Van der Elst
Visa

A Van der Elst visa allows non-EEA nationals who live and work legally for a company in another EU member state to come to Ireland to provide services on that company's behalf. It takes its name from a 1994 judgment of the EU's Court of Justice, which held that a company providing services in another member state can bring its lawfully employed non-EU staff without that state requiring separate work permits. The worker must be legally resident in the EU country where the employer is based, be on that employer's payroll there, and come to Ireland temporarily to deliver a contract or project, for up to 12 consecutive months. No Irish employment permit is needed, and the Irish client can't employ the worker directly. The application includes evidence of the right to live and work in the sending state and to return there, a letter from the EU employer and a letter from the Irish host company, and the passport must be valid for 12 months after arrival. Workers staying more than 90 days register their permission in Ireland.

No. The Van der Elst route is for employees of EU companies providing services in Ireland, so an Irish employment permit isn't required.

The visa covers up to 12 consecutive months. Longer assignments may need a different permission, which we can assess.

If you stay more than 90 days, yes. You'll register using your EU employer's letter, the Irish host's letter and your EU residence card.

Not on this visa. You must stay employed and paid by the employer in the other EU state.

Family members need their own visas or permissions. Talk to us about the options for your family.