Venezuelans in Ireland
How to Study and Work in Ireland as a Venezuelan
The complete guide — visa requirements, the embassy in Mexico City, the Stamp 2 process, and what to prepare before you travel.
Before you travel
Venezuelans need a visa before arriving in Ireland
Visa required before travelUnlike some nationalities that can enter Ireland and register on arrival, Venezuelan passport holders must obtain a long-stay study visa (Visa D) before boarding the plane. This visa is applied for through the Irish Embassy in Mexico City — since Ireland does not have an embassy in Venezuela. Plan to start this process at least 3 months before your intended travel date.
Where to apply
The Irish Embassy for Venezuela
This is a detail many people overlook: depending on your country, your Ireland visa application must be submitted to the corresponding visa centre, where all your documents will be sent and processed before you travel. This can impact your timeline and logistics, so it’s important to take it into account when planning your trip.
Always verify current embassy contact details and procedures directly at dfa.ie (Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs) before submitting your application.
Step by step
How the process works
Choose your school and enroll
Pick an accredited ILEP school and pay your course fees.
Gather your documents
Passport, school letter, funds (€6,665), insurance, accommodation, translations.
Submit your visa application
File the full package at the Irish Embassy. Processing ~8–12 weeks.
Fly after approval
Do not book flights until approved. Carry originals for border control.
Register and get your IRP
Book GNIB/ISD, pay €300, receive your IRP card by post.
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 Venezuelan applicants
The process is more complex for Venezuelans. That is exactly why we exist.
We have guided Venezuelan students through every step — from the Embassy in Mexico City to their first day at work in Dublin. Book a free consultation and we will map out your exact process.