The granting of an Irish visa is, in effect, only a form of pre-entry clearance. It does not grant permission to enter Ireland. Immigration Officers have authority to grant or deny admission. Visa holders are subject to normal immigration control at the port of entry. They should therefore carry with them, for possible presentation to Immigration Officers, the originals or copies of the documents submitted with their applications. Visa applicants require a valid visa each time they enter the State, including entry via the UK. This also applies to persons who have current permission to reside in the State.

A visa does not grant permission to stay in Ireland. The date of validity shown on the visa indicates only the date before which it must be presented to an Immigration Officer. The length of stay is decided by an Immigration Officers at the port of entry. Irish law does not provide for a permanent residence visa.

A visa holder who remains in the State longer than the permitted period and/or who submitted false or misleading information in support of his/her application may become liable for prosecution and/or subject to deportation.

Travel tickets should not be booked or paid for by applicants until their applications have been approved.

Applications must normally be made through the Irish Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of permanent residence and applicants may be required to attend for personal interview.
Applicants' passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from Ireland following visits.
Three recently-taken passport-size colour photographs must also be submitted with applications.
Children under 16 years of age accompanying a parent or legal guardian do not require visas to enter Ireland. However, they must have passports/travel documents or be named on those of their parents/legal guardians. Papers proving parentage or legal guardianship of such children must also be in the possession of the parents/legal guardians, for inspection by Immigration Officers at ports of entry. Children may remain in Ireland only as long as their parents/legal guardians do so.

Letter of invitation from Irish company slating the reason for and duration of proposed visit and responsibility for the applicant's accommodation/maintenance costs (submit two photocopies).

- Confirmation of hotel booking or letter from reference in Ireland undertaking to provide the applicant with accommodation during his/her stay; and
- Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain him/herself during his/her stay (e.g. recent bank statement) or letter from reference in Ireland undertaking to support the applicant financially during his/her stay; and
- Evidence of obligations in the applicant's country of permanent residence, e.g. letter from employer/college certifying intention to return there after the visit.

- Evidence that the requisite fees have been paid in full; and
- Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain him/herself for the period of his/her proposed stay.

- Work permit; or
- Written confirmation from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment that a work permit will issue

The Application Fee will not be refunded under any circumstances. The fee is charged for each passport submitted. Fees are subject to change without notice.
Single Entry Visa - USD $28
Multiple Entry Visa - USD $56

In general, persons granted visas for particular purposes (e.g. visit; study; accompanying spouse; examination) are not permitted under Irish law to involve themselves in any other activity or to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was specifically granted. A person wishing to undertake any activity in Ireland other than that for which his/her visa was granted (including re-sitting an examination) must leave the State and then apply for a new visa. The applicant may not return to Ireland while awaiting a decision on his/her new application. The Visa Office cannot accept applications for re-entry visas involving change of status in Ireland. Enquiries about change of status must be directed to the Immigration and Citizenship Division, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 72-76 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 [tel: (353 1) 602 8202].

A work permit is required by an employer to employ any person who is not a national of an EU/EEA State. The Employment Regulation Section examines application from employers and issues permits where appropriate. A work permit may only be applied for by an employer on behalf of a prospective employee. A work permit must issue to an employer before the prospective employee can take up an offer of employment.

Applications for Work Permits are made to the Employment Regulation Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Davitt House, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. Applications must be accompanied by two recently taken passport-sized photographs, of the person whose employment is sought, as well as documentary evidence of the employer's efforts to recruit someone of Irish or other EEA nationality.

The application will then be examined in the Department by reference to the above criteria. Depending on the circumstances of the case, consultation may be necessary with other Departments and organisations (representative bodies, professional associations etc.)

Depending on the circumstances, further information or documentation may be requested of the applicant. This will be done in as timely a manner as is possible.

Once the application has been fully considered a decision will be taken either to issue or refuse a permit in the case concerned. Where a permit is issued conditions may also be attached where this is considered appropriate.

The period of validity of a permit will normally begin on the date of commencement of employment and will not, in any case, exceed one calendar year. Applications for renewal of permits can be made on the expiry of the relevant period. The duration of a work permit can be between one month to one year.

From receipt of a work permit application, it takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks to process. Once the application has been fully considered a decision will be taken either to issue or refuse in the case concerned.

Irish Embassy
5 Grokholski Pereulok
(Metro: Prospect Mira)
Moscow 129010 Russia
Tel: 00 7095 737 3637 Visa (after 9.30 GMT - fax)
Tel: 00 7095 737 3636 Embassy
Tel: 00 7095 742-0907
Tel: 00 7095 742-0901
Fax: 00 7095 975-2066
Fax: 00 7095 975-0920
Working hours 9.30-12.30 Moscow Time (6.30-9.30 GMT)

Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment
Irish Embassies
Department of Foreign Affairs

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