Ireland business visa from Pakistan: a separate visa from Schengen and the UK
Ireland is in the EU but outside Schengen, and it is not covered by a UK visa for Pakistani passport holders. Business travellers need an Irish short-stay ‘C’ business visa of their own.
Ireland business visa for Pakistani passport holders
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Short-stay ‘C’ business visa, for up to 90 days. |
| Form | Online on Ireland’s AVATS system; print, sign and date the summary form. |
| Where to submit | The Ireland visa application centre in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi, as the summary form directs. |
| Biometrics | Residents of Pakistan give fingerprints with each application. |
| Fee | €60 single entry, €100 multiple entry; not refunded if refused. |
| Deadline | Send documents within 30 days of submitting the online form. |
| UK visa | Pakistani nationals are not in Ireland’s short-stay visa waiver programme, so a UK visa does not cover Ireland. |
Which route fits your trip
The business visa covers meetings, negotiating and signing contracts, and work of up to 14 days, as long as the work begins and ends within one 14-day period. Longer work needs a different scheme. For conferences and events there is a separate short-stay conference or event visa.
Ireland is a separate system from Schengen and from the UK. A trip combining London and Dublin needs a UK visa and an Irish visa; a trip combining Dublin and Paris needs an Irish visa and a Schengen visa.
Apply online, print the summary, then submit your passport, documents and fee at the visa application centre named in the summary, where your fingerprints are taken. Original documents are required where asked, with certified translations for anything not in English.
What a strong file usually contains
Every case is different; this is the base list we start from.
- The signed and dated AVATS summary form
- Passport, valid for at least six months after you leave Ireland, plus previous passports
- Recent passport photograph
- Invitation from the Irish company with dates, purpose and who pays costs
- Employer letter confirming your role, salary and approved leave
- Company registration and evidence of trade with the Irish company
- Bank statements showing funds
- Travel insurance arranged once the visa is approved
How the application runs
Online form
Complete AVATS and print the summary.
Documents
Gather originals and translations.
Submit
At the visa centre in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi, with fingerprints.
Decision
Processing times vary; apply early.
Travel
Arrange travel insurance before you fly.
Why files get refused or returned
Irish refusals often come from weak evidence of purpose or ties.
- An invitation that does not describe the business or the dates
- Photocopies sent where originals were asked for
- Documents not in English without certified translations
- Assuming a UK visa covers Ireland
- Missing the 30-day deadline after the online form
Before you fly and at the border
A visa does not guarantee entry. Carry your invitation, hotel booking, return ticket and evidence of funds for the immigration officer at the airport.
If you are refused, you can appeal within the deadline given in the refusal letter.
Ireland visa questions
Does my UK visa let me visit Ireland?
No. Pakistani nationals are not in Ireland’s short-stay visa waiver programme, so you need an Irish visa.
Is Ireland in Schengen?
No. Ireland is in the EU but outside Schengen.
How much is the Irish visa?
€60 single entry or €100 multiple entry.
Can I work in Ireland on a business visa?
Only for up to 14 days within one 14-day period. Longer work needs a different scheme.
Planning a Ireland business trip?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.