Ireland business visa
Here is the point most people miss: Ireland sits outside the Schengen Area and runs its own visa system, so a Schengen visa in your passport does nothing for you here. As an Indian passport holder, you must obtain a short stay 'C' visa before you fly out for business — there is no visa-on-arrival and no e-visa for Indian nationals. The category covers meetings, contract negotiations, visits to customers or suppliers, and conferences, for a stay of up to 90 days, or work that lasts 14 days or less.
The application starts online, on the AVATS system — no paper form to fill by hand. You then carry the printed application summary and your supporting documents to a VFS Global visa centre and give your biometrics in person. The Embassy of Ireland takes the decision, and it usually lands about 8 weeks after the embassy receives your documents. Add the two-way transit time your papers spend in the post, and you can see why leaving this to the last few weeks is a mistake.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport holders travelling to Ireland for business meetings, contract negotiations, or customer/supplier visits
- ✓Applicants who hold a written invitation from an Irish host — a customer, supplier, company or organisation
- ✓Those attending a conference or event in Ireland (a dedicated Conference/Event 'C' visa also exists)
- ✓Those coming for short work assignments lasting 14 days or less
- ✓Applicants who can show sufficient funds for the trip and a clear intention to leave Ireland before their permission expires
Visa options for Ireland
Short stay business visa ('C')
For business meetings, contract negotiations and customer or supplier visits, or work lasting 14 days or less; permits a stay of up to 90 days in Ireland.
Conference/Event visa ('C')
Short stay category for travelling to Ireland specifically to attend a conference or event.
Single or multiple entry
The 'C' visa is issued as single entry (€60) or multiple entry (€100); multiple entry suits applicants making repeat business trips.
Documents typically required
- ✓Printed AVATS application summary form
- ✓Passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Ireland, plus all previous passports
- ✓Two passport photographs (35x45 mm, white background)
- ✓Signed and dated application letter setting out your itinerary, purpose of travel, and any family in Ireland/UK/EU/EEA
- ✓Written invitation from your Irish host (customer, supplier, company or organisation) stating whether they will pay all, some or none of your costs
- ✓Proof of the host's Irish address — an original utility bill from the last 6 months
- ✓Employer letter on official headed paper confirming your position, approved leave and the purpose of the trip
- ✓Six months' personal bank statements (original or bank-certified)
- ✓Proof of accommodation showing the dates of each stay
- ✓Travel/medical insurance (must be obtained before travel if the visa is approved)
- ✓Proof of visa fee payment
- ✓Biometrics provided in person at a VFS Global centre
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Indian residents lodge documents and give biometrics in person at a VFS Global visa centre. Every document must be original, legible and in English — or come with a certified translation — and must reach the application office within 30 days of your starting the AVATS form. One detail trips people up: the clock starts when the Embassy of Ireland receives your application, not on the day you lodge at VFS, so apply well ahead of travel. And remember, Ireland is outside the Schengen Area — an Irish visa does not permit travel to Schengen countries.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision rests solely with the Embassy of Ireland and the Irish immigration authorities. What we do is give you a frank, honest assessment of your case and prepare the strongest possible application. Over the last 2-3 years our applications have a 97% success rate, but no consultant can guarantee an outcome.
Can Indians get an Ireland business visa on arrival or an e-visa?
No. You must apply for the short stay 'C' visa in advance through the AVATS system and give biometrics at a VFS Global centre before you travel. Ireland offers Indian nationals neither a visa-on-arrival nor an e-visa.
How long does the Ireland business visa take?
Reckon on about 8 weeks after the Embassy of Ireland receives your documents. For applicants in India there is biometric clearance to complete first, and two-way document transit adds more time on top — so start well before your travel date.
How long can I stay, and what can I do on this visa?
The short stay 'C' business visa gives you up to 90 days in Ireland for meetings, negotiations, customer or supplier visits and conferences, or for work lasting 14 days or less. What it does not allow is taking up employment in Ireland.