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Irish work and holiday visas for Mexicans: Complete guide
Everything about Irish Work and Holiday visas for Mexicans – requirements, alternatives, and how to apply.
Although Irish Work and Holiday visas for Mexicans are not currently available, there are several interesting alternatives to explore this great Northern European destination.
Let’s look at the visas Ireland offers so you can work, study or simply travel and enjoy the country.
We’ll also explain the requirements for each visa, why having your own internet connection matters, and the general costs you must consider when applying.
What work, study, and tourist visas does Ireland offer to Mexicans?
You can enter Ireland without a visa as a tourist for up to 90 days. But if you plan to work or study, you’ll need a work or study visa, allowing you to stay from six months to a year or more, depending on your activities and Irish authorities’ approval.
Even though you don’t need a visa for tourism, you must still meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport.
- Return flight ticket from Ireland.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Financial means: Around $109.00 (€100.00) per day.
- Valid health insurance in the country.
Below, we’ll detail the main work and study visas with their requirements and documents you’ll need to apply for them.
Study Visa (Type D)
This visa lets you study for more than 90 days at an institution listed on the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes). As a Mexican citizen, you must meet several requirements to obtain it.
You must apply for this visa while outside Ireland, either from Mexico or another country where you hold legal status. The authorities will verify this during your application.
Additionally, this visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week while studying. During holidays, you can work up to 40 hours weekly. It’s a great way to study, work, and explore Ireland.
Who is this visa for?
This visa targets young people and adults who want to study technical, professional, or postgraduate courses. It’s also ideal for those wanting to learn or improve their English.
Requirements and documentation
To apply, you must present an acceptance letter from an Irish institution listed by ILEP and show proof of full tuition payment.
You’ll also need to prove sufficient funds to live in Ireland while studying. For your first year, you’ll need about $10,900.00 (€10,000.00), equivalent to around $6,200.00 (€5,700.00).
You must also hold valid health insurance that covers major medical expenses and show proof of accommodation arrangements.
The following documents are required:
- Passport: Valid for at least 12 months from your arrival in Ireland.
- Visa application form: Complete it online through the Irish Immigration Service Delivery portal.
- Institution’s acceptance letter.
- Receipt for tuition payment to the chosen institution.
- Bank statements: To prove you can cover travel and living expenses in Ireland.
- Return ticket to Mexico or sufficient funds to buy one: (This amount is in addition to the $10,900.00 (€10,000.00) maintenance funds) to return to Mexico once your studies end.
- Motivation letter: Explain why you chose Ireland, your institution, and your academic and future plans.
- Police clearance certificates: Showing you have no criminal record in Mexico or your current country of residence.
Work Visa (Type D)
This visa includes several categories that depend on the applicant’s profile. In fact, there are three main types of work permits granted depending on each case, which we’ll explain below:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: Granted to professionals needed in Ireland because the country lacks enough qualified workers in specific fields.
- General Employment Permit: Available for various workers and roles not listed under the Critical Skills category.
- Internship Employment Permit: Designed for university students completing their internships.
- Intra-Company Transfer Permit: For foreign employees of Irish companies who need to carry out internal work-related transfers within Ireland.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is for people who already have signed and legal work contracts in Ireland. It’s also for employees working for Irish companies being transferred to an Irish branch.
Requirements and documentation
The main requirement is to have one of the approved work permits mentioned above before applying. You or your employer can request it from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.. Below, you’ll find the documents required for the visa application: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Passport: Valid for at least one year from your arrival date in Ireland.
- Copy of the approved work permit.
- Job offer or signed contract letter: Showing employment terms and conditions within the country.
- Academic certificates: Proving you have the qualifications and experience required for your Irish position.
- Health insurance: Must be valid in Ireland with comprehensive health coverage.
- Visa application fee payment.
Internet while working, relaxing, or studying in Ireland
Once you’ve sorted the visa you’ll need to stay in Ireland as a worker or student, the next essential step is securing a reliable internet connection —you shouldn’t leave this detail to chance.
You’ll need a strong, stable, and flexible connection to navigate Ireland, commute, handle paperwork, and stay in touch with friends and family back in Mexico. For all this and more, we recommend Holafly’s monthly subscription plans.
You can choose between 25 GB or unlimited data —both plans let you use your phone as a hotspot to connect other devices. Plus, they offer coverage in over 170 countries worldwide.
Finally, if you’re only travelling for a few weeks, you could install the Holafly eSIM for Ireland. This virtual SIM gives you unlimited data for just the days you need, with no roaming fees and no need to swap physical SIM cards.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Prices and expenses for obtaining Irish visas for Mexican citizens
Now that you have all the information about Ireland’s main work and study visas for Mexicans, let’s go over the official visa fees and other related expenses you should budget for during the application process:
- Study and work visa fees: Any single-entry visa costs around $71.00 (€65.00), while a multiple-entry visa costs approximately $120.00 (€110.00).
- Irish Residence Permit (IRP): For any long-stay visa, you’ll need to pay about $360.00 (€330.00) once you arrive in Ireland.
- Critical or General Employment Permit: The cost of these work permits is approximately $1,200.00 (€1,100.00).
- Certified document translation: Each page usually costs around $1.20 (€1.10).
- Other document printing expenses: $17.00 (€15.60) is the estimated amount you may spend on printing and copies.
- Return flight to Mexico: As mentioned in the study visa section, you must have enough funds to cover your return ticket once your legal stay ends. The average cost of a flight from Ireland to Mexico is about $1,310.00 (€1,200.00).
- Living expenses in Ireland: You must prove sufficient funds for your stay, equivalent to at least $11,800.00 (€10,800.00) to cover accommodation, food, and daily costs.
Frequently asked questions about Irish visas for Mexican citizens
The main reason is that there is currently no bilateral agreement between Mexico and Ireland that allows citizens of either country to apply for this type of special visa programme.
Yes, one of the main advantages of the student visa is that it allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During official holidays, you may work up to 40 hours per week.
It’s advisable to start your visa application at least three to four months before your intended travel date, to ensure there’s enough time for processing and potential document requests.
No, you cannot work in Ireland while on a tourist visa. Doing so is illegal and could result in fines, deportation, or even a five-year ban from re-entering the country.
To apply for a work visa, one of the main requirements is that you must be outside Ireland at the time of application—either in Mexico or in another country where you have legal residence.
