Ireland•EuropeVolunteer (Long Stay D Visa / Preclearance)
At a Glance
7–10 months
EUR €460
1 to 3 years
1 yr initial · extendable to 3 · Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Permission for non-EEA nationals to reside in Ireland for unpaid voluntary work with a qualifying sponsoring organisation for up to two years.
The Long Stay (D) Volunteer visa/preclearance lets non-EEA nationals reside in Ireland to perform unpaid work for a qualifying non-profit, charitable, or sports organisation registered in the State. Applicants must be 18 or older, be sponsored by a qualifying body, and pass character checks including a recent police clearance certificate.
Initial permission is 12 months, with a 24-month maximum under the scheme and the option to apply in-country for a third-year extension. Paid work, dependants, and access to public services are not permitted, and applicants may change sponsoring organisation only once per 12-month period. Processing currently runs around seven to ten months per the Visa Office Dublin tracker.
This visa is ideal for non-EEA volunteers placed with a recognised Irish charity for a defined unpaid programme who have the savings, sponsor support, and intent to return home afterwards.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
| Extendable up to | 3 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be aged 18 or older.
Must be a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizen.
Must have a formal volunteer work offer from a qualifying sponsoring organization in Ireland.
Sponsoring organization must be a registered charity, non-profit, or qualifying body.
Sponsoring organization must agree to fully support the applicant financially.
Must be of good character (police clearance certificate required).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Printed, signed, and dated AVATS application summary sheet.
Current valid passport and copies of all previous passports.
Two recent color passport-sized photographs.
Signed letter of application.
Letter of sponsorship/invitation from the Irish host organization.
Sponsoring organization's proof of registration/charity status.
Police clearance certificate (not older than 3 months).
Proof of private medical insurance.
Proof of preclearance fee payment.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows long-term residence in Ireland for structured charitable volunteering
- Initial 12-month permission with option to extend up to a third year
- Sponsoring organisation provides financial and practical support
- Open to both visa-required and non-visa-required non-EEA nationals
Worth Knowing
- Lengthy processing times (around 7-10 months as of May 2026)
- No pathway to permanent residency or Irish citizenship
- Dependants (spouse, children) cannot accompany the holder
- Paid work of any kind is strictly prohibited
- Holder cannot rely on public services or claim state benefits
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship
- Under 18 years of age
- Lack of formal sponsorship from a qualifying Irish organization
Application Process
Submit online application via AVATS.
Pay preclearance fee.
Submit physical documents to the Dublin Visa Office.
Await decision (7-10 months).
If approved, enter Ireland and register for IRP.
Application Forms
| AVATS Online Visa/Preclearance Application | Fill online |
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