How to Apply
Application Forms
Please check our General Information page for further details on applying for a visa. A full list of required documentation for each Visa Type is also available.
Complete your application online
Online applications can be made through the following website:
www.visas.inis.gov.ie/AVATS/OnlineHome.aspx
The page may take some time to load. Please be patient.
Once the page has loaded click “Apply Now” at the top left of the page to begin the application process.
All questions within the online application are in English and must be answered in English.
Help tips are available in certain fields which will explain what information is being sought.
You will need to print a summary of your application form as part of the on-line application process. You will therefore need the ability to print from the computer on which you complete your application.
We also recommend you have the following information at hand before you apply:
- Passport – number, date of issue / expiry.
- If you have held a previous passport, you must submit your previous passport with your application. If you are unable to do so, a written explanation must be provided along with any relevant police reports.
- Copy of Chinese immigration records from the National Immigration Administration Bureau (https://s.nia.gov.cn.) This is a free service which is also available on WeChat.
- Details of any previous Irish visa applications.
- Contact details for your host in Ireland.
- Itinerary.
During the application process you can save your application, exit the online form and return later to complete and submit it. (Within 30 days).
If you have any questions while using the facility - AVATS (inis.gov.ie)
How to submit your visa application?
For all visa applicants residing in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Mongolia
The Irish Immigration Service has outsourced the function for collection and return of visa applications in China and Mongolia to VFS Global. You must submit your visa application in person at one of the Visa Application Centres (VACs).
You will be required to pay a service charge to VFS Global. This fee is separate to the visa processing fee.
Once you have completed your online application, you will be directed to make an appointment to attend at a VFS Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics, and submit your supporting documents.
For applicants residing in Mainland China Apply for a visa | vfsglobal
For applicants residing in Hong Kong Welcome to VFS Global | vfsglobal
For applicants residing in Mongolia Welcome to VFS Global | vfsglobal
Visa Decisions
A list of visa decisions is published weekly on this site.
Beware of Fraud
The Irish Visa Office wishes to remind our customers to be vigilant against fraudulent activity currently being targeted at some applicants. It has come to our attention that some of our customers have been contacted by email/phone by a person(s) purporting to be from this office advising them to click on an internet link and to enter personal passwords etc. This is an attempted fraud.
Fees for various services charged by the Irish Immigration Services (ISD) can be found here:
Preclearance and entry visas fees - Immigration Service Delivery (irishimmigration.ie)
Do not give details of your immigration application by email or to telephone callers unless you are sure who they are. If you have received an email from this office and are unsure if it is legitimate, contact the Irish Visa Office in Beijing by telephone on + 86 10 65326945 / 65326971/72/73.
Requirement if a Solicitor is acting on your behalf for your visa application
If you employ a Solicitor on your behalf to deal directly with this office in relation to any aspect on your visa application, please remember to include a signed letter of authorisation by you the applicant allowing us to disclose personal information to your Solicitor that is relevant to, or included in the documents of your visa application.