Discovering Ireland Guide 2021

Non-EU citizens If you are from outside the EU or Switzerland, you need a work permit in order to live and work in Ireland. These can be very difficult to obtain depending on your circumstances. When you apply for a work permit, you will be required to pay a fee. Your employer may help with the process. All non-EU citizen are subject to ordinary immigration controls when they arrive in the country. Although you may have successfully obtained a work permit, you can still be refused entry by the Irish immigration officials when you arrive. Make sure that you have all of your documents ready and easily accessible as you go through immigration. As well as your work permit, you should also have all of the documents that you submitted as part of your permit application. Visas Part of moving to Ireland is applying for your visa. Your employer will inform you of which one to apply for, to obtain an Irish short stay visa, you need to apply to the Irish embassy or consulate in your country of permanent residence. For more information, you can visit the Irish Visa and Immigration website at: www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Irish%20Visa%20Information Driving Licence If you have a full, valid driving licence issued in your home country, you will be able to drive in Ireland for 12 months before needing to exchange your licence, or take lessons and you driving test. Continuing to drive on your licence after the 12-month period is illegal and subject to prosecution. You will need to prepare to take your driving test prior to the 12- month deadline, and you may also need to take driving lessons. Further information can be found at www.ndls.ie/index.php# EU/EEA Licence: If you hold a full licence issued in a country within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you can drive in Ireland on your original licence until it expires, without having to exchange it or retake your driving test. After expiry it will have to be renewed in Ireland. International Licence If your license was not issued in an EU/EEC or designated country, you are still permitted to drive in Ireland for 12 months. If you want to continue driving in Ireland after this point, you will need to apply for a provisional Irish licence and pass the Irish driving test to gain your full license. You are not required to take any driving lessons in Ireland before taking your test, but you may find it useful to review your driving skills and knowledge of Irish roads. Some requirement to apply are: + Reside in Ireland for at least 185 days per year + Have resided in Ireland for 12 months prior to undertaking the testing process + Have an Irish PPS number

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Discovering Ireland