Indian citizens moving to Republic of Ireland
Indian nationals form the largest non-EEA Critical Skills Employment Permit cohort in Ireland, concentrated in IT, pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturing. Student-to-Stamp-1G-to-permit is a common progression.
Tourist entry
No. Indian nationals require a visa to enter Republic of Ireland, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: New Delhi
Routes with nationality-specific notes
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Fast-track employment permit for high-skill roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
Indian nationals are one of the largest Critical Skills Employment Permit cohorts, concentrated in software, ICT, and pharma roles in Dublin and Cork. The 2-year permit route to Stamp 4 is a major draw over UK Skilled Worker (5 years to ILR), though Ireland's housing constraints require planning accommodation before arrival.
General Employment Permit
Sponsored employment permit for roles not on the Critical Skills list but above the general salary threshold.
Indian nationals using the General Employment Permit typically do so where the role does not meet Critical Skills thresholds. The 2-year minimum salary floor was lifted materially in 2024 — verify the current salary threshold for your occupation on the DETE site.
All Republic of Ireland routes
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Residence programme for founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up in Ireland.
Stamp 4 permission
Long-term residence permission allowing unrestricted work in Ireland.
Irish Student visa (Stamp 2)
Study permission for international students enrolled at eligible Irish institutions on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.
Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)
Family reunification permission for spouses, civil partners, and dependants of Irish or EEA nationals resident in Ireland.
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)
Historic golden-visa equivalent; closed to new applications from 15 February 2023.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian citizens enter Republic of Ireland without a visa?
No. Indian nationals require a visa to enter Republic of Ireland, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Which Republic of Ireland visa routes are best suited to Indian applicants?
Common general routes used by Indian applicants include Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit. Indian nationals form the largest non-EEA Critical Skills Employment Permit cohort in Ireland, concentrated in IT, pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturing. Student-to-Stamp-1G-to-permit is a common progression.
Where do Indian applicants typically apply for a Republic of Ireland visa?
Applications are typically processed at New Delhi. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with Republic of Ireland's immigration authority without a consular visit.