Your Complete Guide to an Ireland Visa for Indians

Ireland is a popular destination to study, work, or visit. If you are thinking of visiting Ireland, here is what you should know about getting a visa for Ireland as an Indian passport holder.

Do Indians need a visa for Ireland?

Yes. Indians need a visa to visit Ireland. Though Ireland is a member of the European Union, it is not a part of the Schengen area. Indian citizens must apply for an Irish visa through VFS Global in India. Since the demand for Irish visas is high, it is recommended to apply for Irish visas at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.¹

Types of Irish visas

Ireland offers different types of visas for Indian citizens, allowing them to visit Ireland for higher education, general employment, business, tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. Each visa category has its specific requirements and waiting period. Here are popular types of Irish visas.²

Ireland tourist visa for Indians

Ireland offers a short-stay C visit (tourist) visa for Indian citizens who want to visit Ireland as a tourist. In addition to tourism, this visa allows you to visit friends and relatives, undertake short-term studies, get married, or get medical treatment. However, you cannot work or earn income in Ireland using this visa.³

Ireland work visa for Indians

Ireland offers short-term and long-term visas for Indian citizens seeking employment in Ireland. A short-stay work visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for work that lasts 14 consecutive days or less. Other types of short-term work visas include internship visas, training visas, exam visas, conference visas, etc.⁴

Long-term work visas include employment visas, scientific researcher visas, and other options depending on the type of work. Indian citizens need an Employment Permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment to be eligible to apply for a long-term work visa.⁵

Ireland student visa for Indians

Indian students must apply for a Short-stay C Visa if the stay period for studies is less than 90 days. Otherwise, they must apply for a Long-stay D Visa. Students can apply for an Irish study visa 3 months before their departure to Ireland.⁶

Ireland Visit Visa for Indians

The Ireland visit visa will be the same as a tourist visa, which is a short-term C visa with a validity of 90 days. This visa allows you to visit Ireland for tourism, family, friends, and short business trips. Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are available.

Can Indians apply for an e-visa to Ireland?

No. Indians cannot apply for an e-visa to Ireland. Though they can apply online, the application must be routed through the authorized visa application center, VFS Global in India. The Embassy of Ireland will decide on authorizing the visa and you will need to pick up your documents and visa in person.

Ireland visa fees

The Ireland visa fees depend on whether you are planning for a single entry or multiple entries into Ireland. It is payable in Indian rupees when booking your appointment at VFS Global.⁷ If you don’t pay the visa fee online when booking your appointment, you may be able to pay in cash at VFS Global at the time of your appointment.

Ireland visa requirements for Indians

The general requirements for Indians to apply for an Irish visa are as follows:⁹

• Original passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of intended departure from Ireland.
• Complete a visa application form and have all the supporting documents for your visa category.
• 2 color passport-sized photographs not more than six months old.
• Book and attend an appointment with VFS Global.
• Complete biometrics at VFS Global appointment.
• An application letter stating the reason to visit Ireland, the dates of your trip, where you will stay, and how you are paying for the trip.
• Have evidence of money available to pay for your stay in Ireland.
• Proof of visa payment.
• Evidence of visa refusals in the past.

You can be requested to provide additional documents to support the purpose of your visit based on your visa category. For example, tourists will also need to submit the following:¹⁰

• Hotel or accommodation reservations for Ireland, if applicable.
• An invitation letter if visiting friends or family, if applicable.
• Bank statements for the last 6 months.

You can find the checklists for different types of visas online.

How to apply for an Irish visa

As an Indian passport holder, you will first have to complete the application form online through the AVATS Online Application. After that, you will have to submit a printout of the form and supporting documents in person at the Irish Embassy’s approved service provider, VFS Global. Here are the steps to apply:⁸

1. Identify the type of visa you need to go to Ireland.
2. Gather the required documents.
3. Head to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website.
4. Complete the visa application and print out two copies.
5. Once your online application is complete and printed, book an appointment at VFS Global in India.
6. Pay the visa fee online.
7. Attend your VFS Global appointment.
8. Submit your passport, visa application, and documents, and complete the biometric registration.
9. Receive your acknowledgment number and wait for a visa decision.

You can track your application online with the acknowledgment number. You will be notified by email about the visa decision and you will be provided a time to pick up your passport or documents. VFS Global can also deliver your documents for a fee.

How long does it take to get an Irish visa?

Due to the high demand for visas to Ireland, the processing times vary between 6 to 8 weeks for all visa categories. Plan well in advance for a trip and submit your visa application and documents in time.¹¹

Ireland Visa Validity

The Ireland short-term visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days. Long-term visas like student visas and general employment visas are valid for extended periods, on a case-to-case basis.¹²

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