Ireland Business Visa - Definitive Guide

Under the short term ‘C’ category, the business permit lets individuals enter the Republic of Ireland and take part in business-related activities. Even though the permit is available as the single-entry type and multiple-entry type, the multiple-entry type is issued in limited cases. However, nationals of the EU and a few other visa-exempt nations do not require the permit to enter. 

The application for the Ireland business visa from Indians is done online. The application submission, however, must be done at one of the Irish Visa Application Centres (VAC) across India. Before starting the application, ensure that you are eligible to apply for the business permit. After this, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

• Acquire all the necessary documents you will need for the business category.
• Visit the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and enter the online portal and fill in your application form. 
• Proceed to pay the fees online.
• You must then proceed to make an appointment for the application submission at one of the VACs located across India. Note that you should submit the application within 30 days of filling the form. 
• Along with the payment confirmation, appointment confirmation, and the documents, visit the respective VAC for your visa appointment. You will also have to submit your biometrics here.

To be eligible to apply for the Ireland business visa for Indian citizens, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must be a resident of India if you are applying from India. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply it to the concerning authority over there. 
• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, as well as submit any old passports.
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business activities.
• You must possess proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ireland.
• You must apply for the permit only if you are travelling to the Republic of Ireland, and not Northern Ireland.

As per the Ireland business visa requirements, the following are the list of documents are required to make the application - 

• A valid Passport-
  • The passport should consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  • It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
  • Passports issued beyond 10 years are not accepted.
  • Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• Covering letter - 
  • The letter should include the applicant's basic details such as name, designation, address, passport number, etc.
  • It should clearly mention the person providing the funds. 
  • It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  • It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Irish embassy.
• Travel documents - 
  • Confirmed flight tickets
  • Proof of accommodation - hotel/hostel bookings, an invitation letter from a host, etc
• Medical travel insurance (in certain cases, will be required only after visa approval)
• Invitation letter from the Irish company

• Proof of return to home - one of the following - 

• • Employment - 
    • Employment contract copy, Employee ID card copy
    • Recent salary payslips
  • Family ties -
    
    • Marriage certificates/Proof of relationship
    • Description of the family
  • Property ties - 
    
    • Rental agreements/Property papers, etc
• Financial documents -
  • Personal bank statements for the last 3 months or copy of updated passbook showing sufficient funds
    
    
    

The following are the Ireland business visa photo requirements- 

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 70-80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the Irish business permit depends on the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as on your previous travel history. Normally, it can take up to 8 weeks from the date of document submission to get your business visa. As a result, it is advised to apply for it well in advance.

The fees for the business permit depends on the foreign exchange rates as well as the embassy’s decision. The embassy has the right to alter the fees without any prior announcement. Apart from the application fee, there will be biometric charges, as well as additional service charges. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Upon successfully submitting the business visa application at a VAC, the application is then transferred to the Ireland Embassy in New Delhi. Note that even though you have made the application has been made at the VAC, the processing is solely in the hands of the embassy. 

After approval, you can collect your passport directly from the VAC, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge. 

You can check the status of your Irish business permit application by clicking here and entering the reference number and your email address. You can also contact your travel agency to have them track it for you. 

Once you have received your passport with the business visa, you must keep in mind the following key points to ensure that you have a pleasant journey. 

Before you travel - 

• Keep in mind the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries on the sticker. You must not stay in Ireland beyond this period.
• Carry all your travel documents before travelling. 

At the border

• The visa alone does not guarantee you entry into the country. This is dependent on the decision of the border control in Ireland.
• You may have to show a copy of supporting documents you have submitted for your visa application at the border control. 

In Ireland

• While on a business permit, you cannot take part in paid or unpaid work for a total duration of more than 14 days. However, you must obtain permission to work for less than 14 days from the border control when you land in the country.
• You are not allowed to use public funds.
• You cannot extend the permit.
• You are only allowed to travel through the Republic of Ireland. You cannot visit Northern Ireland or other countries without specific entry permits. To visit Northern Ireland, you will require a UK visa.