How to Apply for an Ireland Visa From Nigeria

How to Apply For an Ireland Visa From Nigeria

Nigerians can apply for an Ireland visa suited to the purpose of their stay. Short-stay (C) visas allow you to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days for business, tourism, and short-term study. Long-stay (D) visas allow the holders to study for more than 90 days to work or reunite with family. You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

The Ireland visa application process can be complex, with ever-changing immigration laws and stringent documentation requirements. Errors from incomplete documents or lack of knowledge can cause visa denials. This can be disheartening due to the time and resources the process consumes.

However, seeking professional guidance during the application process can give you the reassurance and confidence you need to meet your immigration goals without the stress.

At Immigration Advice Service, our expert lawyers can help you avoid common mistakes in Irish visa applications. They offer bespoke advice, help you understand the eligibility requirements, assess your suitability for the visa you need, and submit a strong application on your behalf.

Nigerian Emigration

For Nigerian emigration matters, please call +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013438882

Other Immigration and Emigration Matters

For immigration/emigration to/from other countries, please call:

US –  +1 844 290 6312

Ireland –  (+353) 061 518 025

UK –  (+44) 333 4149244

Understanding Ireland Visa Types For Nigerian Citizens Overview

Tourist Visa

Nigerians visiting Ireland for less than 3 months can apply for a Short-stay Tourist Visa (C Visa). You can visit friends and family living in Ireland with this visa. It does not permit you to do any work.

You are also not entitled to any public benefits. A border officer will check your reason for visiting and decide if you can enter Ireland. There are 2 types of tourist visas: the single entry and the multiple entry visa.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an Irish Tourist Visa, you’ll have to:

• Prove your nationality
• Show that you have enough funds to travel to Ireland and support yourself while you are in the country
• Prove that your reason for travelling to Ireland is genuine
• Show that you will return to Nigeria after you visit Ireland
• Show the relationship between you and your friend or family you intend to visit in Ireland
• Prove that you have a place to stay upon arrival in Ireland
• Provide information about previous visas from Ireland if this applies

Documents Required

You must prove your eligibility to get an Irish Tourist Visa by presenting the following supporting documents:

• Application summary sheet showing you have completed all the parts of the application form
• Receipt showing that you have paid the required visa fees
• Signed and dated visa application letter outlining the reason for your visit. The letter must contain your legal name and address. You must also specify your proposed entry and departure dates, the address of where you’ll stay on arrival, details of the relationship between you and your family member or friend, and information about any family member living in the EU. Lastly, you must include a commitment to obey the terms of your visa and leave the country upon visa expiration
• Signed and dated invitation letter from your family or friend showing that they invited you to visit and for what reason. It should also state their relationship with you and contain a copy of their identification document. If you intend to stay in their house, they must indicate this in the letter and mention their address. They must also add that they expect you to comply with immigration rules
• Proof of accommodation, such as a letter from a family or friend or a receipt showing that you have booked a hotel or Airbnb
• Receipt showing you have paid the visa fees
• You must submit an ECOWAS passport that is valid for up to 6 months after your visa expires. You must also submit other passports showing previous visas
• Letter outlining your travel plans if you are applying outside Nigeria or if you plan to visit other countries from Ireland
• Bank statement showing your account history for the past 6 months. You are not required to show a specified amount. You can show a third party’s bank statement, but they must add a letter bearing their full name, address, email address, and phone number and state that they are sponsoring your trip
• Admission, employment letter, marriage, birth certificates, property deeds, and tax certificates to prove that you have strong ties to Nigeria
• Proof you have purchased travel or medical insurance with a minimum value of €25,000
• Evidence you have been denied a visa or entry clearance to any country in the past if it applies. You must also indicate if you have been deported or removed from any country

Business Visa

The Ireland Business Visa is for Nigerians visiting Ireland for business purposes. It is also a short-stay visa with a validity of up to 90 days. You can also use the visa to work for 14 days or less. The Business Visa allows you to attend conferences and meetings.

You can meet business partners to negotiate deals or assess Ireland for business. Like the Tourist visa, the Business visa does not give you entitlement to public benefits. You cannot extend your stay.

Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for getting the Ireland Business Visa are:

• Evidence you have enough money for the trip to Ireland and back
• Travel letter
• Proof that you will return to Nigeria once your business trip ends
• Evidence of your nationality

Documents Required

You must submit the original copies of the following documents to prove your eligibility for the visa:

• Application letter outlining the reasons for your intended travel to Ireland. The letter must contain your trip dates, accommodation information, and details of any family member living in Ireland or the EU. You must state this even if you have no intentions of visiting them. Your letter must also contain an undertaking that you will obey the terms of your visa
• Invitation letter from your business partner or the company you are visiting. The letter must outline the reason and dates of your visit. It should also show the existing relationship between you two, like email correspondence. The company must also state if they will financially support your visit. If you intend to visit many companies, you’ll need to get an invitation letter from them all
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel or Airbnb booking receipts. If you are staying with someone, they must write to the Irish Embassy. The letter should state their address, your visit dates, and if they are funding your stay. They must add a copy of their utility bill or bank statement that proves they truly live at the address stated in the letter
• ECOWAS passport valid for 6 months after your visa expires. You should also include other passports with other visas previously issued to you
• Two recent passport photographs. You must write your name and visa application transaction number behind the passports
• Bank statements showing you can sponsor yourself to and from Ireland. If someone else pays for your trip, they must send you their bank statement
• Proof of ties to Nigeria, such as an admission letter to show you are in school, marriage or birth certificates to show you have a family, or employment letters and payslips that show you have a job. You can submit your business registration or tax certificates if you have your own business
• Medical or travel insurance
• Receipt showing you have paid the visa fees
• Signed and dated application summary

Study Visa

Nigerians who want to study in Ireland must apply for a Study Visa. There are 2 types of Irish study visas: the C Study Visa and the D Study Visa. With the C Study Visa, you can study in Ireland for no more than 90 days, while the D Study Visa permits you to study in Ireland for more than 90 days. With the study visa, you are not eligible to claim public benefits. Nigerians on an Irish study visa can work up to 20 hours weekly during school and full-time during the holiday.

Eligibility Criteria

Nigerians interested in studying in Ireland must prove that they have:

• Enrolled in a full-time study in a programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP)
• Paid full tuition
• A proper understanding of the English language
• Enough money to cover your living expenses for the duration of the course

Documents Required

Here are the documents you must show to prove your eligibility for an Irish Study Visa:

• Acceptance letter from an eligible school in Ireland. It must confirm your enrollment in a full-time program. Your study time per week must be at least 15 hours
• Proof you have the ability to study your chosen course, such as previous academic qualifications and certificates
• Evidence you can understand the English language. You are exempt from this if you are to study an English language course
• Receipt showing you have paid your tuition in full
• Bank statement showing you have at least €10,000 to take care of yourself for each year of studies. You can also use the bank statement of a third party who has agreed to sponsor you
• Travel or medical insurance worth up to €25,000
• Proof you will come back to Nigeria when you finish school
• Explanation of any study or employment gaps in your resume
• Receipt showing you have paid the visa fees
• Signed and dated application summary

Family Visa

You can join your family member resident in Ireland as a spouse, child (below 18 years), or a dependent child studying full time and is not older than 23, de Facto partner or parent. To join your family in Ireland, they must be Irish, UK, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Otherwise, they’d need to be in Ireland on any of the following permits:

You can join family immediately if the sponsoring family member holds one of the following:

• Critical Skills Employment Permit
• Business Permit
• Entrepreneur permit
• Investor permit
• Permit for PhD
• Permit for non-locum doctors with full-time employment
• Stamp 4 holders

You can join your family member after 12 months if they hold:

• Intra Corporate Transfer Permits
• General Skills Employment Permit
• Minister of Religion Permit

Eligibility Criteria

• You must show the relationship between you and the family member in Ireland is genuine and subsisting
• Your family member must be a legal resident or citizen of Ireland
• You must prove your family member has enough money to take care of you if you join them in Ireland

Documents Required

• ECOWAS passport with at least 2 blank pages. You must also include other passports with visas that you have held
• Two recent and coloured passport photographs
• Signed and dated application form
• Letter of application outlining your reason for moving to Ireland. The letter must also contain your personal details and the details of your relative in Ireland
• A copy of your family member’s passport if they are an Irish, UK, EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
• Copy of your family member’s employment permit
• Marriage, birth, and adoption certificates to prove your relationship with the family member in Ireland
• If you are in a civil or de facto partnership, you must provide proof of relationship history, such as messages, photos, and joint tenancy
• Bank statements of you and your family members in the past 6 months
• Payslips of the past 3 months
• Employment contract of your family member showing his monthly or annual income
• Travel insurance worth a minimum of €25,000
• Notice of assessment of income if your family member is a business person
• Proof your family member has earned a minimum of €40,000 in the past 3 years if they are Irish
• Proof that your sponsor has earned at least €30,000 in the past 2 years, if they have an employment permit. The amount increases if there are children in the picture. Your family member must prove they earn an extra €521 weekly if you have one child, €622 for 2 children, €723 for 3 children, and €834 for 4 children

Work Visa

You can move to Ireland to work as a Nigerian if you have a valid work permit. Work permits are issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). To get an employment permit from the DETE, you need a valid job offer from an Irish employer. After getting an employment permit, you’ll still have to obtain a visa to enter Ireland.

There are different types of employment permits you can get from the DETE:

• Sports and Cultural Employment Permit: If you have special skills in business or sports, you can apply for this permit
• Reactivation Employment Permit: If you lost your employment permit due to a change in government policy or employer abuse, you can apply for this permit
• General Employment Permit: This is for jobs that are less in-demand and do not require special skills
• Critical Skills Employment Permit: This permit is for skilled workers who have a job offer in a field with a skills shortage in Ireland
• Contract for Service Employment Permit: You can apply for this permit if the company you work for in Nigeria is sending you to Ireland to work on a contract basis for an Irish company
• Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit: This permit allows you to transfer from a Nigerian company to its branch in Ireland. It is only available for key personnel, senior management officers, and graduate trainees
• Internship Employment Permit: This permit is for Nigerian students who want to intern in Ireland. The internship must be a prerequisite for completing your studies. It is valid for up to 12 months and no longer. It must also pay you the Irish minimum wage
• Hosting Agreement for Academic Researchers: This is the only employment permit not issued by the DETE. It is issued by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science for researchers attached to an eligible research institute in Ireland
• Exchange Agreement Employment Permit: This permit is for Nigerians working in Ireland due to exchange programmes like Fullbright and the International Association for the Exchange of Technical Experience (IAESTE)

Eligibility Criteria

To get a work visa, you must:

• Have a valid job contract from an eligible employer in Ireland
• Show your employer took the Labour Markets Needs Tests and could not find any Irish, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen fit for the role
• Prove to the Irish Embassy that 50% of the company’s employees are Irish, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens
• Show that your job pays at least €38,000 yearly if you are applying for the Critical Skills Employment Permit
• If you are applying for the General Skills Employment Permit, you must show that your job pays at least €34,000 yearly
• Show that your job pays at least €46,000 as a senior manager or €34,000 as a trainee if you apply for the Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
• For a Hosting Agreement for Academic Researchers Permit, your salary must be a minimum of €23,811 per annum or €30,000 if you are going with your family

Documents Required

• Employment contract signed by you and your Irish employer
• Contact information like phone number, email address, and the name of the key personnel in your prospective company
• Information about the company, such as address, official name, branches, organogram, and business registration number
• Details about your job description, including your salary, employment duration, and terms of employment
• ECOWAS passport with at least 2 blank pages
• Two recent passport photographs

Step-by-Step Guide to the Ireland Visa Application Process

The Ireland visa online application is managed through the AVATS platform. To apply for a visa, you must visit the platform, create an account, and then select the type of visa you want to apply for. Follow the instructions on the platform and fill out the application form. Next, add your supporting documents in the space provided and then print out the application summary when you are done. Sign and date the application summary, scan it onto the platform and submit it.

Visit VFS Global’s website and choose any of its locations in Abuja or Lagos. Take your original documents to your appointment. Add an address where your documents will be returned after the application process. The officials at VFS Global will collect your biometrics and original supporting documents.

Application Process for the Employment Permit

To apply for a work visa to Ireland, you must first apply to the DETE for an employment permit via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). Your employer can also apply for you. Take the steps below:

• Go to the EPOS website
• Select the type of permit you are looking to apply for
• Add your passport details
• Attach your supporting documents. The documents must be no larger than 10 MB and in one of the following formats: PNG, JPEG, JPG, or PDF
• Print the application summary, sign it, scan it, and upload it to the system again
• Pay the fee online
• Submit your application

Ireland Visa Application Process

Here’s how IAS can help you navigate the Ireland visa application process:

Step 1: Our expert immigration lawyers will consult with you and determine the best immigration pathway for you based on your goals.
Step 2: You will be notified of all the documents you need to submit your application.
Step 3: We can complete the application form on your behalf or guide you in doing so.
Step 4: Our team can guide you through submitting your visa application and paying the relevant visa fees.
Step 5: We will schedule biometric submission with VFSGlobal after submitting your visa application.
Step 6: Sit back and wait for a decision.
Step 7: Our job does not end with submitting your application. We can also track it and follow up if the response is taking too long.

Processing Time and Visa Fees

Visa Processing Time

Visa Fees

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

Accurate information and complete documentation are important when applying for a visa. Incomplete documentation can cause your visa to be denied.

If you cannot prove that you will return to Nigeria when your visa expires, your visa may also be refused. To mitigate this, you need to include details about your family, work, or business to prove you will go home after your stay.

Your visa application to Ireland may be denied if your purpose for travelling to Ireland is unclear. You need to explicitly show why you want to visit Ireland. To prove your application, add invitation letters with company letterhead, an admission letter from school, or information about your family in Ireland.

If you want to increase the likelihood of success, engage the services of an expert immigration lawyer. IAS has a team of experienced lawyers who can guide you through your application for the best chance of success.

Benefits of Obtaining an Ireland Visa

Below are some of the benefits of obtaining an Ireland visa:

Access to Quality Education

The Irish education system is one of the best in the world. Being a product of the Irish education system will significantly improve your chances in the labour market.

Access to Healthcare

Ireland has a standard healthcare system that you can benefit from as a resident. You can also access public and private health insurance, depending on choice thereby lowering healthcare cost.

Explore Ireland

Ireland is a country steeped in culture and history. Visiting Ireland is an opportunity to explore Irish culture, food, art, music, dance, and literature. Ireland’s stunning mountains and scenery attract tourists each year.

Business Opportunities

Ireland is an EU country with diverse business opportunities in the pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food, technology, beverage, and infrastructure industries. Global companies like Facebook, Apple, Pfizer, Dell and Medtronic have offices and roles based in Ireland. You can visit the country and seek out investment opportunities.

Potential for Long-term Residency/Citizenship

If you have lived in Ireland on an employment permit for 5 years, you may be eligible for long-term residency or citizenship. Settling permanently in Ireland gives you access to public benefits. You can also vote or be voted for during elections. You also become eligible for free movement within the EU.

How Can IAS Help?

The Immigration Advice Service has a team of expert lawyers dedicated to your Ireland visa success. Our accredited lawyers have many years of practice in Nigeria and Ireland. With their guidance, you can navigate the application process with ease.

Contact us today to start your application process. We can assess your eligibility for the visa you want to apply for. If you meet the visa requirements, we can help you gather your documents and make a visa application. If you experience a visa denial, we can represent you in court.

If your visa is approved, we also offer concierge services. We can ensure your move from Nigeria to Ireland is smooth. For more information on what we can do for you, call us at +23413438882 or message us online.