How to Apply

Submitting your application

You need to:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Gather your supporting documentation (click on tab on left 'Types of Visa & Documentation) and passport photograph
3. Pay your fee according to the instructions under 'Fees' tab
4. The online application system will automatically request you to submit your documentation by post or in person to:

Visa Office
Embassy of Ireland Erottajankatu 7 A,
PO Box 33
00131 Helsinki

Please note the Visa Office is open to the public from Monday - Friday, 9am-12pm

Please note that the information provided here relates to visa-required nationals who reside in Finland. The Embassy of Ireland cannot accept visa applications from visa-required nationals who do not reside in Finland.

Processing Times

We advise you to apply online for your visa and submit the signed application for with all supporting documents 6-8 weeks before the date you plan to travel If the documentation is in order, your visa will be processed within 3-4 weeks.

Application processing times can vary depending on the type and complexity of the application.

If you are applying for a business visa, you should have a decision within 10 working days, provided all your documentation is in order.

Please note that a limited number of applications are required to be sent to INIS in Dublin for decision, for example students intending to undertake a period of study in Ireland or applications for research visas. Current processing times at INIS can take up to 8 weeks. If this is applicable to you, you will be informed that your application has been forwarded to INIS for decision. In this event, applicants should direct any queries to INIS directly.

Please note that these are indicative processing times only. All timeframes referred to commences once a complete application with all required documents has been received. Processing may take longer at certain times of the year and depending on a number of other factors such as the complexity of the application.

Following the online application

Once I have applied online, what do I do?

1. Refer to the 'checklists' and 'Types of Visa and Documentation' on this website to ensure that you have all of the documents requires to support your application.
2. Check the 'Visa Fees' to find out about current visa fees and how to pay.
3. Check the Photo Requirements page to ensure that you are providing an appropriate photo.
4. Once you have checked all of the above, submit your application to the address given by the system. The application must include:

• The online summary sheet signed by you
• One passport photograph affixed to the top left of your application form
• Current passport and any previous passports (or copies of previous passports if originals unavailable)
• All required supporting documents
• Proof of visa fee payment (if required)

Information note to assist applicants with the online application form

An information note has been prepared to assist applicants completing the online application form. This is available in:

• English
• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• Russian
• Turkish
• Urdu

If you have ever been refused a visa from any country, details of this must be given.

Submit a copy of the letter issued to you by the authorities of that country, including a notarised translation if not in English. Concealment of visa refusals will result in your Irish visa application being refused.

The onus is on you, the applicant, to ensure that your application is fully complete before submitting it for consideration. You should note that if you submit an incomplete application, it may result in your application being refused.

If deemed necessary, additional documentation/information may be requested by the Deciding Officer upon detailed examination of the application.

Remember...

If you submit false, fraudulent or misleading information in support of your application, your application will be refused and you may become liable for prosecution and/or deportation.

Notification

We will contact you once a decision has been made.

Need more information?

Visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website to find out what you need to know before you apply for a visa.