Ireland•Europe6–8 months
EUR €420
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
An Irish long-stay D visa or preclearance letting a qualifying minister of religion enter and reside in Ireland for up to three years under sponsorship by a religious body.
The Minister of Religion permission lets non-EEA religious personnel enter and remain in Ireland to serve a sponsoring religious body, under the Department of Justice policy of November 2022 (updated June 2023). Visa-required nationals apply for a long-stay D visa; non-visa-required nationals apply for preclearance. Permission is granted for up to one year initially, renewable to three years.
The sponsor must be an established Irish religious body — not an individual — with active membership, dedicated premises and audited accounts. It must show genuine need, vouch for qualifications, maintain Children First child-protection policies, and provide support or housing. Applicants need a current police clearance; Garda vetting in Ireland is required before any work with children.
This visa is ideal for ordained ministers, priests, and religious workers with an offer from a recognised Irish religious body that is willing to sponsor them and meet the November 2022 policy requirements.
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Applicant must qualify as a Minister of Religion as defined in the November 2022 policy (updated June 2023)
Sponsorship must come from a qualifying Irish religious body or faith community (not an individual) — established in Ireland with active membership, dedicated premises, and audited accounts
Demonstrated need by the sponsor for the applicant in the role
Up-to-date criminal records / police clearance from the applicant's country of residence
Sponsor must have child-protection policies aligned with Children First guidance in place
Sponsor must provide or facilitate financial support and/or accommodation for the applicant (and family if joining)
Application must be made from the applicant's country of origin or country of legal residence
Non-EEA/UK/Swiss nationals only; EU/EEA/UK and Swiss nationals do not require a visa or preclearance
Signed sponsorship letter from the qualifying Irish religious body confirming need and role
Proof of religious qualifications and suitability for the Minister of Religion role
Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining
Two recent passport-style colour photographs
Signed AVATS application summary form
Up-to-date police clearance / criminal records certificate from country of residence (with certified translation if not in English)
Evidence of sponsor's child-protection policies aligned with Children First guidance
Evidence that the sponsor will provide or facilitate financial support and/or accommodation
Evidence of the sponsor's status (e.g. registered religious body, audited accounts, dedicated premises)
Evidence of legal residence in country of application (if applying outside country of origin)
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