How to Move to Ireland
Ireland is an attractive English-speaking EU destination with strong demand in tech, healthcare and hospitality. Work migration is a two-part process: first an Employment Permit (handled by the Department of Enterprise), then — if you are a "visa-required" national — an entry visa. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is the fast track to long-term residence.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Ireland embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Ireland has embassies in several African countries (e.g. Abuja, Nairobi, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Cairo, Maputo, Freetown). Where there is no embassy, you apply through a designated visa office or VFS centre. Use the locator to confirm yours.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
OMK House, 238 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
+27 12 452 1000 Open in Google MapsDelta Office Suites, Manyani Road (off Waiyaki Way), Nairobi
+254 20 513 5300 Open in Google MapsGuinea Conakry Street, Kazanchis (behind Radisson Blu), Addis Ababa
+251 11 518 0500 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Ireland has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Permit processing typically several weeks; entry visa adds more time.
Permit fee ~€1,000 + entry visa fee (~€60–100) if visa-required.
2 years; pathway to long-term residence and reunification rights.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer in an eligible critical-skills occupation (e.g. ICT, engineering, healthcare).
- Minimum annual salary threshold met (higher for general roles, lower for degree-listed critical roles).
- A relevant degree or essential experience for the role.
- A 2-year employment contract from an Irish employer.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a qualifying job offer
Secure a 2-year contract in a critical-skills occupation meeting the salary threshold.
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2
Apply for the Employment Permit
You or your employer applies online via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).
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3
Receive the permit
Once approved, you receive the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
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4
Apply for an entry visa (if required)
Visa-required nationals apply for a "D" long-stay employment visa via AVATS online, then submit at a visa office/embassy.
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5
Travel to Ireland
Enter Ireland with your permit and visa.
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6
Register your residence (IRP)
After arrival, register with immigration to get your Irish Residence Permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Critical Skills holders can bring family sooner than General Permit holders.
- Check the current "Critical Skills Occupations List" — it changes.
- Apply for the permit first; the entry visa depends on it.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your Critical Skills Employment Permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks for the permit + entry visa time.
Permit fee ~€500–€1,000 depending on duration + entry visa fee.
Up to 2 years, renewable; can lead to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer meeting the minimum salary threshold.
- The role is not on the ineligible occupations list.
- A Labour Market Needs Test may be required (employer advertises the role first).
- Valid passport and qualifications for the role.
What to do, step by step
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1
Secure a job offer
Get an offer meeting the salary threshold in an eligible occupation.
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2
Labour Market Needs Test
Usually the employer must advertise the job locally/EU first to show no EEA worker was available.
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3
Apply via EPOS
Submit the General Employment Permit application online.
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4
Apply for entry visa
Visa-required nationals apply for a long-stay "D" visa through AVATS.
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5
Travel and register (IRP)
Enter Ireland and register for your residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Family reunification is more restricted than on the Critical Skills route.
- After 5 years of legal residence you may apply for long-term residency.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your General Employment Permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks; apply well before course start.
Visa fee ~€60–€100 + tuition + proof of ~€10,000 living funds.
Course length; degree students can access a post-study "Third Level Graduate" scheme.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance on an eligible full-time course (on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes).
- Proof you can pay fees and support yourself (~€10,000).
- Private medical insurance.
- Evidence you will leave at the end (immigration intent).
What to do, step by step
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1
Get accepted on an eligible course
Receive a letter of acceptance and pay tuition (or the required portion).
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2
Show your finances
Demonstrate ~€10,000 for living costs plus fees.
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3
Buy medical insurance
Arrange private health insurance for your stay.
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4
Apply online via AVATS
Complete the long-stay study visa application and submit documents at the visa office.
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5
Travel & register (IRP)
After arrival, register with immigration and get your IRP card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Graduates of degree programmes can stay to seek work under the Third Level Graduate Programme.
- You can usually work part-time (often 20 hrs/week in term, 40 in holidays).
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your Student visa (Long-stay D) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationCan take several months depending on category.
Entry visa fee (~€60–100); financial evidence required.
Tied to your sponsor's permission; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your family member (sponsor) is legally resident with eligible status.
- Genuine relationship that you can evidence.
- The sponsor meets income/financial criteria (varies by category).
What to do, step by step
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1
Check your sponsor's eligibility
Critical Skills permit holders, citizens and certain residents can sponsor family.
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2
Gather relationship & financial evidence
Prepare marriage/relationship proof and income documents.
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3
Apply online via AVATS
Complete the join-family visa application and submit to the visa office.
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4
Decision & travel
After approval, travel to Ireland.
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5
Register residence (IRP)
Register with immigration after arrival.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Critical Skills permit holders enjoy faster family reunification — a major advantage.
- Strong, consistent relationship evidence speeds approval.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Start your Family reunification / Join family application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Ireland work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Ireland — both completely free.
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Questions about Ireland visas
How much does the Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit cost?
The Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit costs: Permit fee ~€1,000 + entry visa fee (~€60–100) if visa-required. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit take?
Processing for the Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit takes permit processing typically several weeks; entry visa adds more time. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit is valid for 2 years; pathway to long-term residence and reunification rights. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Ireland General Employment Permit cost?
The Ireland General Employment Permit costs: Permit fee ~€500–€1,000 depending on duration + entry visa fee. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Ireland General Employment Permit take?
Processing for the Ireland General Employment Permit takes several weeks for the permit + entry visa time. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Ireland General Employment Permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Ireland General Employment Permit is valid for up to 2 years, renewable; can lead to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Ireland Student visa (Long-stay D) cost?
The Ireland Student visa (Long-stay D) costs: Visa fee ~€60–€100 + tuition + proof of ~€10,000 living funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Ireland Student visa (Long-stay D) take?
Processing for the Ireland Student visa (Long-stay D) takes several weeks; apply well before course start. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Ireland Student visa (Long-stay D) valid for?
The Ireland Student visa (Long-stay D) is valid for course length; degree students can access a post-study "Third Level Graduate" scheme. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Ireland Family reunification / Join family cost?
The Ireland Family reunification / Join family costs: Entry visa fee (~€60–100); financial evidence required. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Ireland Family reunification / Join family take?
Processing for the Ireland Family reunification / Join family takes can take several months depending on category. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Ireland Family reunification / Join family valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Ireland Family reunification / Join family is valid for tied to your sponsor's permission; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.