Locum doctors
Doctors offered locum posts in Irish hospitals
What you get
- An eligibility check of your registration, offer and contract
- Preparation and submission of the AWS application
- Your visa application after approval, if you need a visa
About this service
Atypical Working Scheme – Locum Hospital Doctor
Doctors coming to Ireland for short locum work in hospitals can apply for permission under the Atypical Working Scheme for up to 6 months. You need Medical Council of Ireland registration and a signed contract before you apply. We prepare your AWS application and then your visa, so you can start your locum on time. Hospitals often need locum cover quickly, and incomplete AWS applications are a common cause of delay. Contracts must be signed in ink by both parties, and a letter of offer alone isn't accepted. We check every document before submitting so your start date isn't put at risk.
€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.
Agencies and hospitals
Locum agencies and hospitals arranging short-term medical cover
Locum GPs
Locum GPs in primary care (a separate AWS stream with similar requirements)
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Medical Council registration
You're registered with the Medical Council of Ireland
02
Signed contract
You have an offer of locum employment and a contract signed in ink by both parties
03
Up to 6 months
The locum work is for up to 6 months
04
Apply from outside Ireland
You apply from outside Ireland, before any visa application
05
Pay
Pay meets the scheme requirements for the role
Our promise
What's included
Atypical Working Scheme – Locum Hospital Doctor
€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 review your registration, offer and contract.
- 2Step 2
We prepare and submit the AWS application.
- 3Step 3
ISD decides the application (allow at least 20 working days).
- 4Step 4
If approved, we prepare your visa application.
- Step 5
You travel and, for stays over 90 days, register your permission within 90 days of arrival.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. Government fees are separate.
Government fees
€250 AWS processing fee, plus the visa fee if you need one (€60 single or €100 multiple entry).
Processing time
At least 20 working days for AWS once all documents are received, plus visa processing. ISD doesn't expedite applications.
Tied to employer
AWS permission is tied to the employer and contract approved.
Locum GPs
Locum GPs in primary care apply under a separate AWS stream with similar documents.
Registering in Ireland
If you stay more than 90 days, you must register your permission within 90 days of arrival.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The Atypical Working Scheme for locum doctors lets non-EEA doctors take short-term locum posts in Irish hospitals for up to 6 months, without an employment permit. Hospitals and locum agencies use it to cover rota gaps, leave and short-term vacancies. A separate AWS stream with similar rules covers locum GPs in primary care. Before applying, the doctor must be registered with the Medical Council of Ireland and hold an offer of locum employment, with a contract signed in ink by both parties. The application is made online from outside Ireland, with a €250 processing fee, and ISD allows at least 20 working days for a decision. Visa-required doctors then apply for a visa using the Letter of Approval. The permission is tied to the approved employer and contract, and family members can't accompany the doctor. Doctors who want longer-term hospital posts need an employment permit instead: non-consultant hospital doctors can get a multi-site General Employment Permit and register on Stamp 1H, which can lead to Stamp 4 after 21 months.
Up to 6 months for locum doctors in the hospital sector.
Longer-term posts need an employment permit. Non-consultant hospital doctors can get a multi-site General Employment Permit and register on Stamp 1H.
No. Family members can't accompany you on AWS permission.
No. AWS applications must be made from outside Ireland.
No. Your permission covers only the employer and contract that were approved, so a new post needs a new approval.
Only after you have your AWS approval letter and, if you need one, your visa. Don't book travel before then.
Ready when you are
Get started with Atypical Working Scheme – Locum Hospital Doctor
€615
€615
Atypical Working Scheme – Locum Hospital Doctor