C Visa vs D Visa: which Irish visa is right for you?
Two entry visas for Ireland: the short-stay 'C' visa for visits up to 90 days, and the long-stay 'D' visa for stays over 90 days such as work, study or family reunification.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Short Stay 'C' Visa (C Visa) | Long Stay 'D' Visa (D Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Short stay | Long stay entry visa |
| Who it's for | Visa-required nationals coming to Ireland for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short courses. | Visa-required nationals travelling to Ireland for more than 90 days to work, study, join family or settle. |
| Government cost | ~€60 single entry / €100 multiple entry | ~€60 single entry / €100 multiple entry |
| Processing time | ~8 weeks (varies by visa office) | ~8 weeks (varies by category and office) |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days | More than 90 days (single entry to register on arrival) |
| Where to apply | Online (AVATS) then submit documents at a visa office/consulate | Online (AVATS) then submit documents at a visa office/consulate |
| Work rights | No work permitted | Per the underlying permit/permission |
| Pathway to PR | No pathway to residence; you must leave before the visa expires. | Long stay categories register for an IRP stamp and may build toward residence. |
Which is right for you?
Short Stay 'C' Visa (C Visa)
Visa-required nationals coming to Ireland for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short courses.
Full C Visa guide →Long Stay 'D' Visa (D Visa)
Visa-required nationals travelling to Ireland for more than 90 days to work, study, join family or settle.
Full D Visa guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, C Visa or D Visa?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Short Stay 'C' Visa (C Visa) is the lowest at ~€60 single entry / €100 multiple entry. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, C Visa or D Visa?
Indicatively Short Stay 'C' Visa (C Visa) is the quickest at ~8 weeks (varies by visa office). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between C Visa and D Visa?
Short Stay 'C' Visa (C Visa) is for visa-required nationals coming to Ireland for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short courses. Long Stay 'D' Visa (D Visa) is for visa-required nationals travelling to Ireland for more than 90 days to work, study, join family or settle.