A person can move to Ireland from India by applying for suitable visas. The legislation on immigration in Ireland stipulates that Indians must obtain a visa for both short and long-term stays.
For short-term stays (visits with a duration of maximum 90 days) the tourist visa is generally the most suitable document. However, it must be noted that this document allows its holder to perform limited activities in this country. For instance, it does not allow to: 1) participate in unpaid work activities, 2) seek paid employment, 3) immigrate to Ireland from India for medical purposes.
For those who want to relocate to Ireland for any of the purposes mentioned above, other visa options have to be explored; our immigration lawyer in Ireland can present such visa pathways.
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What are the conditions to apply for a short-stay visa in Ireland?
The short-stay visa is also known as the C visa and it is the immigration document that grants the right to arrive to Ireland for a period of maximum 90 days. This document is usually requested for the following purposes: 1) visiting family and friends, 2) visiting Ireland, 3) for business purposes.
Depending on the needs of an applicant, the visa can be issued as: 1) single entry visa, 2) multiple entry visa. Regardless of the type of access the foreigner has, the duration of stay can’t be longer than the visa validity.
If the foreigner decides to relocate to Ireland from India for a period exceeding the visa validity, there are other possibilities, such as applying for a different visa and for a temporary residence permit. You can find out the steps of the procedure from our immigration lawyer in Ireland.
You can also find out from our team the types of fees that are applied for this procedure and if there are any exemptions from the payment of the fees. Those who want to obtain a C visa in order to immigrate to Ireland from India on a short-term basis must respect the following:
- have a passport that has a validity of at least 6 months after the date of departure from Ireland;
- the passport should have 2 blank pages and the applicant should present 2 recent photos with a dimension of 35×45 mm, that were taken with maximum 3 months before the application;
- if the person will move to Ireland from India for tourism, it is necessary to show evidence on having sufficient financial funds – bank statements for the last 6 months are necessary and last 3 salary pay slips for those who are employed;
- the evidence of the payment of the visa processing – EUR 60 or EUR 100;
- the minimum period for the visa processing is 7 days since the application file is submitted, but in practice it can take 10-14 days.
What are the requirements for a business visa in Ireland?
A person can relocate to Ireland from India for business purposes as well. The C visa can be issued to businessmen staying here less than 90 days. The visa requirements are comprised of 13 basic steps. Besides the identity documents that have to respect the above-mentioned requirements, Indian applicants must have an invitation letter from a company located in Ireland.
If the company in Ireland is a sponsor of the Indian businessman, documents attesting the company’s responsibilities must be added to the file (accommodation arrangements, travel expenses made by the company, etc.).
The application file must contain: 1) the applicant’s income tax reports for the last 3 years, 2) the company’s tax reports for the last 3 years, 4) corporate bank statements for the last 6 months, 5) personal bank statements for the last 6 months, 5) last 6 pay slips of the Indian applicant.
Other types of visas that can be requested in order to move to Ireland from India are available with the Department of Foreign Affairs. The law on immigration to Ireland prescribes a variety of visas granted for long-stays (D visa), issued for reasons such as:
- employment;
- study;
- family reunification.
For each of these visa options, applicants who plan to move to Ireland from India need to present specific documents, in accordance with the purpose of the arrival.
Of course, our immigration lawyers can also assist foreigners arriving from India who want to apply for a residence permit in Ireland issued on a long-term basis. Usually, foreigners will obtain a long-term residency permit when they arrive here for employment. For this, a suitable visa is required and our team can present the main options Indians have, based on their level of experience and education.
Alike, Indians can rely on our team for assistance on Irish citizenship. Most of the foreigners will qualify for citizenship in Ireland by naturalization, a process which is based on the residency of a person. Our team can help you prepare the documents for the application.
Documents necessary for long-stay visas in Ireland
The paperwork required for a long-stay visa will vary greatly based on the purpose for which the visa is required. However, in all cases, Indian applicants must present their identity papers, along with all the necessary documentation for the visa of interest. For instance, for a work visa, the below mentioned papers are mandatory:
- travel/medical insurance;
- the employment permit;
- the job contract attesting that the applicant has secured a job in a company operating in Ireland;
- details concerning the work activity that makes the person eligible for the respective job position;
- relevant diplomas and other papers attesting the education of the individual;
- the application letter.
The rules on immigration to Ireland for foreigners who relocate for family reunification state that the applicant must show documentation attesting the family tie with the individual with which they want to reunite in Ireland. Presenting this type of papers is mandatory, along with the details of the family member who already lives in Ireland.
This also includes their visa details, information on their residency in Ireland (the type of residency, their residential address, etc.). Regardless of the visa type, persons who move to Ireland from India must present their accommodation arrangements made in this country.
For those who apply for family reunification, the home address of their family member living in Ireland can be used as a proof of having suitable accommodation.
Please know that our immigration lawyer in Ireland can provide legal assistance that exceeds the sphere of immigration services, therefore you can rely on us to find a suitable accommodation within your budget range. Our team can negotiate and sign a rental contract on your behalf and make sure that all the legal procedures are completed as required by law.
Appealing visa refusals in Ireland
Not all visa applications are successful, therefore a percentage will be refused by the Irish authorities. When this happens, the authorities will provide a reason as to why an application was refused and, based on the law on immigration to Ireland, will mention if the applicant has the right to appeal the decision (not all visa refusals can be appealed, according to law).
If the authorities grant the right to appeal the decision, please know that you have 2 months to make the appeal (documents received after the 2 months thresholds will not be taken into account); our immigration lawyer in Ireland can represent clients in this procedure as well.
Please contact our immigration lawyer in Ireland for advice on long-term visas issued for Indians. Our attorney can help Indians who want to move to Ireland from India on a long-term/permanent basis.
