Visa Guidance

Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not require a visa or employment permit, but non-EEA applicants must ensure they hold both the relevant employment permit and corresponding immigration permission. Lecturers, Senior Lecturers, Researchers, and Professors in key disciplines should all be eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP).

Postdoctoral research positions may also qualify for the CSEP or, where more appropriate, can be facilitated under the Hosting Agreement Scheme, which is designed specifically for academic researchers. If a CSEP or Hosting Agreement is not applicable, including for Research Fellows, Research Assistants, or Professional Support Roles, employment may be supported through the General Employment Permit.

If you are a visa-required national, you must obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland. All supporting documents must be in English or Irish, or accompanied by a certified translation. Please note that the burden of proof lies with the applicant, and incomplete or inaccurate applications may lead to delays or refusals.

The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is a registration certificate issued by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) to confirm your immigration permission in Ireland. It records the type of permission you hold but is not an identity card. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals staying in Ireland for more than 90 days must obtain immigration permission and, once approved, register with ISD. All first-time registrations must now be completed in person at the ISD Registration Office in Dublin.

To remain in Ireland beyond the expiry date of your permission, you must renew your permission and your IRP. All renewals are processed online through the ISD portal, and supporting documents must be uploaded digitally. The fee for registration or renewal is €300 per person, though certain categories are exempt under Irish immigration regulations. Once your application is processed, your IRP card is posted to your address, typically within 10–15 working days.