Tips in applying an Irish Visa

Congratulations to my friend, whom I invited to visit me here in Ireland.  This is the second time I invited a friend or a family member to visit Ireland.  Their Irish Visa applications were approved without any hassle.  I would like to share to you, what are the things you need and you should know in applying for an Irish Visa.

What to do? What requirements to submit.


  • Secure a visa application form nearest to your place or you can apply online.  It is the easiest thing to do.
  • You needed a passport, valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from the State.
  • A letter detailing in full, your reasons for your visit to your family, friends etc.  Please check the sample letter of applicant.  Note: You need to mention the "I will observe the conditions of my visa and that I will not become a burden on the State, and that I will leave the State on the expiration of my permission to remain."
  • If you intend staying in a hotel accommodation, you need to submit a confirmation of booking from the hotel.
  • You need a letter of invitation from your reference or from the sponsor in Ireland confirming  accommodation will be provided for the duration of your visit.  Note the important text you need to include in the letter of invitation.."I undertake to provide my sister her every need while she is here. I have 2 part-time job and even though levels of money on deposit fluctuates, I have sufficient to provide for her and ensure she returns before the expiry of her visa. I hereby declare that I will ensure all the rules and requirements of the visa are strictly adhered to."
  • A letter undertaking both from yourself and your sponsor/reference that you will observe the condition of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiration of your permission to remain.  
  • Details of how you are known to, or related to your reference, and supporting evidence of this, like pictures, the then and now pictures that you were together.
  • If your reference is not an Irish citizen, evidence of their permission to remain in Ireland.  A copy of their GNIB card and copy of their passport showing immigration stamps.
  • Evidence of how you intend to finance your trip and support yourself for the duration of your visit, allowing for any unforeseen events such as illness.  A bank statement, covering 6 month period and showing sufficient funds to cover all costs required. 
  • If your reference in Ireland is supporting you, they must supply a detailed 6 month bank statement, showing sufficient funds to support you for the duration of your stay. On this, I give my friend a scanned pay slip, letter from my employer, any bill as proof of my residence, my bank statement, my passport and my hubby's passport and bank statement.