Irish Visa Applications

Need support with Irish Visa Applications?

Apply for your Irish Visa today

If you are planning on visiting Ireland from a non-EEA country, you will need a visa to enter and stay in the country. Our highly experienced immigration solicitors are here to help you.

The visa application process is complex with a strict set of rules, and many applicants are unaware of the volume of information required in order to be successful. It is advisable to obtain specific advice before making an application.

We have extensive experience across all visa application types, assisting clients through the entire process by preparing detailed submissions, liaising with the visa office/embassy and helping with any appeals should an application be turned down.

To book a consultation with one of our expert visa application solicitors, simply let us know which type of visa you require and we will be in touch. Domestic immigration consultation fees start at €245 (including GB) and international start at $349.

Call us now on +353 (0)1 264 5555 or complete our Online Enquiry and we’ll be delighted to help you.

Types of Visas in Ireland

There are two types of visa available for people wishing to travel to Ireland. The type of visa you need depends on why you are coming and how long you plan to stay in Ireland:

Short-stay ‘C’ visas – suitable for a single entry or multiple entries for up to three months, for example, tourism or short family visits
- Tourist visa
- Stamp 0 visa

Long-stay ‘D’ visas – suitable for stays in Ireland longer than three months to pursue a course of study, work or permanent residence in Ireland
- Business visa
- Work visa/permit
- Student visa
- Join spouse or family visa
- Retirement visa

Making an Irish Visa Application

1. We arrange a meeting with you to discuss your application
We arrange an appointment with you to get a better understanding of your specific needs and requirements. We can do this over the phone, at our offices or via video.
2. We advise of all the information you will require to support your application
To get things moving, we will discuss your circumstances and advise on all the information you should provide to support your application.
3. We present your case to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
Using our years of experience and insight, our specialist team will then compile a detailed and strategic application for you before presenting the best case possible to the INIS and any other relevant bodies.

4. The INIS assess your case
Once we have presented your application, the INIS will assess it and issue a determination.
5. We help you decide the next step following the determination
If you receive a negative decision from the INIS, our solicitors will give an honest assessment of whether it is fair. This helps you to make a decision about whether or not to accept the decision or make an appeal.

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FAQs About Irish Visa Applications

We get a lot of general enquiries about Irish visa applications – many of which are easily answered and don’t require our assistance. Before you get in touch with us today, please check if your query has already been answered below.

If you are unable to find an answer, and still require help with your visa application, we can help. Our quality fixed-fee service will ensure that the visa application process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

You will need to apply for a visa to enter Ireland if you are a citizen of a visa-required country. Common countries that we help make applications for a visa include:

To check whether you need a visa, visit the INIS website.

How long does the visa application process take?

All visas are processed in the order they are received. You can view the processing times on the INIS website here.

Does my child/children need their own Irish visa if they are travelling with their parents?

Each child needs a visa in their own name. The fee is the same for adults and children.

Can I travel to the UK and Northern Ireland on an Irish visa?

If you want to travel to the UK and Northern Ireland, you will need a UK visa. If you want to travel to both Ireland and the UK, but will travel to Ireland first, you will need a multiple-entry Irish visa as well as a UK visa. The process of applying for a UK visa is different to that of an Irish visa, you can apply for a UK visa here.

Can I enter Ireland if I live in Northern Ireland and hold a valid UK visa?

You will need a valid Irish visa to enter Ireland even if you are only entering for a short amount of time.

Can I travel to Ireland on a valid Schengen visa?

Ireland is not in the Schengen zone, so you will need to apply for an Irish visa to enter the country.

Can I apply for an Irish visa from another country that is not my country of residence?

Generally, you need to make an application for a visa from your country of residence.

Can I still apply for an Irish visa if I have a criminal record?

In order to make an application with a criminal record, you will need to disclose full details when you apply. Be aware that if your criminal record includes repeated serious crime or breaches of immigration law, you may be refused a visa.

Can you help if my visa application has been refused or rejected?

If you’ve applied for an Irish visa but it has been refused or rejected, we can help by reviewing your application and advising on the best way forward, so you stand the best chance of making a successful application. Contact our team today.

How do I apply for an extension on my visa?

You will be required to contact the immigration service and make an application for long or short-term residency. For more information, visit the INIS website.

What Our Clients Say

Successful visa application for a dependent family member of an EU national

My mother-in-law applied for a visa as a dependent family member of an EU national – she received a letter from the INIS to say that they wanted to reject her application.

I made an appointment to see Sharon Shaw who told me not to worry and said she would write a letter to the INIS to explain my mother-in-law’s situation.

She sent them ONE letter and within four weeks, my mother-in-law received a letter to say her application had been successful!

I would recommend Sharon to anyone who has an immigration issue. She is a real gem. Thank you so much.

R N

Successful handling of long and complex immigration case
I have nothing but the highest praise for Gibson & Associates – they handled a long and difficult immigration case and won. I was kept up to date on proceedings throughout.

The firm has a great team of lawyers who deal with various complex proceedings and I would personally never hesitate to use them again.

Teresa Laine

Successful application for family visa
We highly recommend Gibson & Associates Solicitors – they got my family’s visa to come to Ireland. My partner and I got married on 24th December 2015, after returning home in February 2016, I, unfortunately, had two strokes that year. After three attempts for a tourist visa, I was unable to get a visa for my family and was told that I couldn’t travel due to my condition.

After two years and eight months, we decided to contact Gibson & Associates and received help from Sharon Shaw. Within a couple of weeks, my wife and daughter received their visa, arriving in Ireland on 7th November – a day before my birthday! My family is here now for six months.

Thank you so much for your help. If you have a problem with your visa like me and my family, go to Gibson & Associates!

The Rooney Family

Satisfied client returns for visa application help
I knew Sharon Shaw for years from another company. She is customer-focused and service-oriented, so when I needed visa services again, I called the number I used to have but it was forwarded to Gibson & Associates and I insisted on speaking to Sharon.

I was delighted to have Sharon’s very good customer service again – she understands her client’s story. It is worthy to mention Gillian too who is always there to speak to you in Sharon’s absence – thank you, Gillian. Also, the receptionist Karol is always ready to forward your call to your contacts.

Thank you to all. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous

Successful join spouse visa application

Highly recommend Gibson & Associates. I went to them for help with my husband’s join spouse visa application and they were very professional and made it so straight forward for us. Our application was successful 🙂

Grace Doyle Brown

Satisfied client following Brexit-related immigration matter

I needed advice upon a Brexit-related immigration matter and instructed Sharon Shaw of Gibson & Associates having come across them on the internet. I am very pleased that I did. As a lawyer myself I appreciate and recognise technical expertise coupled with exceptional client care. The matter was completed ahead of time and I was kept fully informed at every step of the process with email and telephone calls promptly returned. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sharon and Gibson & Associates.

Tim O’Sullivan

Meet Our Immigration Team

Sharon Shaw

Megan McKeon

Kellie McLaughlin

Why Choose Gibson & Associates LLP?

We specialise in Irish visa applications, making sure you have the best chance of receiving approval. We aim to make what can be a complicated process, a simple and hassle free one, so you can focus on your plans for your time in Ireland.

The team will explain the requirements you need to meet, check that you are able to meet them and advise on the most appropriate application. We are committed to ensuring you get the best results for your visa needs.

Our solicitors put our clients at the heart of everything they do, and you will be allocated one of our immigration lawyers who will be your point of contact and take care of everything – from choosing the right visa to the application process itself.

We are here to help

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