Long Stay Employment Visa (D Visa)
Ireland
Last updated: December 25, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$71-$118
7-9 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets non-European workers live and work in Ireland for 2+ years. You need a job offer from an Irish company to apply. It's the main path for people outside the EU to work in Ireland long-term. The visa has different types depending on your job and qualifications. Some are faster (2 years to get permanent status), others take longer (5 years). Your employer must sponsor you through an employment permit first. Once approved, you can bring your spouse and children with you. After several years, you can get permission to work for any Irish employer without restrictions.
Key Benefits
- Work legally with full employment rights
- Bring spouse/partner who can work without own job offer
- Bring children under 18
- Access public healthcare after registration
- Travel freely in Ireland and Europe
- Path to permanent residency after 2-5 years
- Path to Irish citizenship after 5+ years of permanent residency
- Unrestricted work permission (Stamp 4) after 2-5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have valid job offer from Irish company
- Must earn required minimum salary (varies by job type)
- Must have relevant qualifications or experience
- No serious criminal record
- Good health (medical insurance required)
- English language skills (IELTS 6.0-6.5 for some jobs)
- Must pass employer background check
- Cannot have been deported or banned from other countries
Financial Requirement
Minimum €39,000/year ($45,400) for most jobs; €44,000/year ($51,400) with relevant degree; €53,000/year ($61,800) for intra-company transfer; €34,000/year ($39,600) for healthcare
Documents
- Valid passportMust be valid for at least 12 more months
- Passport photos2 color photos, less than 6 months old
- Job contractFrom Irish company for at least 2 years
- Bank statementsLast 6 months of statements
- Payslips or job offer letterLast 3 months of payslips or employment offer
- Medical/travel insuranceMinimum coverage €30,000
- Police clearanceRequired if working with children or vulnerable people
- University degree or certificateIf required for your job
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.