Quick answer
A short stay conference/event visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days [1] to attend a conference, symposium, or other event [2]. This visa does not allow you to work or rely on public services [3]. You must apply from your home country or legal residence [8] and prepare your application 3 months before travel [9]. The application process involves creating an online application via AVATS [13], paying a fee (€60 single entry or €100 multiple entry) [14], and sending your passport and documents [10]. Typical processing time is about 8 weeks [12]. You must submit various documents including an application letter, letter from conference organiser, accommodation plan, medical/travel insurance, proof of finances, and evidence of ties to your home country [15].
Key facts
Requirements
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
Original passport valid for at least 6 months after intended arrival in Ireland, with at least two empty pages. Copy of all stamped/visa pages required.
Submit all previous passports with first page and copy of all stamped/visa pages. If not a national of the country of application, provide residence permit showing at least 3 months validity after departure from Ireland.
Fully completed and signed online application form.
Two colour photographs (35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months), with full name written on the back.
A signed letter in English stating purpose, family members in Ireland/UK/EU, duration, cost bearer, conference organiser contact, obligations to return, and commitment to comply with visa conditions.
Provide documents depending on employment status: employed (employer letter, payslips, SGK), self-employed (trade register, tax cert), farmer (chamber certificate), retired (pension proof), or student (enrolment + support letter).
Employer letter on official paper with full contact, confirmation of conference relevance, last 3 months payslips, SGK registration and premium payment certificate.
Signature circular, company registration in chamber of commerce, trade register bulletin, tax registration certificate.
Farmer certificate issued by the Chamber of Agriculture.
Proof of pension (bank account or pensioner booklet).
Evidence of enrolment and a letter from the university/course provider confirming support for conference attendance and link to studies.
Letter from conference host on headed paper with phone, address, email, stating nature, dates, place, duration, and that registration fees have been paid.
Detailed bank statements covering 6 months immediately prior to application showing sufficient funds to pay travel costs and sustain stay. Must have immediate access; fixed-term accounts require bank letter allowing withdrawal. For minors or persons without own resources, a sponsorship letter with proof of sponsor's resources.
If you are a minor or without own resources, a sponsorship letter from parent/other person covering expenses, with proof of their social/professional status and that they have the resources.
Confirmed hotel reservation for entire stay, dates corresponding to flight reservation. If also visiting UK, provide UK entry details.
Valid travel health insurance covering repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical/hospital care, or death during stay. Must be valid for the whole territory and minimum 3 months.
Documents you'll need
- Application summary sheets [15]
- Application letter with personal details, dates, commitment to obey conditions, and cost estimates [16]
- Letter from conference organiser confirming registration, fee payment, and contribution [17]
- Accommodation plan with reservation confirmations [18]
- Medical or travel insurance [19]
- Proof of fee payment (if required) [15]
- Passport valid at least 6 months after planned departure [20]
- Travel plan if through a different country [15]
- Proof of permission if not citizen of applying country [15]
- Two passport photos with name and transaction number [15]
- Finance plan showing sufficient funds; bank statement [21]
- Evidence of obligations to return home (work, study, family, property) [22]
- Disclosure of previous visa refusals with original refusal letter [23]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Short stay conference/event visa allows up to 90 days stay
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Visa purpose is to attend a conference, symposium, or event
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Visa does not permit work or reliance on public services
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Visa is required for nationals of visa-required countries or convention travel document holders
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Apply from home country or legal residence
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Prepare application 3 months before travel
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Application has three parts: online, pay fee, send documents
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
Decision typically within 8 weeks
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
Select visa type 'Short Stay (C)' and reason 'Conference/Event' in AVATS
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Visa fee: €60 single entry, €100 multiple entry
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
Required documents include application summary sheets, application letter, letter from conference organiser, accommodation plan, medical/travel insurance, proof of fee payment, passport, travel plan,
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
Application letter must include personal details, dates, commitment to obey conditions, and cost estimates
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
Letter from conference organiser must confirm registration, fee payment, and contribution
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
Accommodation plan with reservation confirmations required
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [19]
Medical or travel insurance mandatory before travel
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [20]
Passport must be valid at least 6 months after planned departure
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [21]
Finance plan must show sufficient funds; bank statement required
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [22]
Obligations to return home must be proven with ties to work, study, family, or property
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [23]
Visa refusals must be disclosed with original refusal letter
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [24]
Documents must be sent within 30 days of creating application
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Ireland's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Ireland's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.