The short answer
- Who: people from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who live and work legally for an employer in another EU country, on its payroll.
- What: that employer sends you to provide services in Ireland on a contract of up to 12 consecutive months, with no Irish employment permit.
- Getting in: visa-required nationals apply for a Van der Elst visa: €60 single or €100 multiple entry, about 8 weeks. Others show their documents at the border.
- Limits: only that job, no family on your permission, and you return to your EU employer at the end.
Check your case
Van der Elst checker
Whether your EU employer can send you, for how long, and what to bring.
What to have with you
From ISD’s Van der Elst visa page and policy. ISD and the border officer decide each case. Nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Who qualifies
You can use Van der Elst if you are:
- lawfully resident in the EU country where your employer is established;
- lawfully employed by that employer, and on its payroll there;
- coming to Ireland to provide services on its behalf;
- on a temporary or short-term contract, up to 12 consecutive months.
“Temporary” means you shouldn’t stay so long that you lose your residence in the EU country, or become part of the Irish company’s workforce. ISD decides each case.
It isn’t for the self-employed, people on an intra-company transfer, or company directors who are office holders making the company’s key legal and financial decisions. They need an Irish employment permit instead.
How long it lasts
Up to 12 consecutive months, for the length of the contract. It never runs past the date your residence permit in the EU country expires, or your passport expires, so check both before the contract starts.
How to apply
If you need a visa for Ireland:
- Apply on AVATS for an Irish visa, up to 3 months before you travel. Choose “other” as the visa type and enter “Van Der Elst”.
- Pay the fee: €60 for single entry, or €100 for multiple entry. It isn’t refunded if you’re refused or withdraw.
- Send your documents to the office named on your summary form.
- Wait for the decision, usually within 8 weeks, and don’t buy tickets until you have it.
If you don’t need a visa, there’s nothing to apply for in advance: bring the documents below, and the immigration officer at the border decides.
What to have with you
- your passport, valid at least 6 months after you leave Ireland;
- a letter from your EU employer: that you live and work legally in its country and will return there, the contract and its length, and the Irish company’s name and contact details;
- a letter from the Irish host company: the contract, its length and why you’re needed;
- your residence or ID card from the EU country;
- details of where you’ll stay;
- comprehensive medical insurance.
If you’ll stay more than 90 days, register after you arrive.
Your family
Family members can’t come with you on your Van der Elst permission. They can visit, or apply for an immigration permission in their own right.
Common mix-ups
Common questions
What is a Van der Elst visa?
Permission for someone from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who lives and works legally for an employer in another EU country to work in Ireland temporarily for that employer, without an Irish employment permit. It comes from a 1994 European Court of Justice ruling on companies' freedom to provide services across the EU.
Who qualifies for Van der Elst?
You must live legally in the EU country where your employer is established, be lawfully employed by that employer and on its payroll there, and come to Ireland to provide services for it on a temporary or short-term contract of up to 12 consecutive months.
How long can I stay on Van der Elst?
For the contract, up to 12 consecutive months. Never past the date your residence permit in the EU country expires, or your passport expires.
Do I need a visa?
If your nationality needs a visa for Ireland, yes: apply on AVATS, choosing “other” and entering “Van Der Elst”. The fee is €60 for single entry or €100 for multiple entry, not refunded, and a decision usually takes about 8 weeks. If you don't need a visa, you show your documents to the immigration officer when you arrive.
Can my family come with me?
Not on your Van der Elst permission. Family members can visit, or apply for an immigration permission in their own right.
Can self-employed people use Van der Elst?
No. It isn't for the self-employed, people on an intra-company transfer, or company directors who are office holders making the company's key legal and financial decisions.
Do I need to register?
If you'll stay more than 90 days, yes: register your permission after you arrive.
Sources
All sources checked on 5 Oct 2026.
- Van der Elst visaImmigration Service Delivery
- Immigration arrangements for the Van der Elst process (policy)Immigration Service Delivery
- Preclearance and entry visa feesImmigration Service Delivery