Work Authorisation and Visas
1. Definitions
The following are definitions of the main terms used when discussing visas and work authorisation:
Entry Visas: Citizens of certain countries require visas to enter Ireland. Entry visas are required to enter the country only. Click here for further information and for a list of countries for whom visas are NOT required.
Hosting Agreements: This is a form of work authorisation that replaces a work permit for researchers only. Click here for further information from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or click here for further information from the Irish Universities Association.
Work Permits: A work permit can only be issued to the employer. It gives the employer permission to employ a specific individual for a specific duration and purpose. Click here for further information.
Green Card: A green card is a particular form of work authorisation that can apply for certain occupations, where the contract is for more than two years and the salary is in excess of €60,000. Click here for further information.
2. Questions
Queries on visas and permits can be directed to the HR office of your University who will advise and provide information on an individual basis.
3. Application Process
A hosting agreement, work permit and green card is applied for by the employing University’s Human Resources Division.
We will be able to advise on eligibility for the most appropriate type of work authorisation. An email will be sent to you outlining the information you need to gather for the application and the contact person to whom this information should be returned
The work authorisation application form is then processed and you will be updated of progress.
An entry visa is applied for by the individual.
If you are from a country that requires an entry visa to Ireland, you must apply directly through your local Irish consulate or embassy. To do this, you will need your hosting agreement, work permit or green card from the University. Click here for further information.
4. Garda National Immigration Bureau
Please note that non EU employees are required to register with the local Garda National Immigration Bureau on arrival in Ireland. Your local GNIB can be found at http://www.garda.ie/controller.aspx?page=31
The following documentation is required when registering with the GNIB:
- Contract of Employment
- Work Authorisation
- Valid Passport
The Immigration office will issue you with an immigration card. There is a charge of €300 per person and this must be renewed annually. Each family member over 16 years of age and named on a hosting agreement must register in person with the GNIB.
The Immigration office will only except debit/credit cards or bank giro. Paying by bank giro requires some time for clearance. Please note that the GNIB will not accept cash.
More information on this is available from the Department of Justice website on http://www.justice.ie/
Tax and Money Matters
This section will provide you with information on the following:
- Obtaining a PPS number
- Tax
- PRSI
- Opening a bank account
- Useful links
1. Obtaining a PPS number
A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number and is needed in all dealings with Public Service Agencies. A PPS Number is required in order for an employer to make payments to you.
To obtain this, please complete the following steps:
1. The following documents/identification are required:
Non EEA Nationals
a. Valid passport or Certificate of Registration with the Department of Justice Equality and Law
Reform (GNIB Card).
b. Evidence of an address in Ireland. Human Resources can provide a letter for Social Welfare verifying an Irish address for new employees.
c. Supporting documentation of either birth, work, unemployment, residency, tax liability or education history, if available.
d. It is also advisable to have your social security insurance number from your home country to hand.
EU Nationals and other EEA Citizens
a. Valid passport or National Identity Card.
b. Evidence of an address in Ireland. Human Resources can provide a letter for Social Welfare verifying an Irish address for new employees.
c. Supporting documentation of either birth, work, unemployment, residency, tax liability or education history, if available.
d. It is also advisable to have your social security insurance number from your home country to hand.
UK Citizens
a. Valid passport or birth certificate.
b. Valid photographic ID e.g. driving licence.
c. Evidence of an address in Ireland. Human Resources can provide a letter for Social Welfare verifying an Irish address for new employees.
d. Supporting documentation of either birth, work, unemployment, residency, tax liability or education history, if available.
e. It is also advisable to have your social security insurance number from your home country to hand.
2. Go in person to the nearest Social Welfare Office. A list of local social welfare offices is available on http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/List-of-Social-Welfare-Local-and-Branch-Offices-by-County.aspx.
3. Complete the form REG1, which is available at the Social Welfare Office. Where a PPS number is
required for a child, a form REG1 must be completed by the parent/guardian, in respect of the child.
4. Following registration the applicant will be notified of his/her PPS No within five working days, by a letter (CR87c) which is automatically generated to the address given on the Form REG1. Inputting the incorrect name and address will result in non delivery and/or queries. Care should be taken to enter the address completely and accurately with the apartment or house number always included. This letter is acceptable as proof of a person's PPS No for transactions and access to public services e.g. Social and Family Affairs, Health Services, Revenue Commissioners and employers.
5. Notify Human Resources of your PPS No once received.
2. Tax
To deduct the correct tax from your salary, please complete the following steps:
1. Apply for a Certificate of Tax Credits by completing the Form 12A. Please go to http://www.revenue.ie/en/personal/faqs/starting-work-tax.html to download this form.
2. Required information to complete the Form 12A:
a. Employers PAYE registered No - this is available from HR
b. PPS No
c. Irish address
3. Please send the completed form to your local tax office
4. Both you and your employer will be notified of your tax credits and your employer will make the necessary tax deductions from your salary. The Form 12A should be submitted as soon as possible to minimise the risk of 'emergency tax' of 42%. Emergency tax is applied in cases where your tax credits are unclear. If this occurs, the appropriate reimbursements will be made to you as soon as your tax situation is clarified.
2.2. Tax Credits, Reliefs and Rates
Depending on your personal circumstances, you may not be liable for tax on all of your income. This amount will differ for each individual. Tax credits may be allowable depending on your family circumstances and tax relief can also apply to other payments such as mortgages or health insurance.
3. Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI)
3.1. Employers and employees (over 16 years of age) in Ireland pay social insurance contributions into Ireland's national Social Insurance Fund. Please see link PRSI Explained.
4. Opening a Bank Account
4.1. To open a bank account, please complete the following steps:
1. The following information is required:
a. Two forms of photographic identification e.g. passport, birth certificate and drivers licence.
b. Proof of address e.g. a recent utility bill. The University may be able to provide a letter for the bank verifying the Irish address for new employees where necessary
2. Please notify Human Resources of the following information:
a. Bank name
b. Bank address
c. Account number
d. Bank sort code
Schools:
In Ireland, children attend primary school between the ages of approximately 5 and 12 and secondary school between the ages of about 12 and 18. The Department of Education website will provide you with further information on the education system in Ireland http://www.education.ie/en/
http://www.schooldays.ie/articles/education-system-in-Ireland provides a comprehensive list of all primary and secondary schools in Ireland.
Private Health Insurance
The following are providers of private health insurance in Ireland:
Useful Websites
http://www.revenue.ie - For all Tax Enquiries
http://www.citizensinformation.ie - Government Information Website
http://www.discoverireland.ie – Tourist Information Website