Study and work in Ireland

Colombians in Ireland

How to Study and Work in Ireland as a Colombian

Visa D is required before you travel. Here is the exact process and documents you need.

Before you travel

Colombians need a visa before arriving in Ireland

Visa required before travel

Colombian passport holders must obtain a long-stay study visa (Visa D) before travelling to Ireland. Apply through the Irish Embassy/Consulate with jurisdiction for Colombia and submit a complete, translated file before booking flights.

Where to apply

Apply through the Irish Embassy or Consulate for Colombia

Confirm the current office on dfa.ie, then submit your Visa D package with English translations where needed. Incomplete files are the main reason for delays.

Double-check address, fee, and checklist on dfa.ie before you courier documents or book an appointment.

Step by step

How the process works

01

Choose your school and enroll

Pick an accredited ILEP school and pay your course fees.

02

Gather your documents

Passport, school letter, funds (€6,665), insurance, accommodation, translations.

03

Submit your visa application

File the full package at the Irish Embassy. Processing ~8–12 weeks.

04

Fly after approval

Do not book flights until approved. Carry originals for border control.

05

Register and get your IRP

Book GNIB/ISD, pay €300, receive your IRP card by post.

06

Apply for PPS and open a bank account

With IRP, request PPS at Intreo and open Revolut/N26 for wages.

What you need

Document checklist

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond stay)
  • Acceptance letter from accredited school
  • Proof of full or partial course payment
  • Bank statements showing at least €6,665 accessible
  • Private medical insurance valid in Ireland
  • Proof of accommodation for first period
  • Certified English translations of non-English documents
  • Completed visa application form

Explore in depth

Cost Guide

The Real Cost of Going to Ireland

Course, IRP card, housing, proof-of-funds, flights. Total: €10,000–€15,000.

Read the cost guide →

Stamp 2 Guide

Stamp 2 Explained

What it is, who qualifies, work rights, IRP card, and the step-by-step process.

Read the Stamp 2 guide →

Job Guide

How to Land Your First Job

Hiring sectors, 20-hour rule, PPS, and why showing up in person works best.

Read the job guide →

IRP Card

Your IRP Card: What to Know

Burgh Quay centralized since Jan 2025. €300, 5–10 business days. Documents must be perfect.

Read the IRP guide →

Arrival Guide

Your First 7 Days in Ireland

3 non-negotiable priorities, day-by-day timeline, and 4 common arrival mistakes.

Read the arrival guide →

Bank Account

How to Open Your Account

Revolut on day 1, An Post without IRP, AIB/BOI after PPS. Order matters.

Read the banking guide →

Common questions for Colombian applicants

Ready to start your Ireland journey from Colombia?

We help Colombians build a complete Visa D file, choose schools, and land work fast.