Depending on the duration of the work and the country of nationality, either an Employment Permit or permission under the Atypical Working Scheme may be required to come to Ireland to work.
If you are from a non-EEA/non Swiss country you may need to apply for and receive a Visa authorising you to travel to the State.
Details on Visa-Required and Non Visa-Required nationals can be found here.
EEA Nationals / Switzerland
Cast and crew coming to work in Ireland from an EEA national or Switzerland will require:
- Details of their flight out of Ireland.
- Details of accommodation.
- A letter from the production company stating the nature of the visitors’ business in Ireland.
Non Visa-Required Nationals
Cast and crew coming to work for no more than 14 consecutive days from non EEA countries and non visa required countries will still need to have documents to show the reason for their visit and must present at immigration when entering Ireland. In this instance, cast and crew will require:
- Details of their flight out of Ireland.
- Details of accommodation.
- A letter from the production company stating the nature of the visitors’ business in Ireland.
- Foreign nationals who rely on the 14-day work permission will need to restrict their use to once per 90 days and reapply following a 90-day period.
Cast and crew coming to work for 15–90 days from a non visa-required and non EAA national can apply for The Atypical Working Scheme. The processing time for an Atypical Working Scheme permission is 20 Working Days from receipt of application Atypical Working Scheme:
Please make sure to allow for internal systems delivery and public holidays.
Make an application here
Please note applications must include:
- A colour copy of your entire valid passport.
- A letter from Irish-based host body confirming offer, including job description, weekly salary in Euro for the time period in the State, and duration of contract for which the applicant is required in the State.
- A contract, signed (MUST BE WET SIGNATURES) and dated by the applicant and their employer outlining the terms of employment for the period in the State , including Salary (with details of any allowances, benefits-in-kind, or ‘top-ups’ itemised separately), job description and duration of time in the State.
- If the application is submitted by a representative, a letter, signed and dated by the applicant, authorising that representative to act on their behalf in relation to their application must also be provided.
- Gather necessary support documents. Host letter, solicitor letter and requested contracts.
- A payment of €250 must be made by wire transfer.
Guidance with regard to documentation requirements and the relevant advice and directions are included in the 'Required Documents Reference Guide' , and on the 'Supporting Documents' page of the application form. Further general information regarding the online application process is also available here.
If you are coming to work in Ireland more than 90 days you can apply for a working permit to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment here.
An application for any employment permit must be received at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.
Visa-required Nationals
A short stay business visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for business purposes or for work that lasts 14 days or less. You should apply for a business visa if your work in Ireland starts and ends within a single 14 day period.
For example, if you plan to work in Ireland for 7 days, then stop working for 10 days (while remaining in Ireland) and then work again for 7 days, your work will not start and end within a single 14 day period (2 calendar weeks).
In this example, you must apply for permission to work through the Atypical Working Scheme and if you are successful you then apply for a short stay employment visa.
You should prepare your application 3 months before you travel. You can apply for a short-term business visa here. Find out more info here.
Cast and crew travelling to Ireland for an production for 15 – 90 days will need to apply for an employment visa once they have permission from the Atypical Working Scheme division of the Immigration Service to take up short-term employment in Ireland.
Further general information regarding the online application process is also available here. You can apply for the visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland. If you are visiting another state prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that state in your passport before applying for an Irish visa. Short business stay visa:
Apply for a short business stay visa here.
Current fees are:
- €60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
- €100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, for example consular fees The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
The website of the visa office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
If you wish to work in Ireland more than 90 days, you need to have an Employment Permit. This permit is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Once you have received a permit, you are eligible to apply for an Employment Visa. You can apply for an Employment visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland but you must get an employment permit with the DETE first. You can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the visa office, embassy or consulate.
Employment Visa:
Make an application here.
You must print, sign and date the summary form and submit it with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your biometrics.