Note 01Route summary
The long-stay D visa is your entry clearance to enter Ireland for more than 90 days to take up work, full-time study or join family.
Ref ELSD-90, typed for the wall
Visas & entryFor individuals
Entry & long-stay D visa
One long-stay D visa, handled end to end, so you reach Ireland cleared to work, study or reunite.
0+ days
Long stay
0 to 12 wks
Typical decision
0 routes
Work, study, family
€0
Single journey fee
Folder 01. Route file, Entry & long-stay D visa
Over 0 days
The long-stay D visa is for entering Ireland to remain longer than 90 days for work, study or family, after which you register for an Irish Residence Permit to make the stay lawful.
Permit first, visa second
If you need an employment permit, secure it before lodging the D visa.
What we'll do for you
One long-stay D visa, handled end to end, so you reach Ireland cleared to work, study or reunite.
Ledger · Entry & long-stay D visa
Entry 01 · registered
Assess your route
We confirm which long-stay D category fits: employment, study or family, and check that any employment permit or enrolment is already in place before you file.
Allow2 to 3 days
Entry 02 · registered
Build the file
We assemble your passport, purpose evidence, proof of finances, accommodation and insurance into a single ISD-ready pack, and pre-empt the queries that cause refusals.
Allow1 to 2 weeks
Entry 03 · registered
Lodge on AVATS
We complete the ISD online application, pay the fee and submit your documents to the correct visa office or embassy, with biometrics booked where required.
Allow1 week
Entry 04 · registered
Track the decision
We monitor the weekly ISD decision lists against your reference number and respond to any request for further documents.
Allow6 to 8 weeks
Entry 05 · registered
Travel and register
Once approved you travel to Ireland, and we prepare you to register your IRP and receive the correct stamp for your route.
Allow1 to 2 weeks
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0to0
weeks to a decision
Plaque 01 The wait
Apply as early as your evidence allows. Long-stay decisions commonly take 8 to 12 weeks, and the fee is not refunded on refusal, so timing and document quality both matter.
Lodged with the fee
€0
Queries handled for youTracked weeklyFigures are indicative
4003002001000
Transit visa€25
Single journey D€60
Multiple entry D€100
IRP registration€300
stubs, in the vitrine
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyEF
Single journey D visa€60Multiple entry D visa€100IRP registration€300
Transit visas, where relevant, are €25. Some nationalities and categories are exempt from visa fees.
receipts, in the vitrine
Single
€60
Multiple
€100
IRP
€300
€25
04 Transit€100
05 Multiple€60
06 Single90Over days
The visa is only entry
08 official€60 single, €100 multi
09 factLong-stay D compared with short-stay C
| Criteria | Long-stay D | Short-stay C |
|---|---|---|
| Intended stay | Over 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Main purpose | Work, study or family | Tourism, visit or business |
| Can register for an IRP | Yes | No |
| Path to residence | Yes | No |
| Single journey fee | €60 | €60 |
Prepare documents
2wk
Lodge online (AVATS)
1wk
Decision
6wk
Travel and register
2wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0weeks
Assess your route
Build the file
Lodge on AVATS
Track the decision
Travel and register
Passport valid for the full intended stayReason for travel: approved employment permit, job offer, enrolment letter or family linkProof of finances to support yourself without recourse to public fundsAccommodation details in IrelandPrivate travel and medical insuranceA completed AVATS online application and signed summary formTwo passport-standard photographs meeting ISD specificationAny category-specific evidence, such as a permit reference or letter of acceptance
Plaque 03 The family
Depending on your route and income, dependants may apply to join you, either at the same time or later through a join-family application. We map the family timeline against your sponsor category from the outset.
more pieces, in the vitrine
Q01Is a D visa the same as an IRP?
No. The D visa is entry clearance that lets you travel to the Irish border. Once you arrive you register with immigration and receive an IRP card, which is your actual residence permit and sets your stamp.
Q02Should I get my employment permit before applying?
Yes. If your route needs an employment permit, secure it first. Lodging a D visa without the approved permit letter is the single most common avoidable refusal we see.
Q03Single or multiple entry, which do I choose?
A single journey visa (€60) admits you once. A multiple entry visa (€100) suits repeated travel during your stay. Most people enter on a single journey and rely on the IRP for re-entry afterwards.
Q04Can my family come with me?
Depending on your route and income, dependants may apply to join you, either at the same time or later through a join-family application. We map the family timeline against your sponsor category from the outset.
Q05What happens if I am refused?
ISD gives written reasons and a right to appeal within a set window. We review the refusal, address the specific grounds and lodge a structured appeal or a stronger fresh application.
Q06How long before travel should I apply?
Apply as early as your evidence allows. Long-stay decisions commonly take 8 to 12 weeks, and the fee is not refunded on refusal, so timing and document quality both matter.
Do firstFree to read
Coming to live in Ireland, ISD hub
Start here to confirm which long-stay D visa category fits your move before you apply.
irishimmigration.ie
Portal€60 single
ISD online portal (AVATS)
Complete and submit the online visa application form, then print the summary for your document pack.
portal.irishimmigration.ie
ToolUpdated weekly
Visa decisions, weekly lists
Check your application reference number against the weekly published decision lists.
irishimmigration.ie
Guide
Coming to work in Ireland
See how a long-stay employment visa fits with your employment permit and what evidence ISD expects.
irishimmigration.ie
Official€300/year
Registering your permission (IRP)
Book your registration after arrival: the D visa only gets you to the border, the IRP lets you stay.
irishimmigration.ie
Guide
Atypical Working Scheme
Check this route if your work in Ireland is short term or does not qualify for an employment permit.
irishimmigration.ie
Note 02Booking note
ISD gives written reasons and a right to appeal within a set window. We review the refusal, address the specific grounds and lodge a structured appeal or a stronger fresh application.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.