Ireland

Business visit visa / Work visa

The Irish immigration system provides many solutions to help employers of foreign nationals. Requirements, processing times and benefits for accompanying family members vary depending on the type of work authorization.

Business visitors to Ireland typically use a business visa, unless they are visa exempt based on their nationality. While business visits are legally allowed up to 90 days, currently any trip over 14 days will be subject to detailed scrutiny and may not be accepted. The duration of stay should be in line with the return flight itinerary and planned activities. At the discretion of the immigration authorities, business visitors may conduct work-related activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days per three months without obtaining work authorization in advance.

The most common work authorization types are the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for short-term work assignments up to 90 calendar days where there is a business need; the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) for skilled workers hired locally under a contract that lasts at least two years; and the Intracompany Transfer (ICT) Permit for transfers of senior managers, key personnel or trainees for up to five years (or one year for trainees).

Note that EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not require work authorization to work in Ireland. If their assignment type triggers the EU Posted Workers regulations, a notification must be made to the authorities before they start working in Ireland.