait 12 months and show earnings of at least EUR 30,000 per year after tax for 2 years. Visa fee EUR 60 single / EUR 100 multi-entry; dependants typically receive Stamp 1G or Stamp 3 depending on the sponsor's status.
Government fee
€60
Service fee
€250
Processing time
180 days
Document checklist (8)
AVATS application summarySigned online join family visa application.How to get it ↓
PassportsApplicant passport and copy of sponsor's passport and Irish Residence Permit.How to get it ↓
Relationship certificatesMarriage/birth certificates proving the family relationship.How to get it ↓
Sponsor's immigration statusCopy of sponsor's employment permit / Stamp permission in Ireland.How to get it ↓
Sponsor's financial evidenceRevenue employment detail summaries / payslips showing the applicable income threshold (Category B: EUR 30,000 net for 2 years).How to get it ↓
Police clearance certificatesFrom countries of residence in the past 5 years.How to get it ↓
Accommodation detailsEvidence of suitable family accommodation in Ireland.How to get it ↓
Passport photographsTwo recent passport-sized photographs.How to get it ↓
Spouse / Partner Visa
Ireland Join Family Visa - Spouse/De Facto Partner of Irish Citizen
Spouses, civil partners and de facto partners (2+ years cohabitation) of Irish citizens apply for a long stay D join-family visa (EUR 60 single / EUR 100 multi; spouses of Irish citizens are fee-exempt) or, if already legally resident, in-country schemes. The Irish sponsor must generally show gross income of at least EUR 40,000 over the previous 3 years and not have been fully dependent on social welfare for 2 years. Successful applicants receive Stamp 4 (live and work without a permit), initially 12 months for de facto partners, renewable, with naturalisation possible after 3 years of marriage/residence.
Government fee
€60
Service fee
€250
Processing time
180 days
Document checklist (8)
AVATS application summarySigned online application summary for the long stay D join family visa.How to get it ↓
PassportsApplicant's passport plus copy of the Irish sponsor's passport.How to get it ↓
Marriage/civil partnership certificateCivil certificate, or for de facto partners evidence of 2 years' cohabitation (joint leases, bills, accounts).How to get it ↓
Relationship history evidencePhotos, communications and visit records demonstrating a genuine ongoing relationship.How to get it ↓
Sponsor's financial documentsEvidence of sponsor earnings of EUR 40,000 gross over 3 years (Revenue employment detail summaries, payslips).How to get it ↓
Police clearance certificatesFrom each country lived in for 6+ months in the past 5 years, issued within 6 months.How to get it ↓
Accommodation evidenceDetails of where the couple will live in Ireland.How to get it ↓
Passport photographsTwo recent colour passport-sized photographs.How to get it ↓
Ancestry / Repatriation
Irish Citizenship by Descent - Foreign Births Register
Anyone with an Irish-born grandparent (or a parent who was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth though not born in Ireland) can register on the Foreign Births Register and become an Irish citizen, with full EU rights and eligibility for an Irish passport. The adult fee is EUR 278 (EUR 158 for minors) and applications are made online to the Department of Foreign Affairs with original civil documents; processing takes roughly 9-12 months. Citizenship dates from registration (not birth), so children born before a parent registers must qualify through their own grandparent.
Government fee
€278
Processing time
270 days
Document checklist (9)
Online FBR applicationCompleted online form, printed, signed and witnessed by an approved professional.How to get it ↓
Irish ancestor's birth certificateCivil birth certificate of the Irish-born grandparent or parent.How to get it ↓
Ancestor's marriage certificateOptionalCivil marriage certificate of the Irish ancestor if names changed.How to get it ↓
Parent's civil documentsBirth and marriage certificates of the connecting parent, plus certified photo ID.How to get it ↓
Applicant's birth certificateApplicant's full civil birth certificate showing parents' details.How to get it ↓
Applicant's photo IDCertified copy of passport or driving licence.How to get it ↓
Proofs of addressTwo original proofs of the applicant's current address.How to get it ↓
Passport photographsFour photographs, two signed by the witness.How to get it ↓
Death certificatesOptionalDeath certificate of the Irish ancestor if applicable to document the lineage.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Dependent Relative Visa
1 route
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Ireland Long Term Residency (Stamp 4)
Non-EEA nationals with 5 years (60 months) of legal residence on employment permit conditions (Stamp 1/Stamp 4) can apply for Long Term Residency, granting a 5-year Stamp 4 permission to live and work without an employment permit. A EUR 500 fee is payable only on approval; processing takes about 6-8 months, and applicants must be in employment and of good character. Critical Skills permit holders have a faster separate route to Stamp 4 after just 2 years; Irish citizenship by naturalisation is possible after 5 years' reckonable residence.
Government fee
€500
Processing time
210 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (7)
Application formCompleted Long Term Residency application to ISD.How to get it ↓
Passport copiesCopies of all passports covering the 5-year residence period, including stamps.How to get it ↓
Irish Residence Permit cardsCurrent and expired IRP/GNIB cards evidencing registration.How to get it ↓
Employment permitsCopies of employment permits held during the qualifying period.How to get it ↓
Evidence of current employmentRecent payslips and employer letter showing continued employment.How to get it ↓
Tax recordsOptionalRevenue employment detail summaries for the qualifying years.How to get it ↓
Fee paymentEUR 500 payable within 28 days of approval letter.How to get it ↓
How to get these documents General guidance for any passport.
Passport
How to get this document
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
Issued by
National passport authority
Typical cost
$20–$150
Typical time
1–6 weeks (expedited often available)
Verified 11 Jun 2026
AVATS application summary
How to get this document
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
Issued by
Commercial register / chamber of commerce
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Application letter
How to get this document
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration portal
Typical cost
Usually free (the visa fee is separate)
Typical time
30–60 minutes to complete
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photographs
How to get this document
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
Issued by
Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard)
Typical cost
$5–$15
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of finances
How to get this document
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
Issued by
Your bank / employer / sponsor
Typical cost
free–$20
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Accommodation and travel details
How to get this document
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
Issued by
Airline / travel agent
Typical cost
free–$30 for a reservation
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Evidence of ties to home country
How to get this document
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
Issued by
Self-prepared
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Sponsor/host documents
How to get this document
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
Issued by
Landlord / host / municipality
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Medical/travel insurance
How to get this document
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
Issued by
Civil registry / interior ministry
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–several weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Invitation letter from Irish company
How to get this document
Ask your host, company or institution in the destination to write an invitation letter with their details, your details, and the purpose and dates of the visit. Some countries require it to be officially registered or legalised by local immigration (e.g. a notarised or authority-stamped invitation).
Issued by
Host / inviting organisation
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days–weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Letter from employer
How to get this document
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
Issued by
Employer (HR) / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
A few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Letter of acceptance
How to get this document
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
Issued by
School / university (admissions office)
Typical cost
Usually free
Typical time
A few days–2 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Evidence of fees paid
How to get this document
Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.
Issued by
Destination consulate / payment provider
Typical cost
Varies by visa
Typical time
Immediate–2 days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
English/academic ability evidence
How to get this document
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
Issued by
Accredited test provider
Typical cost
$100–$300
Typical time
2–6 weeks including results
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Business plan
How to get this document
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
Issued by
Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed)
Typical cost
free–consultant fee
Typical time
Varies
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Evidence of good character
How to get this document
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
Ask your employer's HR or payroll department for your most recent payslips (usually the last three) or a salary certificate stating your role, start date and gross/net pay.
Issued by
Employer (HR / payroll)
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day–a few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Police clearance certificate
How to get this document
Apply for a police clearance or good-conduct certificate from the national police or a designated portal (and from any country where you lived long-term). It typically needs an apostille and translation and must be recent — issued within the last 3–6 months.
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
Have your sponsor sign a letter or affidavit of support undertaking to cover your costs, attaching their ID and proof of funds or income. Some countries require a notarised affidavit or an official guarantee form.
Issued by
Sponsor (sometimes notarised)
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Irish ancestor's birth certificate
How to get this document
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
Download your filed tax return or a tax-assessment/clearance certificate from your national tax authority's online portal, or request a certified copy at a tax office.
Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports VisaPassage at no extra cost to you. Check fare and refund terms with the provider before you book.
Europe
