Dublin

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Immigration and Citizenship

Information on visa, residency, and citizenship services available in Dublin for immigrants.

Sections

1.1 Visa Categories

Ireland offers various visa types depending on the purpose of your visit. Below are the main categories:

Short-Stay Visas (C Visas)

  • Purpose: For stays of up to 90 days (e.g., tourism, business, family visits).
  • Cost:
    • Single-entry visa: โ‚ฌ60
    • Multiple-entry visa: โ‚ฌ100
  • Required Documentation:
    • Completed visa application form
    • Passport (valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure)
    • Passport-sized photos
    • Proof of purpose of visit (e.g., invitation letter, hotel booking)
    • Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips)
    • Travel insurance
    • Return flight tickets
  • Processing Time: 8-12 weeks (varies by country of application).
  • Where to Apply: Online via the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and submit documents to your local Irish Embassy/Consulate.

Long-Stay Visas (D Visas)

  • Purpose: For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, study, joining family).
  • Cost:
    • Single-entry visa: โ‚ฌ60
    • Multiple-entry visa: โ‚ฌ100
  • Required Documentation:
    • Completed visa application form
    • Passport (valid for at least 12 months)
    • Passport-sized photos
    • Proof of purpose of stay (e.g., job offer, university acceptance letter)
    • Proof of financial means
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Travel insurance
  • Processing Time: 8-12 weeks.
  • Where to Apply: Online via the ISD website and submit documents to your local Irish Embassy/Consulate.

1.2 Residency Permits

If you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you must register for a residency permit.

Registration with Immigration

  • Who Needs to Register: Non-EU/EEA nationals staying longer than 90 days.
  • Where to Register:
    • Dublin Residents: Burgh Quay Registration Office, Dublin 2.
    • Outside Dublin: Local Garda (police) station.
  • Required Documentation:
    • Passport
    • Irish visa (if applicable)
    • Proof of address in Ireland
    • Proof of purpose of stay (e.g., work permit, study letter, marriage certificate)
    • Proof of financial means
  • Cost: โ‚ฌ300 (payable by card only).
  • Outcome: You will receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
  • Timeline: Appointments may take several weeks to secure, so book early.

Types of Residency Permits

  1. Work Permits:

    • General Employment Permit: For most occupations.
    • Critical Skills Employment Permit: For high-demand professions (e.g., IT, healthcare).
    • Cost: โ‚ฌ1,000 (Critical Skills) or โ‚ฌ500-โ‚ฌ1,000 (General).
    • Processing Time: 6-8 weeks.
    • Where to Apply: Online via the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.

  2. Study Permits:

    • Eligibility: Enrolled in a recognized Irish educational institution.
    • Proof Required: Letter of acceptance, proof of tuition payment, and financial means (โ‚ฌ7,000 minimum).
    • Cost: โ‚ฌ300 for IRP registration.

  3. Family Reunification:

    • Eligibility: Spouses, children, or dependent family members of Irish residents or citizens.
    • Proof Required: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of relationship.
    • Cost: โ‚ฌ300 for IRP registration.

2. Citizenship in Ireland

2.1 Eligibility for Irish Citizenship

You can apply for Irish citizenship through the following routes:

Naturalization

  • Eligibility:
    • Must have lived in Ireland legally for 5 out of the last 9 years, including 1 year of continuous residence immediately before applying.
    • Reduced residency requirement for spouses of Irish citizens (3 years).
  • Cost:
    • Application fee: โ‚ฌ175
    • Certificate of Naturalization: โ‚ฌ950 (adults) or โ‚ฌ200 (minors).
  • Required Documentation:
    • Completed application form (Form 8 for adults, Form 9 for minors)
    • Passport
    • Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
    • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements)
    • Tax clearance certificate
    • Proof of good character (police clearance)
  • Processing Time: 12-24 months.
  • Where to Apply: Submit applications to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).

Citizenship by Descent

  • Eligibility: If you have an Irish parent or grandparent.
  • Cost: โ‚ฌ270 for Foreign Birth Registration.
  • Required Documentation:
    • Birth certificates (yours, your parentโ€™s, and/or grandparentโ€™s)
    • Marriage certificates (if applicable)
    • Proof of Irish citizenship of parent/grandparent.
  • Processing Time: 6-12 months.
  • Where to Apply: Online via the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Citizenship by Marriage

  • Eligibility: Married to an Irish citizen for at least 3 years and living in Ireland for 3 out of the last 5 years.
  • Cost: Same as naturalization (โ‚ฌ175 application fee, โ‚ฌ950 certificate fee).
  • Required Documentation:
    • Marriage certificate
    • Proof of cohabitation
    • Proof of spouseโ€™s Irish citizenship.

3. Local Considerations in Dublin

3.1 Key Offices

  • Burgh Quay Registration Office:
    • Address: 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
    • Services: IRP registration, visa extensions.
    • Appointment Required: Book online via the ISD website.
  • Department of Justice:
    • Handles citizenship applications and immigration appeals.
  • Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB):
    • Address: 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
    • Services: Immigration enforcement and queries.

3.2 Cultural Tips

  • Punctuality: Be on time for appointments.
  • Documentation: Always carry copies of your passport, visa, and IRP.
  • Language: English is the primary language, but Irish (Gaelic) is also an official language.
  • Banking: Open an Irish bank account for proof of financial means and salary deposits.
  • Housing: Dublin has a competitive rental market; start your search early.

4. Additional Resources

This guide provides a structured overview of immigration and citizenship processes in Dublin, Ireland. If you need further assistance or clarification, feel free to ask!