What Is the Cost of Applying for an Ireland Work Visa for Indians?

The cost of applying for an Ireland work visa from India is about €1,360, or roughly ₹1.5 lakh, for one applicant. The overall cost covers the €1,000 employment permit fee, the employment (D) visa fee of ₹5,300 for a single entry, and the €300 Irish Residence Permit (IRP) fee you pay after arrival. Most Indians apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit, and both cost €1,000 for up to two years. Your employer can pay the permit fee for you. If your permit application is refused, 90% of the fee is refunded. Extra costs include the VFS Global service charge, a police clearance certificate, document translations, flights, and your first months of rent.
 

*Want to work in Ireland? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

 

Ireland Work Visa Cost Breakdown from India: Fees, Documents & Requirements

Working in Ireland is a two-step process. First, you or your employer apply for an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE). Then you apply for an employment (D) visa through VFS Global in India. Once you arrive, you register for an Irish Residence Permit.

 

 

Cost Item	Amount	Paid To	When You Pay
Critical Skills Employment Permit	€1,000 (approx. ₹1.1 lakh) for up to 2 years	DETE	When the permit application is submitted
General Employment Permit	€1,000 for up to 2 years; €500 for up to 6 months	DETE	When the permit application is submitted
Employment (D) visa – single entry	₹5,300	Embassy of Ireland, via VFS Global	At the VFS appointment
Employment (D) visa – multiple entry	₹9,000	Embassy of Ireland, via VFS Global	At the VFS appointment
VFS Global service charge	Approx. ₹2,000–2,500 (verify at VFS)	VFS Global	At the VFS appointment
Irish Residence Permit (IRP)	€300 (approx. ₹33,000) per person	Immigration Service Delivery	Within 90 days of arrival
Police clearance certificate	₹500	Passport Seva	Before applying
Translations and attestation	Varies by provider	Service provider	Before applying

 

Note: INR amounts use an approximate rate of ₹110 to the euro. Exchange rates change daily.

The documents and requirements you need for the permit and visa are as follows:

• Job offer: A job offer from an Irish employer. A Critical Skills Employment Permit needs a job offer of at least 2 years.
• Minimum salary: The salary must meet the current threshold for your permit type (see the table below).
• Employment permit: A copy of your approved employment permit, which you need before you apply for the visa.
• Valid passport: A passport with enough validity for your stay, plus copies of previous passports and visas.
• Visa application: A completed online visa application summary, signed and dated.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-size colour photographs.
• Qualifications: Degree certificates, transcripts, and professional registration where your job requires it.
• Experience letters: Letters from previous employers that confirm your roles and dates.
• Employer letter: A letter from your Irish employer confirming your job, salary, and start date.
• Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photograph, given in person at a VFS Global centre in India.
• Police clearance: A police clearance certificate from India, if requested.
   

Also, read…

What are the Eligibility Requirements for an Ireland Work Visa?

 

Expenses to Consider While Moving to Ireland for Indians

Visa fees are only part of your budget. Most of your money goes on travel, housing, and setting up your new life in Ireland. Planning these costs early helps you move with confidence. Here are the main costs to plan for:

• Flights: A one-way ticket from India to Dublin costs about ₹35,000–₹70,000, depending on the season.
• Temporary housing: Budget for 2–4 weeks in short-term accommodation while you search for a rental.
• Rent deposit and first month’s rent: Landlords usually ask for one month’s deposit plus one month’s rent upfront. A one-bedroom flat in Dublin often costs €1,800–€2,500 a month. Cork, Galway, and Limerick are cheaper.
• Family visas and IRP fees: Each adult family member pays a visa fee and a €300 IRP fee. Critical Skills permit holders can bring their spouse and children from the start.
• IRP renewals: You pay €300 each time you renew your Irish Residence Permit.
• Permit renewal: A General Employment Permit renewal costs €1,500 for up to 3 years.
• Health insurance: Private health insurance is optional for workers but common. Plans cost around €600–€1,500 a year.
• Daily living costs: Plan for groceries, transport, utilities, and phone bills from your first month.
• Emergency fund: Keep at least 2–3 months of living costs as a buffer.
   

*Want to plan your Ireland move without surprises? Get a free eligibility assessment from Y-Axis and a clear cost plan for your profile.

 

Can Your Employer Pay for Your Ireland Work Permit?

Yes, either you or your employer can pay the employment permit fee. Many Irish employers pay it as part of the hiring process, especially for Critical Skills roles. For a General Employment Permit, the employer also covers the cost of the Labour Market Needs Test, which means advertising the job for at least 28 days before applying. If the permit is refused, 90% of the fee is refunded to whoever paid it. Ask your employer whether they also cover flights, temporary housing, or relocation costs. These benefits can reduce your upfront spending.
 

Your job must pay at least the minimum salary set for your permit type. The table below elaborates the current salary thresholds to apply for an Ireland work visa :

Permit Type	Minimum Annual Salary
Critical Skills Employment Permit (occupation on the Critical Skills list, with a relevant degree)	€40,904
Critical Skills Employment Permit (other eligible occupations)	€68,911
General Employment Permit (most occupations)	€36,605

 

Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Ireland immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!

 

 

FAQs

1. What is the total cost of an Ireland work visa for Indians?

The total cost for one applicant is about €1,360, or roughly ₹1.5 lakh. This includes the €1,000 employment permit fee, the ₹5,300 single-entry visa fee, and the €300 Irish Residence Permit fee after arrival. You should also budget for the VFS Global service charge, a police clearance certificate, translations, flights, and your first months of rent in Ireland. Planning these costs early helps you move without financial stress.

2. How much is the Critical Skills Employment Permit fee?

The Critical Skills Employment Permit costs €1,000, or about ₹1.1 lakh, and covers up to two years. The fee is paid to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the application is submitted. Your employer or you can pay it. If the application is refused, 90% of the fee is refunded to the person who paid it. The permit can lead to Stamp 4 residence later.

3. How much does a General Employment Permit cost?

A General Employment Permit costs €1,000 for a permit of up to two years, or €500 for a permit of up to six months. A renewal costs €1,500 for up to three years. Before applying, your employer usually needs to complete a Labour Market Needs Test by advertising the job for at least 28 days. The employer usually pays for this advertising.

4. What is the Ireland employment visa fee in India?

The Ireland employment (D) visa fee in India is ₹5,300 for a single entry and ₹9,000 for multiple entries. You pay this fee at your VFS Global appointment, along with a VFS service charge. You can only apply for the employment visa after your employment permit has been approved by the Irish authorities. Multiple-entry visas are granted at the visa officer’s discretion.

5. What is the Irish Residence Permit and how much does it cost?

The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is your registration card as a resident in Ireland. You must register within 90 days of arrival with Immigration Service Delivery. The IRP costs €300 per person, and you pay the same fee every time you renew it. Children under 18 do not usually need to register. Keep your IRP card safe, as you need it to travel.

6. Can my employer pay for my Ireland work permit?

Yes. Either you or your employer can pay the employment permit fee. Many Irish employers pay it, especially for Critical Skills roles. For a General Employment Permit, the employer also pays to advertise the job during the Labour Market Needs Test. You can also ask your employer to cover flights, temporary housing, or relocation costs as part of your job offer.

7. Is the Ireland work permit fee refundable?

Partly. If your employment permit application is refused or withdrawn, 90% of the fee is refunded to the person who paid it. The visa fee paid at VFS Global is usually not refunded if your visa is refused. Submitting complete and accurate documents is the best way to avoid losing money on a refused application. Y-Axis can review your documents before you apply.

8. What is the minimum salary for an Ireland work permit?

The minimum salary depends on the permit. A Critical Skills Employment Permit needs at least €40,904 for listed occupations with a relevant degree, or €68,911 for other eligible roles. Most General Employment Permits need at least €36,605. These thresholds are reviewed every year, so always check the latest figures with your employer before you accept a job offer or apply.

9. How much money should I keep for moving to Ireland?

Besides visa fees, plan for flights, temporary housing, a rent deposit, and your first month’s rent. In Dublin, a one-bedroom flat often costs €1,800–€2,500 a month. Many people keep at least two to three months of living costs as a buffer. Costs are lower in cities such as Cork, Galway, and Limerick. Groceries, transport, and utilities add to your monthly budget.

10. Can I bring my family to Ireland on a work permit?

Yes. Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can bring their spouse and children from the start. General Employment Permit holders usually need to meet minimum income rules before their family can join. Each adult family member pays a visa fee and a €300 IRP fee. Spouses of Critical Skills permit holders can also work in Ireland without needing a separate employment permit.