Ireland residence permit

How to apply for an Ireland residence permit?

Ireland offers attractive opportunities for foreign investors and entrepreneurs wishing to expand their business and settle in the country. The process of obtaining a residence permit in Ireland requires careful preparation and submission of documents.

Step 1: Determining the appropriate category

The first step is to determine the category of residence permit that best suits your goals and circumstances. The main categories include:

• Employment (General Employment Permit, Critical Skills Employment Permit);
• Investments (Immigrant Investor Programme, Start-up Entrepreneur Programme);
• Study (Student Permission);
• Family Reunion.

For business-oriented applicants, programmes for investors and entrepreneurs will be most relevant.

Step 2: Gathering the necessary documents

The following application package will be required to apply:

• Completed application form;
• A valid passport;
• Financial evidence of the ability to support yourself and family in Ireland;
• Criminal record certificates from all countries where you have lived for more than 6 months;
• Health insurance to cover your stay in Ireland;
• Business plan (for entrepreneurs) or proof of investment (for investors).

Step 3: Submitting an application

Applications for residence permits are made through the official Irish immigration website or through the Irish embassy/consulate in your country. It is important to ensure that all documents are submitted in English or translated by an accredited translator.

Step 4: Payment of fees

The amount of the fee depends on the category of the residence permit and the duration for which it is issued. The fees usually range from a few hundred to a few thousand euros, especially in categories related to investment and business activities.

Step 5: Waiting for a decision

Application processing times can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the category of residence permit and the volume of applications submitted. During this time you may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional documents.

Step 6: Obtaining a residence permit

Once your application is approved, you will be granted a residence permit which will allow you to live and work in Ireland, as well as enjoy other rights such as access to health care and education.

Obtaining a residence permit in Ireland is a complex process that requires careful preparation and an understanding of Irish immigration law. Applying correctly and following all procedures will greatly increase the chances of your case being successful.

Residence permits for employment in Ireland

Ireland attracts many foreign professionals due to its developed economy, high standard of living and liberal taxation. For employment in Ireland, foreigners need to obtain a residence permit, which includes several types of documents, depending on qualifications, profession and purpose of stay.

1. General requirements

To start the process, it is necessary to have a job offer from an Irish employer which confirms that the vacancy cannot be filled by an EU candidate. It is also necessary to ensure that the salary of the position offered meets the minimum requirements set by the Irish immigration authorities.

2. Categories of authorisations

(a) Critical Skills Employment Permit

This type of permit is intended for highly skilled professionals in shortage areas such as IT, engineering and medicine. This permit is issued for two years and allows the holder to bring a family without the need for additional work permits for a spouse.

(b) General Employment Permit

This is a more general type of permit that does not require specialisation in a shortage area. It can be issued on the basis of a job offer that meets certain salary and other conditions. The permit is issued for an initial period of up to two years with the possibility of renewal.

(c) Reactivation Employment Permit

This type of authorisation is for people who previously held a work permit in Ireland but have lost it due to certain circumstances, including unlawful dismissal.

3. Application process

The application process involves the preparation of a set of documents, which usually consists of an application form, a copy of the applicant’s passport, evidence of the necessary qualifications and professional experience, and confirmation of a job offer from an Irish employer.

4. Important aspects

Ireland’s immigration legislation provides clear criteria for obtaining a work permit and each case is considered on an individual basis. Particular attention is paid to supporting professionals in areas that are most important to the country’s economy. Obtaining a work permit in Ireland is a complex process that requires attention to detail and an understanding of local legislation. However, its successful completion opens up many professional and personal opportunities for foreign specialists in one of the most stable and dynamic countries in Europe.

Residence visa/long stay visa in Ireland

The Irish Long Stay Visa allows foreigners to reside in Ireland for more than 90 days. This visa is required for those who plan to move to Ireland for work, study, family reunification or business purposes.

1. Categories of visas for long stay

(a) Visa for employed persons

This category is for foreigners who have received an offer of employment in Ireland. A copy of the work permit issued by the Irish authorities is required for the visa application.

(b) Study visa

Designed for students enrolled in Irish educational institutions. The key requirements are proof of enrolment from the institution and proof of financial solvency for the entire period of study.

(c) Visa for family reunification

This type of visa allows family members of Irish citizens or permanent residents to move to Ireland. Proof of family ties and financial dependence is essential.

(d) Visa for business immigration

Provided for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to set up a business in Ireland. A business plan and proof of sufficient funds for investment are required.

2. Application process

The visa application is submitted through the online platform of the Irish visa application centre. It is necessary to fill in the application form, upload the required documents and pay the consular fee. It is important to note that all documents must be translated into English or Irish and notarised.

3. Features and requirements

Ireland is known for its strict approach to visa processing. Each category has specific requirements for documents and conditions. For example, a study visa requires proof of sufficient funds to cover living and study expenses, while a work visa requires a work permit.

Obtaining a visa for a long-term stay in Ireland is a responsible and multi-stage process that requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the country’s immigration laws. Successfully obtaining a visa opens up a wide range of opportunities for foreigners to achieve their professional and personal goals in one of the most attractive countries to live and work in Europe.

Can you travel with an Ireland residence permit?

A residence permit in Ireland grants foreigners the right to stay in the country for long periods of time. Holders of such a permit are often faced with the question of whether they can travel within Europe and beyond. Let’s take a closer look at the rules and conditions that govern travelling for Irish residence permit holders.

1. Travelling within Ireland

Holders of a residence permit in Ireland are free to move freely within the country. However, a valid national passport and residence permit must be carried with them to enter and leave the country.

2. Travelling to Schengen countries

Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Agreement, so holders of an Irish residence permit do not have an automatic right to enter Schengen countries without a visa. A Schengen visa is required to visit such countries. The process of obtaining a visa involves submitting an application, providing the necessary documents and paying a consular fee.

3. Travelling to the UK

The UK situation is special as the rules for Irish residents are subject to change following Brexit. The current position is that non-EU nationals, including Irish residence permit holders, require a visa to enter the UK, unless otherwise provided for in bilateral agreements or UK policy.

4. Other international travel

For travelling to other countries around the world, Irish residence permit holders are also required to obtain national visas depending on the requirements of the country being visited. It is important to check in advance the visa requirements and entry requirements of the countries of interest.

5. Return to Ireland

After completing their journey, holders of an Irish residence permit must ensure that their permit and passport are valid at the time of return to Ireland. It is also important to carry documentation to prove the purpose of the trip and the conditions of residence in Ireland.

Irish residence permit holders have many opportunities to travel, but each trip requires careful preparation and an understanding of visa requirements. Proper planning and compliance with the law ensures a safe and enjoyable journey and a trouble-free return to Ireland.