➡ 2024 UPDATE
Ireland does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. Instead, EU or EEA citizens can work in Ireland as digital nomads for up to three months without special permits but need to register for extended stays. Non-EU citizens must find employment with an Irish company or secure Irish clients to work there. An alternative for those looking to establish a business in Ireland is the start-up entrepreneur visa, which requires an innovative business plan that can potentially create ten jobs and generate €1,000,000 in sales within four years. Applicants for this visa must demonstrate €50,000 in initial funding and meet other requirements like proving a clean criminal record and having valid health insurance.
Nomad Visa Ireland 2024
For digital nomads considering Ireland as their next destination, understanding visa options is crucial to plan in advance. The optimal choice for short stays is the Short-stay ‘C’ Tourist Visa. This visa permits a stay of up to 90 days, primarily intended for tourism purposes or visiting family and friends. Importantly for digital nomads, this visa allows you to live and travel throughout Ireland while working remotely, provided you are not employed by an Irish company.
You may apply for an extension of an additional 90 days under specific circumstances, such as a medical emergency or being unfit to travel. Such extensions are typically granted only in exceptional cases or if there has been a significant change in your personal situation.
Eligibility for the Short-stay Visa
The requirement to apply for a visa varies by nationality. Nationals from countries such as the United States do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. However, citizens from several other countries do need to secure a visa before arrival. These countries include China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Thailand, and Venezuela.
Visa Requirements
To qualify for the Short Stay ‘C’ visa, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country that requires a visa for Ireland.
- Hold a valid passport.
- Not have an employment contract within Ireland.
Application Tips
- Each individual must apply for a visa separately; there are no group or family visas.
- Parents or legal guardians must apply on behalf of minors.
- Avoid purchasing travel tickets before your visa is approved.
- All visas granted are typically single-entry unless a special circumstance justifies a multi-entry visa.
Financial Requirements
While there is no minimum income requirement, applicants must demonstrate financial sufficiency to support their stay. This includes providing recent bank statements that:
- Are on headed bank paper or officially certified if printed from the internet.
- Display your name, address, account number, and the type of account.
- Show transaction history for the last six months.
Accommodation and Insurance
Proof of accommodation must be provided, whether it’s a hotel booking, Airbnb reservation, or any other type of lodging. While proof of health insurance is not initially required when applying for the visa, it may be requested by a Visa Officer and will be required at the point of entry.
Banking in Ireland
To open a bank account, non-residents need:
- A valid photo ID.
- Proof of address, which can be from your home country.
- Additional documentation if the proof of address is not in English or if the usual residential proofs are unavailable.
This visa does not obligate you to pay employment taxes in Ireland, nor does it require a clean criminal record for application—although a history of visa refusals might prompt requests for additional documentation. With these guidelines, digital nomads can plan an effective and compliant visit to Ireland, enjoying both work and exploration in this culturally rich country.
Applying for the Ireland Short Stay ‘C’ Visa for Remote Work
Embarking on your journey as a digital nomad in Ireland begins with obtaining a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa. This visa is ideal for those who intend to stay in Ireland for less than 90 days for tourism or visiting friends and family while working remotely. The application process is streamlined and can be completed online, but you must apply from your country of residence or where you have legal residency.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before initiating the application, it’s crucial to collect all necessary documents to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you need:
- Application Summary Sheets: Printed and signed.
- Application Letter: Detailing the purpose of your visit and the intended dates.
- Invitation Letter: Required if visiting family or friends, including a color photocopy of their National Identity Card.
- Itinerary Description: Outline your travel plans including accommodations (hotels, Airbnb, etc.).
- Medical or Travel Insurance: To be presented at immigration upon arrival.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Ireland.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Two color photos with your signature on the back and the Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS.
- Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of Return Travel: Such as a return plane ticket.
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt: Confirming payment of the visa application fee.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Access the AVATS online system to fill out your application form. Ensure all details are correct and your handwriting is clear to avoid errors:
- Select Visa Type: Choose the Short Stay ‘C’ Visa and specify it’s for tourism.
- Complete and Print: After entering your information online, print out the summary application form.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
Follow the instructions on the summary application form for submitting your documents and paying the visa fee:
- Submission Instructions: These will vary by country but generally involve sending your documents to the designated Irish Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Office.
- Document Submission: Ensure all documents are correctly submitted as per the guidelines provided in your summary form.
Step 4: Await Approval
After submission, the relevant Irish authority will process your application. You will be contacted once a decision has been made. Processing times vary, but generally, you can expect:
- Standard Processing Time: Approximately 8 weeks from when your documents are received.
Visa Application Costs
- Single Entry: €60
- Multiple Entry: €100
Tax Information
With the Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, you are not required to pay employment taxes in Ireland unless you have a work contract with an Irish employer.