24th January 2007

Applying For a Visa to Ireland – Documentation Required

NOTE: These requirements are intended to act as a guideline only and do not
limit the discretion of the visa officer in determining individual applications.

They are subject to change as we continue in our efforts to provide a more

efficient service to our customers. You should therefore regularly check for the
most recent version which will have the date of implementation in the top right-
hand corner.

The onus is on the applicant to satisfy the visa officer that a visa should be
granted. It is up to you to supply the necessary information to help the visa
officer reach that decision.

Please refer to the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs www.dfa.ie for
information on where to obtain an application form, the fees involved, and where
to submit your application.

Your application may have to be referred by your local Irish Embassy or

Consulate to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in Dublin,
and it can take some weeks for post to arrive from many countries.

Visa applications will be processed in the fastest possible time following their
arrival in the Visa Section in Dublin. However, to avoid delays in the issue of
your visa, it is strongly advised that all applications are made at least EIGHT
WEEKS prior to expected departure date, and that ALL supporting
documentation is included with your application.

There now follows an outline of the minimum requirements for all visa
applications. When you have read this section, you should then examine the
more detailed requirements for the particular category of visa for which you are
applying.

Original documents should be submitted. Where these are not in English they
should be accompanied by a notarised translation. All documents must be clear
and legible.

ALL documentation listed must be submitted with your application form.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THAT DO NOT INCLUDE ALL

THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, OR ARE ACCOMPANIED
BY POOR QUALITY, ILLEGIBLE OR NON-TRANSLATED
DOCUMENTS, WILL BE REFUSED.

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The visa officer may request further information from you before making a
decision. However, you will not be contacted if you submit an incomplete or
unsigned application and do not abide by these requirements – your application
will be refused.

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MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED WITH ALL VISA
APPLICATIONS

• Your application form should be fully completed. No question should be

left blank.

• You must sign the form yourself – nobody can sign it on your behalf.
(Except in the case of a child under 18, whereby the parent(s) may sign on
behalf of child).

• UNSIGNED APPLICATIONS WILL BE REFUSED

• Where a child under the age of 18 is travelling alone, the consent of both
parents/guardians is required. If the child is travelling with one parent,
the consent of the other parent is required. Where only one parent has
total custody and access rights, official evidence of this must be provided.

• ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED MUST BE IN ENGLISH

• Where they are in any other language, the original document should be
submitted, along with a notarised translation of same. Failure to provide
translated documents will lead to your application being refused.

• At the time of your visa application you must possess a passport which is
valid for 6 months after the date you propose to leave Ireland.
Applications submitted without such a passport cannot be considered.

• For applications for long-term stays such as employment, study, or

joining your spouse, it is advisable that your passport should be valid for
at least 12 months. If you are permitted to remain in Ireland for more
than 3 months you must register with the Garda National Immigration
Bureau. The charge for registration is €100 each time. You will not be
registered beyond the date of expiry of your passport. It is therefore in
your own interest to have a passport which is valid for at least 12 months.

• If your passport is relatively new, it may assist your application if you

provide your previous passport showing any previous visas for any other
country, and your previous travel history.

• All visa applicants must be able to show evidence that they can support
themselves for the duration of their stay in Ireland without recourse to
public funds or resources.

• A detailed bank statement, showing sufficient funds, and covering the

immediate 6 month period prior to submitting a visa application should
be submitted. Lump sum lodgements made in the run up to an application

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 being made are not taken into consideration when assessing a person’s
ability to support themselves

• For all categories of visa applications it will be necessary to include details

of any other family members presently in Ireland, or any other EU State

• Details of any previous visa applications for Ireland made by you MUST
be given

• If you have been refused a visa for any other country, details of this,
preferably the original letter issued to you by the authorities of that
country, should be submitted. Concealment of any other visa refusals will
result in your Irish visa application being refused.

Below please find a list of documents required under the various categories of
visas, bearing in mind that the above requirements apply to each of these
categories also.

Please ensure ALL documentation listed under the relevant category is included
with your application.

FAILURE TO INCLUDE ALL LISTED DOCUMENTATION WILL RESULT

IN THE REFUSAL OF YOUR APPLICATION.

THE PROVISION OF FALSE, FRAUDULENT OR MISLEADING

INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN REFUSAL AND NO APPEAL WILL BE
PERMITTED.

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.

The main categories of visas are:

• Visits/Holidays
• Business
• Business Permission
• Conference
• Performances
• Training
• Exam
• Fully Registered Doctor
• Temporary Registered Doctor
• Researchers
• Van der Elst
• Employment
• Join Spouse/Parent on Work Permit
• Family Member of Irish National
• Family Member of EU/EEA/Swiss National

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 • Family Reunification for Refugees
• Medical Treatment

Information on Study Visas can be found under our Student Visa Guidelines

Further information you may require regarding decisions, right of appeal, and
arrival in the State can be found at the end of this document.

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 Visit/Holiday Visa

NOTE: Visit/Holiday visas are granted ONLY for short term stays.
The duration of stay is determined by an Immigration Officer at the
Port of Entry, but will never exceed a maximum of 90 days.

It is not possible to extend your stay beyond 90 days.

You must leave the State on or before the date which has been
stamped on your passport by the Immigration Officer. (The dates on
your visa refer to the dates during which you can seek to enter the
State)

Documents Required: Please submit all documents listed here

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from
the State

• If you are resident in a country other than your country of origin

evidence of your permission to reside in that country. This permission
should be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from
Ireland.

• Full details of the reason for your visit – e.g. to visit family, friends, etc

• If you intend staying in hotel accommodation, confirmation of booking

from the hotel

• A letter of invitation from your reference in Ireland confirming

accommodation will be provided for duration of your visit.

• A written undertaking both from yourself and your reference that you
will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a
burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiration of
your permission to remain

• NOTE: Failure to observe the conditions of your visa, or to overstay will

have implications for any future visa applications you make, or may have
implications for your reference

• Details of how you are known to, or related to your reference, and
supporting evidence of this

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• If your reference is not an Irish/EEA citizen, evidence of their permission
to remain in Ireland – a copy of their GNIB card and copy of their
passport showing Immigration stamps

• Evidence of how you intend to finance your trip and support yourself for
the duration of your visit, allowing for any unforeseen events such as
illness – a detailed bank statement covering a 6 month period immediately
prior to your visa application, and showing sufficient funds to cover all
costs is required

• NOTE: It is advisable that you have medical/travel insurance to cover you

for the duration of your proposed visit to the State

• If your reference in Ireland is supporting you, they must supply a detailed

6 month bank statement for the period immediately prior to your visa
application showing sufficient funds to support you for the duration of
your stay

• Lump sum lodgements made shortly before your visa application will not
be considered

• Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent

residence –

o If you are employed, a letter from your employer stating how long
you have been employed there, the dates you will be on annual
leave from, and the date you will be returning to work in that
employment

o 3 consecutive payslips

o If you are a student, a letter from your college outlining what

course you are pursuing, how many years you have been a student
there, how many years/terms you have left at that college, and that
you will be returning there following your visit to Ireland

NOTE: All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper

and give full contact details for verification purposes. These must include
a full postal address, name of contact, position in company, telephone
number (landline) and email address where relevant. (Email addresses
such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted). Website address should also
be included, if available.

o If you own property, or rent accommodation, evidence of this can

be submitted in support of your obligations to return home
following your visit

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 o Details of any family members residing in your country of
permanent residence

o If you are married or have children under 18, and your spouse or
children are remaining at home, you should submit your marriage
cert and birth certs for the children

• For group tours, your itinerary and booking receipts are also required

• If visiting another State prior to travelling to Ireland, the relevant visa for
that State must be obtained before applying for your Irish visa

• Details of any previous applications you have made for an Irish visa

• If you have been refused a visa for any other country, details of this,
preferably the letter issued to you by the authorities of that country,
should be submitted. NOTE: Concealment of any other visa refusals will
result in your Irish visa application being refused

ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR

APPLICATION

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.
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 Business Visa

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from
the State

• A letter from your employer confirming you are undertaking this trip on
the Company’s behalf, the purpose of the visit, dates, and outlining who
will be responsible for the full costs of the trip – travel, accommodation,
expenses etc.

• Your employer should also confirm that you will be returning to that
employment following the visit

• A letter from the Irish company confirming the visit, dates, reasons for
visit, details of who will meet costs of trip, accommodation details, and
full contact details

NOTE: All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper

and give full contact details for verification purposes. These must include
a full postal address, name of contact, position in company, telephone
number (landline) and email address where relevant. (Email addresses
such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted). Website address should also
be included, if available.

• Evidence of a prior link between both companies, and evidence of

communications between them regarding this visit would be helpful

• If you are responsible for the costs of this trip, evidence of your personal
finances in the form of a detailed bank statement covering a 6 month
period will be required

• You must also explain why you are undertaking this trip at your own
expense

ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR

APPLICATION

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.
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 Business Permission

If you intend coming to Ireland to establish a business, you must apply to the
Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform for permission to do so.

This MUST be done prior to applying for a visa as an application for a Business
Permission Visa cannot be considered prior to the permission of the Minister
being obtained.

This request for Business Permission should be addressed to Business Permission

Section, Immigration Division, Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, 13-14
Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Once you have obtained this permission you should then submit your visa
application:

• Fully complete and signed application form

• Passport valid for at least 12 months

• Business Permission letter from the Minister for Justice, Equality and
Law Reform

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 Conference Visa

Note to Conference Organisers

When organising a conference at which you expect to have

delegates/attendees from visa required countries, (see ‘Ireland Visa
Requirements’ on our website www.justice.ie for information), it is
imperative that arrangements for the issuance of visas are made in
adequate time.

It is recommended that you notify the visa office well in advance, by

e-mail at visamail@justice.ie, giving full details of the conference and
where possible, a list of the delegates that wish to attend.

This list should clearly indicate guest speakers and other delegates
whose attendance at the conference is vital. If conference organisers
can vouch for the bona-fides of any delegates, please give full details.

Where you have simply been contacted by someone who obtained

your details via a website, you should also inform the visa office of
this and we will decide the merits of the application based on all
information submitted.

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 Requirements from Prospective Conference Delegates

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from
the State

• Letter from conference host confirming you will be attending conference,

details of the nature, dates, place & duration of conference, and that
registration fees (where relevant) have been paid.

• Letter from your employer or Association confirming your attendance,

and outlining the relevance of the conference to your employment or
involvement in your Association.

• Evidence from both your employer and conference host showing who will
be responsible for all costs including travel, accommodation, expenses etc.

• If you are paying these costs yourself, a detailed bank statement covering
a 6 month period immediately prior to your application is required

• You should also explain why you are attending this conference at your
own expense

• Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent

residence following the conference – letter from your employer/college
showing the date of expected return etc

NOTE: All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper

and give full contact details for verification purposes. These must include
a full postal address, name of contact, position in company, telephone
number (landline) and email address where relevant. (Email addresses
such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted). Website address should also
be included, if available.

ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR

APPLICATION

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.
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 Performers

Note to Event Organisers

When organising an event at which you intend to have a visa-

required national perform, (see ‘Ireland Visa Requirements’ on our
website www.justice.ie for information), it is recommended that you
notify the visa office well in advance, by e-mail at visamail@justice.ie
giving full details of the event, schedule and dates of performances.

The reasons for engaging this particular performer/act, how they

came to your attention, if you can vouch for the bona-fides of the
person/group – what checks you have carried out to enable you to do
so, should also be given.

Please also state who is responsible for covering travel and

accommodation costs, and living expenses for the duration of the
performer’s stay in the State.

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 Requirements from Prospective Performers

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from
the State

• Schedule of dates and performances

• Letter from your hosts in Ireland giving details of the festival/event, and
confirmation that you are scheduled to perform. Details of the
background on how your hosts came to know about you, and engage you
for this event will also help in making a decision on your application

• Letter from your employer/organisation in your home country or country

of permanent residence confirming your attendance at this event, and
giving background details about your group/act, including evidence of
past performances both in your own country and others.

• Evidence of previous travel history to similar events will assist your

application

• Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent

residence – letter from your employer/college giving the dates you will
return

• Evidence of how trip will be funded – who will cover costs of travel,
accommodation and expenses

NOTE: All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper

and give full contact details for verification purposes. These must include
a full postal address, name of contact, position in company, telephone
number (landline) and email address where relevant. (Email addresses
such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted). Website address should also
be included, if available.

ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR

APPLICATION

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.
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 Training Visa

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from
the State

• A letter from your employer giving the reasons for, and duration of
training, details of where in Ireland training will take place (name of
company etc), full contact details for your company, and the name and
contact details of the contact person in the host company

• A letter from the Irish company confirming the nature, dates and
duration of training, including full contact details

• Evidence from both companies of who will be responsible for all costs,
including training costs, travel, accommodation, and expenses

• Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent

residence at the end of the training period – letter from your employer
confirming your return to the company

NOTE: All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper

and give full contact details for verification purposes. These must include
a full postal address, name of contact, position in company, telephone
number (landline) and email address where relevant. (Email addresses
such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted). Website address should also
be included, if available.

• If all costs are not met by either company, evidence of your personal
finances – detailed bank statement covering a 6 month period
immediately prior to your visa application

• You should also explain why you are undertaking this training at your
own expense

ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR

APPLICATION

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.
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 Exam Visa

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from
the State

• Letter of acceptance of registration for exam from the school/college,

confirming the nature and dates of examination

• Evidence that the requisite fees have been paid – official receipt from
college required

• Qualification Certificates

• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself for the
duration of your stay, including travel costs, accommodation and
expenses.

• Detailed bank statements covering the 6 month period immediately prior

to your application and 4 recent payslips should be submitted

• Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent

residence – letter from your employer confirming your current
employment status – how long you have been employed, and the date of
expected return to work

NOTE: All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper

and give full contact details for verification purposes. These must include
a full postal address, name of contact, position in company, telephone
number (landline) and email address where relevant. (Email addresses
such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted). Website address should also
be included, if available.

ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR

APPLICATION

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.

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 Fully Registered Doctor

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for at least 12 months

• Valid Work Permit

• Full Medical Council Registration Certificate

Interview with Medical Council for Purpose of Obtaining Temporary

Registration Certificate

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for at least 12 months

• Letter from the Medical Council stating eligibility for temporary

registration

• Letter from hospital in Ireland confirming offer of employment

Temporary Registered Doctor

If you are already registered with the Medical Council and now wish to travel to
Ireland to take up an offer of employment please submit:

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for at least 12 months

• Medical Council Registration Book showing current registration

• Letter from hospital in Ireland confirming employment contract details

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 Research Visa

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for at least 12 months

• Work Permit

• Letter from your host college/organisation in Ireland outlining the nature

and duration of research programme/project, and annual salary details

• NOTE: If you are applying to partake in a short-term programme, for

which no salary is paid you should provide –

o a letter from college or organisation outlining the nature and

duration of research programme

o evidence of how you will support yourself for duration of stay,

including travel, accommodation & living expenses

o evidence of your obligations to return to your country of

permanent residence – letter from your employer/college giving
details of your employment/studies, confirming the research
project you are carrying out in Ireland, and that you will be
returning to work/study on completion of this research
programme

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

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 Van der Elst Visa

Holders of a Van der Elst Visa do not require a work permit to work in Ireland.

To qualify for such a visa you must be lawfully employed in another EU Member
State

You must be coming to Ireland to provide services on behalf of your employer.

Documents required:

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport

• Evidence of your right to reside & work in the EU Member State you are
coming from, and that you have permission to return there following the
termination of the contract in Ireland

• Declaration from your employer confirming that you are lawfully

employed by that company, that you are coming to Ireland to provide
services on the company’s behalf, the name and contact details for the
company in Ireland, and that you will be returning to work in the other
EU Member State following completion of the project in Ireland.

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 Employment Visa

Please also see the link on our Web Page to Family Reunification for Workers.

NOTE: If you come to Ireland for employment under the Work

Permit Scheme, you cannot apply for family members to join you
until you have been here for a minimum of one year, and your work
permit has been extended for a further 12 months, unless you come
within the Skills Categories listed under Schedule A in the above
document.

Only a spouse and children under the age of 18 years are eligible to
apply to join you.

Adult children (over 18) are not eligible to join you unless they hold a
work permit and apply for an Employment Visa, or they wish to
study in Ireland and meet our Student Visa Requirements.

You must be able to show that your earnings are sufficient to

maintain your family without recourse to public funds.

Details of requirements for family members wishing to join you can be found on
the next page.

For your own visa you require:

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for at least 12 months

• Valid Work Permit

• Employment Contract (if any)

• Letter from employer in Ireland confirming details of the job you will
take up and the salary you will be paid. If accommodation is being
provided by your employer details of this should also be given.

• Evidence of qualifications and previous work experience in this area may

be requested by the visa officer

ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR

APPLICATION

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ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY
A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.
Back to main categories

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 Join Spouse/Parent in Ireland on Work Permit

Please see note under Employment Visa and the link on our Web
Page to Family Reunification for Workers

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for at least 12 months

• Clear copy of spouse/parent’s valid work permit, copy of GNIB

Registration Card, and copy of their passport showing Immigration
stamps giving permission to work

• Marriage Certificate

• If your marriage took place after your spouse came to work in Ireland,
give a detailed account of your relationship history – when/where you
met, and show evidence of your spouse returning home during the
relationship, and for the wedding. (Immigration stamps on passport,
flight tickets etc)

• If, while your spouse was residing in Ireland, you married by proxy, it
will be necessary for you to obtain a declaration from the Irish Courts
under Section 29 of the Family Law Act 1995, to confirm that the
marriage is recognised in this State.

• Birth Certificates for each child

• For children whereby only one parent will be present in Ireland, consent
of the other parent is required

• If you wish a child from a previous marriage or relationship to travel with

you, evidence that you have been given full custody and access rights to
this child must be shown (Court Order)

• Where the other parent of this child has some custody or access rights, a
sworn affidavit by this parent consenting to the child being removed from
their home country is required

• Spouse/parent’s P60 for most recent complete tax year, and 3 recent
consecutive payslips

• Detailed bank statement for spouse/parent covering a 6 month period

immediately prior to visa application

• Accommodation details

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ALL OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR
APPLICATION

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO

WAY GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.

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 Family Member of Irish Citizen

If both you and your Irish spouse are legally resident in a country other than
Ireland, and you both wish to move to Ireland, the following documents must be
submitted:

o Fully completed and signed application form

o Passport, valid for at least 12 months

o Clear copy of spouse’s passport, showing evidence of residency in

country you are moving from

o Marriage Certificate

If you have children (under 18 years) who do not hold Irish passports, and
therefore require a visa, a separate application must be submitted, along with a
birth certificate, for each child.

If you wish a child (under 18 years) from a previous marriage or relationship to

travel with you, evidence that you have been given full custody and access rights
to this child must be shown (Court Order)

Where the other parent of this child has some custody or access rights, a sworn
affidavit by this parent consenting to the child being removed from their home
country is required

Visits

If you wish to accompany your Irish spouse on a visit to Ireland, and you are
both returning to your country of residence following your visit, the
documentation listed above is required, plus –

o Evidence that you will be accompanying your Irish spouse – e.g.

return airline/ferry tickets in both names

NOTE: If your Irish spouse is residing in Ireland, and you have not resided
together since your marriage, whether your visa application is to visit or join
your spouse, in addition to the documentation listed above you MUST also
submit the following:

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 o A full account of relationship history – when and where you met,
evidence of this such as visas, entry/exit stamps on the passport of
your Irish spouse.

o Please note that for Immigration purposes it is not sufficient for a

relationship to have developed solely over the internet or by
telephone/sms. A relationship must include a number face to face
meetings (excluding webcam) between the parties. You must
satisfy the visa officer that the relationship is bona-fide.

o If, while your spouse was residing in Ireland, you married by

proxy, it will be necessary for you to obtain a declaration from the
Irish Courts under Section 29 of the Family Law Act 1995, to
confirm that the marriage is recognised in this State.

o Evidence of how you will support your spouse financially – P60,

payslips, bank statement for 6 months prior to application.

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

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 Family Member of EU Citizen
(Lawfully Resident in an EU State)

Spouse/Child

If you are the spouse of an EU citizen, or the child (under 21 years) of an EU

citizen or the child of their spouse, and wish to move, with the EU citizen to
Ireland, or to join the EU citizen in Ireland, from the EU State in which you
currently reside, the following documents are required:

o Application form

o Passport

o Valid Residence Card for EU State

o Marriage Certificate

o Birth Certificate for children under 21 years

Partner

If you are the partner of an EU Citizen, in a long-term relationship that has

existed for at least 2 years, and you are lawfully resident in an EU State, the
following documents are required:

o Application Form

o Passport

o Valid Residence Card

o Documentary evidence that will support the existence and

durability of the relationship – e.g. Registration Certificate
of partnership (if applicable) or evidence of common
ownership of property, joint tenancy of property, on-going
correspondence addressed to both partners at the same
address, financial dependence/interdependence, or any
other relevant documentation.

o NOTE: The onus is on the applicant to satisfy the Visa

Officer of the bona-fides of the partnership.

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 Other Family Members of EU Citizen

Any family member of an EU citizen who is:

o A dependent of the EU citizen

o A member of the household of the EU citizen

o Requiring the personal care of the EU citizen on the basis of

serious health grounds

may have their application for a visa considered on submission of the following
documentation:

o Application form

o Passport

o Valid Residence Card for EU State

o Evidence of their relationship to the EU Citizen

o Evidence of their dependency on the EU Citizen, where

applicable

o Evidence that they are a member of the household of the

EU Citizen, where applicable

o Evidence that they require the personal care of the EU

Citizen on serious health grounds, where applicable.

Visits

If family members wish to accompany an EU Citizen on a visit to Ireland, or visit

their EU family member who is residing in Ireland, all the documentation listed
previously should be submitted, plus:

o Evidence that you are accompanying the EU Citizen to

Ireland – e.g. return airline/ferry tickets in both names

Or

o Evidence that the EU Citizen is already residing in Ireland

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Back to main categories

Family Member of EU Citizen

(Not Resident in an EU State)

Or

Family Member of an EEA or Swiss Citizen

If you are the family member of an EU citizen, and you are not lawfully resident
in an EU State, or you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen,
wishing to move to Ireland, with or to join the EU citizen, the following
documentation is required:

o Application Form

o Passport

o Clear copy of passport of EU Citizen (to confirm the basis

of right of residency in third country)

o Marriage Certificate (where applicable)

o Birth Certificate in the case of children under 21 years

o Where applicant (other than spouse or child) is dependent

on the EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen, evidence of such dependency

Visits

If family members (who are not lawfully resident in another EU State) wish to
accompany an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen on a visit to Ireland, or visit their
EU/EEA/Swiss family member who is residing in Ireland, all the documentation
listed above should be submitted, plus:

o Evidence that you are accompanying the EU/EEA/Swiss

citizen to Ireland – e.g. return airline/ferry tickets in both
names

Or

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 o Evidence that the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen is already residing
in Ireland

Back to main categories

29
 Family Reunification For Recognised Refugees

NOTE: In this category, Family Reunification ONLY applies in cases where the
family member in Ireland has been granted Refugee Status AND has not since
been granted Irish Citizenship.

IMPORTANT NOTE: These applications can take several months to process

and are dealt with by the Family Reunification Section of this Department

If you do not come under this category you must apply for a Join Spouse/Parent,
or Family Member of Irish Citizen visa, whichever is appropriate to your
circumstances.

If your family member currently has Refugee Status in Ireland you should
submit the following:

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Application form should clearly state the relationship of the applicant to

the Refugee in Ireland

• Evidence of this relationship – marriage/birth certificates

• Letter from the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform

confirming family member in Ireland has been granted Refugee Status

• Copy of this persons passport and GNIB card

• Copy of your passport

• There is no provision under the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) for an
appeal in such cases

ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY

A NOTARISED TRANSLATION
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30
 Medical Treatment Visa

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from
the State

• A detailed letter from hospital in country of permanent residence

outlining ALL of the following:

• Diagnosis and prognosis of medical condition

• Type of treatment required

• Why this treatment is not being carried out in that hospital, or any
other hospital in that country

• Is this treatment available in another country which would be

closer than Ireland, thus eliminating the need for the patient to
undertake a long journey

• Confirmation that the doctor has been in contact with the Irish
hospital to discuss the treatment

• Confirmation that the applicant is fit enough to undertake the

journey to Ireland, and that the treatment required will not
prevent or hinder his/her return journey

• Full contact details for the doctor and hospital should be included
in letter, which should be completely clear, legible and in English

• A detailed letter from the PRIVATE hospital in Ireland outlining ALL of

the following :

• Confirmation that there has been contact with the doctor/hospital

in applicant’s country of permanent residence and that it is
necessary for applicant to travel to Ireland for this treatment

• Date of appointment

• An indication of how long treatment & recovery will take

• Estimated cost of treatment

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 • That treatment of this patient will not result in a cost to public
funds or resources

• Confirmation that the patient will be in a position to return to

country of permanent residence following treatment – e.g. that
treatment will not prevent air travel etc

• Full contact details for doctor and hospital should be included in

letter

• Applicant will be required to show evidence of having sufficient funds to

cover the full cost of medical treatment, travel costs, accommodation, and
living expenses for duration of stay

• A detailed bank statement covering the 6 month period immediately prior

to the visa application is required. This statement should clearly show the
name, address and account number of the holder, along with full contact
details for the bank

• If someone other than the applicant is funding the entire cost of trip,
including treatment, their bank statement (as above) will be required

• It will also be necessary to provide evidence of the relationship of this

sponsor to the applicant, and reasons why they are funding this trip

• Travel Insurance covering expected period of stay in Ireland

• Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent

residence following treatment – letter from your employer/college
confirming you are absent due to illness and that your position remains
open for your return

• Where you are not in employment or attending college, you must satisfy
the visa officer that you have social ties in your home country, and that
you will return there following treatment

NOTE: ALL OF THE THESE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET

IN ORDER FOR A VISA APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.

THE PROVISION OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED IN NO WAY

GUARANTEES THAT A VISA WILL BE GRANTED.

FAILURE TO LODGE ALL OF THE DOCUMENTATION OUTLINED WILL

RESULT IN THE REFUSAL OF THE APPLICATION

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ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR ACCOMPANIED BY
A NOTARISED TRANSLATION

Back to main categories

33
 Further Information You Must Consider

Decisions

• The processing times for all visa applications vary depending on the
volume of applications lodged, and the time it takes for an application
to reach the Visa Section in Dublin from the Embassy in which it was
lodged

• You should allow as much time as possible when applying for a visa
but a minimum time of 8 weeks is recommended

• The Visa Section will endeavour to have your application assessed as

soon as possible

• Visa decisions are published weekly on our website – www.justice.ie.

You can check a decision by entering the Visa Reference Number that
issues to you

Right of Appeal

• If you are refused a visa you may appeal this decision within 2 months

• Appeals must be submitted in writing and posted to: The Visa Appeals
Officer, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14
Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. If you have submitted your application to one
of our Visa Offices in Beijing, Moscow or New Delhi, you should
submit your appeal to the relevant office

• Your appeal should fully address all the reasons for which your
application was refused. Any additional supporting documentation
should be submitted with your appeal for consideration

• You must quote your Visa Reference Number on your appeal, along
with your name and nationality

• There is no fee payable for appealing a visa refusal decision

• There will be no appeal allowed if you are found to have given false or
misleading information in any part of your application, or submitted
false, forged or fraudulent documentation

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 If You Are Granted A Visa

Arrival in the State

• If your application for a visa has been approved, the Embassy to

which you applied will affix a visa to your passport

• The dates entered on your visa indicate the dates between which you
may seek to enter the State

• It is important to note that a visa is a form of pre-entry clearance to

the State only, and does not guarantee that you will be permitted to
enter or remain in the State

• Immigration Officers at the point of entry are entitled to question any

person on arrival. If they are not satisfied with the bona-fides of any
person, or their reasons for wishing to enter the State, they have the
right to deny entry to any such person, despite the fact they hold a
valid visa

• It is recommended that you have supporting documentation related to

the purpose of your journey to Ireland your with you to present to the
Immigration Officer on disembarkation from your flight

Registration and Permission to Remain

• If you have been issued with a short term visa (‘C Visa’) you must
leave the State on or before the date stamped on your passport by an
Immigration Officer.

NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN A CATEGORY ‘C

VISA’ BE EXTENDED BEYOND 90 DAYS

• If you have applied for and have been issued with a visa for a period
exceeding 90 days (‘D’ Visa), it is a requirement that you register with
the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) either at 13-14
Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, or the Immigration Officer in area in which
you are residing

• Extensions of your permission to remain in the State on a ‘D Visa’ will

only be granted if the Immigration Officer is satisfied that you meet

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 the requirements of the visa - e.g. that you or your spouse still hold a
valid work permit

Re-entry Visas

• The initial visa issued to you will be valid for a single entry to the State

• If you have wish to leave the State for a short period of time you must
apply, in advance of making any arrangements, for a re-entry visa.
Please see the link on our Web Page to Re-Entry Visas

• Before a re-entry visa can be issued, you must be registered with the
Garda National Immigration Bureau

• It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa (where

relevant) for the country you intend travelling to

• NOTE: A visa must be obtained from the UK authorities prior to

travelling to Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland consists of Counties
Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone)

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