When do Ukrainians need a visa to Ireland and how to apply for it?

Citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa for a short-term stay in Ireland, but a visa is required for work, study or long-term residence. Find out what requirements are imposed on applicants, how to apply, a list of documents, types of visas and much more useful information

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians

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For citizens of Ukraine who have a biometric passport, a visa for a short-term stay in Ireland is not required. But if your goal is to study, work or stay for a long time, you should take care of obtaining the appropriate visa or residence permit in advance.

In this material, we explain in detail when a visa is required to travel to Ireland, how to apply for it correctly and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

A note for Ukrainians with the rules for leaving Ukraine and entering the EU 2025 at the link.

What can be imported and exported from Ukraine: customs rules here. Rules for crossing the Ukrainian border in 2025 here.

Do you need a visa but don't know where to start?

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When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Ireland?

Thanks to the visa-free regime with the EU, citizens of Ukraine can stay in Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period if they have a biometric passport. This rule applies to tourist trips, business trips, visiting friends or participating in short-term events.

Rules for entering the Schengen countries with a non-biometric passport at the link.

A visa to Ireland is required in the following cases:

- You plan to stay for more than 90 days. For example, for long-term treatment, participation in courses, living with family.

- Studying at universities, colleges or language courses.

- Work or internship, including under a contract or through an agency.

- Reunification with family legally residing in Ireland.

What is the fastest way to cross the Ukrainian border - by train, bus or private transfer.

Main types of long-term visas for Ireland

- Work visa for Ireland

Non-EU citizens who wish to work in Ireland must apply in advance for a work visa and a permit for Ireland. To apply for a work visa, you must have a job offer. You and your employer must submit a completed visa application form together (with all required documents).

There are nine different types of work permits. Each one is tailored to a specific work situation. For example, there is one for trainees with critical skills who want to gain experience in Ireland. And another for those working in the sports and cultural sectors. You can apply for one of these online.

- Student visa to Ireland

Citizens of non-EU countries who wish to study in Ireland for longer than three months (90 days) and have been admitted to an Irish university must apply for a student visa to Ireland and a permit. This type of visa will allow you to continue it until the end of your studies.

- Family Visa to Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen or a non-EU citizen residing in Ireland and wish to bring your family members (from non-EU countries) with you, they must apply for a family visa to Ireland. This type of visa is also granted to a family member of an asylum seeker or a foreign national granted subsidiary protection for the required period.

To determine which visa is right for you and prepare the necessary package of documents, consult a visa lawyer at Visit Ukraine. This will help to avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining the document.

How to apply for a visa to enter Ireland?

To apply for a visa to Ireland, you must use the official online system AVATS. Here you can fill out the application form and receive clear instructions on the next steps.

This article discusses obtaining a visa, legalization in the country, and other important aspects of emigration to Ireland in 2025 for Ukrainians.

Applying for a visa to Ireland is a multi-step process, so it is important to proceed step by step:

Step 1 – Significant type of visa

It is important to select the type of trip: work, initial, guest, etc.

Step 2 – Prepare necessary documents

Standard travel includes: a valid foreign passport, 2 current photos, medical insurance, documents confirming the travel destination, financial capacity (bank statements), proof of residence in Ireland.

Step 3 – Sign up to submit documents

To apply for a visa to Ireland, you must use the official online system AVATS. Here you can fill out the application form and receive clear instructions on the next steps.

Step 4 – Submitting an application and paying fees

The application must be submitted promptly, at least 6 months and at least 2 months before the planned date of travel. The visa fee depends on the type of visa.

Step 5 – Cleaning and removing visas

Processing term: up to 60 days, in some cases longer.

If you need assistance with the withdrawal of a residence permit or permission to work in Ireland, seek advice from migration specialists.

What documents are required to obtain a visa to Ireland?

The main documents required to apply for an Irish visa are as follows:

- Visa application form

You must include the completed visa application form with the other required documents. 

- Valid passport

You must have a passport that is not older than ten years, with at least six months of validity remaining and two blank pages.

- Passport-sized photographs

Recent photographs taken no older than six months. Attach a biometric photograph (3 x 3.5 cm) or (4 x 6 cm) as specified in the Schengen photo guidelines.

- Confirmation of the purpose of your trip to Ireland

Invitation letter from your employer, university certificate, etc.

- Proof of housing

Please provide documents that prove that you have or can afford housing. This can be a rental apartment or a letter of invitation from a family member or friend.

- Health insurance

Proof of long-term health insurance.

Read here who needs medical insurance for entry, what requirements apply to tourists, students, refugees, and how to choose and apply for insurance online.

- Bank statement

Your bank statement is required to prove that you have sufficient income to support yourself and travel to Ireland. You must also provide your salary statements for the last three months.

- Cover letter

Write a letter stating the purpose of your visit to Ireland and attach it to the rest of your documents.

- Visa fee receipt

You must attach the fee receipt to the rest of your documents.

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How can you avoid errors when applying for a visa to Ireland?

Most refusals occur due to technical or formal errors. The most common of them are:

- Incorrectly filled out application form.

- Missing documents or errors in dates.

- Out-of-date certificates.

- Lack of financial evidence.

- Incorrectly selected type of visa.

- Attempt to submit false documents.

Such errors lead to refusal of the application for visa. To avoid them, carefully check all the information you provide in the application form and make sure that the package of documents is complete. It is also important to monitor changes in migration legislation and respond to them in a timely manner.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers when applying for a visa to Ireland?

Applying for a long-term visa is often associated with bureaucratic difficulties, lack of up-to-date information and the risk of refusal due to formal errors in the documents. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you avoid common mistakes, correctly prepare a package of documents and navigate all the legal nuances, especially if your situation is non-standard.

Turning to specialists is an opportunity to save time, nerves and get support at every stage of the application.

What can Visit Ukraine lawyers help with?

- Consultation on the type of visa in your situation.

- Verification of the package of documents.

- Assistance in filling out the application form.

- Preparation for application.

- Support in case of refusal or appeal.

Get professional advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers to avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses. Our experts will help you with applying for a visa to Ireland quickly and without stress.

As a reminder! Citizens of Ukraine who have temporary protection in Ireland must extend the document until March 4, 2026. Read here how to extend temporary protection status, details on submitting an application, and other important notes.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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