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Work & employment permits

Irish Ireland Long Stay 'D' Visa

This long-stay route is for stays of more than 3 months, covering study, work, or joining or moving with a family member to build a life in Ireland.

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ireland government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Long Stay 'D' Visa
Route type
Long-stay visa
Minimum stay
More than 90 days (3 months)
The 'D' visa is for stays longer than 3 months — for example work, study, or joining/moving with family.
Number of entries
Single entry
A long stay 'D' visa is issued as a single-entry visa to travel to Ireland; onward travel rights come from the residence permission you register for after arrival.
Cost
€60 (single entry)
Administrative processing fee. Non-refundable if refused or withdrawn. Some nationalities and categories are fee-exempt.
Where to apply
Online via AVATS, from your home country
Apply from your home country or a country where you are legally resident, up to 3 months before travel.
Passport validity
Valid 12 months beyond arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your planned date of arrival in Ireland.
After arrival
Register for an IRP
To stay beyond 90 days you must register your immigration permission at the immigration office before your landing stamp expires.

Who can apply

  • People coming to study in Ireland for more than 3 months
  • People coming to work in Ireland
  • People joining or moving with a family member to live in Ireland

What you can do

  • Travel to Ireland to begin a long-stay purpose such as study, work or family reunification

Requirements

  • Your reason for coming must justify a stay of more than 3 months — for example an offer of employment, a place on an eligible course of study, or joining/accompanying a family member.
  • For employment, you generally need the relevant Employment Permit (issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment) before applying for the visa.
  • Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your planned arrival date.
  • You must apply from your home country or a country where you are legally resident.
  • You must disclose any previous visa refusals by any country — failure to declare a refusal will result in refusal.

How to apply

  • Complete the long stay 'D' visa application on AVATS, up to 3 months before your date of travel.
  • Follow the instructions on the summary application form the system generates, which tells you where to submit your documents.
  • Print, sign and date the summary form.
  • Pay the €60 fee where applicable.
  • Submit the signed summary form with your supporting documents to the visa office/embassy named on the form.
  • After arriving, register your immigration permission (IRP) at the immigration office before your landing stamp expires if staying longer than 90 days.

Documents you may need

  • The signed AVATS summary application form.
  • Your current passport, valid at least 12 months beyond arrival, plus copies of previous passports where available.
  • Two passport-sized colour photographs, not more than 6 months old.
  • Evidence supporting your reason for the stay — for example your Employment Permit and job offer, your letter of acceptance and fees receipt for study, or evidence of your family relationship.
  • Evidence of finances to support yourself in Ireland.
  • A written account of any previous visa refusal with supporting documentation.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The 'D' visa lets you travel to Ireland to begin a long stay, but you must register your immigration permission at the immigration office after arrival to remain lawfully beyond 90 days.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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