Specialists
Specialists coming to Ireland for a short project, installation, repair or similar assignment
What you get
- An eligibility check and advice on whether AWS or another route fits
- A review of the contract, which must be signed in ink by both parties
- Preparation and submission of the AWS online application with your written authorisation
About this service
Atypical Working Scheme – Short-Term Work
The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) covers short-term, specialised work in Ireland of between 15 and 90 days that standard employment permits don't cover, for example where there's a skills shortage or a highly specialised task. You must get AWS approval before applying for any visa. We prepare and submit the AWS application and then the visa application if you need one.
€615
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
6
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Short contracts
Workers in the technology, pharmaceutical, biotech and entertainment sectors on short contracts
Employers
Employers who need someone for 15 to 90 days
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Skills need
The work is needed because of a skills shortage or to provide a specialised skill for a short period
02
15 to 90 days
The work lasts more than 14 days and no more than 90 days
03
Pay
Pay meets the General Employment Permit threshold (€36,605 a year, pro rata) unless a category says otherwise
04
Apply from outside Ireland
You apply from outside Ireland and stay outside until the decision
05
Not covered
People already in Ireland, work of 14 days or less, and business trips such as meetings or sales visits
Our promise
What's included
Atypical Working Scheme – Short-Term Work
€615
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 6 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We confirm AWS is the right route.
- 2Step 2
We prepare the AWS application and submit it online.
- 3Step 3
ISD reviews it (allow at least 20 working days once all documents are in).
- 4Step 4
If approved, we prepare your visa application, including the approval letter.
- Step 5
You travel within the approval letter's 90-day validity.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. Government fees are separate.
Government fees
€250 AWS processing fee (non-refundable), plus the visa fee if you need one (€60 single or €100 multiple entry).
Processing time
At least 20 working days for the AWS decision, and about 8 weeks for any visa. ISD doesn't expedite.
Family
Family members can't accompany you on AWS permission.
Applying for you
A legal representative or agency, like us, can apply on your behalf with your signed letter of authorisation.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is a permission from Immigration Service Delivery for short-term work in Ireland that falls outside the employment permit system. It covers specialised work of between 15 and 90 days, for example where a business needs a specialist for an installation, a repair, a project or a short contract in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals or entertainment. Separate AWS streams cover nurses completing clinical adaptation, locum doctors, and paid internships that are an integral part of an accredited course. Applications are made online from outside Ireland, and a representative can apply with the worker's signed authorisation. The work must be needed because of a skills shortage or a specialised skill, pay must normally meet the General Employment Permit threshold (€36,605 a year, pro rata), and the contract must be signed in ink by both parties: a letter of offer isn't enough. The processing fee is €250, and ISD allows at least 20 working days for a decision. The Letter of Approval is valid for 90 days, and visa-required nationals then apply for a visa. The scheme isn't for people already in Ireland, work of 14 days or less, or business trips, and family members can't accompany AWS workers.
Intermittent travel is allowed for up to 90 days within a six-month period, followed by a one-month cooling-off period before a new entry. A multiple-entry visa may be needed.
No. You must apply from outside Ireland and wait there for the decision.
Only after you have the Letter of Approval, and the visa if you need one. The approval letter is valid for 90 days.
Work of 14 days or less in a single period may be possible on a short stay business visa instead. We'll advise on the best route.
Ready when you are
Get started with Atypical Working Scheme – Short-Term Work
€615
€615
Atypical Working Scheme – Short-Term Work