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Like what you see? How to gain Irish citizenship as an international tourist

Of the many gems in Europe’s crown, Ireland proves to be one of the most popular.

Traveling around Europe is intoxicatingly good fun. The distances are small between vastly different countries, cultures, and experiences. The weather is anything you want it to be, from the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean to the mountainous regions of central Europe and the verdant, lush countryside of the British Isles. Of the many gems in Europe’s crown, Ireland proves to be one of the most popular.

An enticing combination of peaceful natural scenery, ancient coastal regions, vibrant city life, and close proximity to many of Europe’s major cities, Ireland ranks in the top ten of many of Europe’s most visited countries and is most attractive to immigrants. There was an 18.2% increase in applications between 2018 and 2019 for citizenship, and today roughly 10% of Ireland’s population is made up of immigrants to the country. 

For those traveling around the EU and planning to stay in Ireland for a while, you’ve got plenty of options available to you, depending on how long you want to stay, if you intend on bringing family members with you, and what you intend to do while you’re there. Here’s your basic guide on some of those options, and how to apply and manage your applications

Short-term stays
The good news is that Ireland operates with a very flexible policy for those intending to stay for less than 6 months. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can remain in Ireland for up to 90 days without any form of visa or permit.

For those hailing from outside of the EEA, you’ll need a ‘C’ Visa. Under the short-term or ‘C’ visa, there is a selection of specific types you can apply for depending on your circumstances, including exam visas, internship visas, or training visas.

It’s strongly recommended to use legal support on these sorts of applications as failing to meet the requirements can result in delay periods before applying again, and the specifications are specific between each type of visa, even the short-term classifications. Look for one of many experienced immigration solicitors Ireland based or otherwise to give you end-to-end guidance from compiling the correct documentation through to the approval and extension application, should you need one. Considering the popularity of Ireland as a travel spot, you’d be forgiven for wanting to remain for a while, too!   

Longer visa needs
Once you’ve hit your 90-day limit, you’re now required to upgrade your visa to a long-stay, or ’D’ class visa. Typically, you’ll only need one of these if you’re looking to stay in Ireland for work, settle a family, or study. These can include Irish business visas, family visas, and study visas. You also need to attain additional permits, especially if you take the work visa route, and most importantly an employment visa. 

The employment permits include critical skills and general employment permits. Critical skills permits are for those professionals Ireland is particularly interested in bringing to the country, such as nurses, engineers, and doctors. The best option is to confer with a lawyer to ensure your application is accurate and won’t run into any obstacles down the line. 

The C and D class visas are your gateway to enjoying Ireland and all it has to offer legally and with access to all the same rights and support as Irish nationals. As an international traveler, Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery department simply needs to confirm that you’re remaining in Ireland for the same reason stated in your application.

From its affordable housing, job prospects, European transport links, and an abundance of beautiful nature trails, it’s a place that really does have something for everyone. The international traveler can consider Ireland a must-see – and be safe in the knowledge that, with the right legal support, you can stay for a long time, too.

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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