Financial proof for a student visa in Ireland: complete guide 2025
Doing an exchange in Ireland is a dream for many Brazilians who seek to improve their English while working and experiencing a new culture. One of the great advantages of this destination is the possibility of applying for a student visa only after your arrival in the country. However, to guarantee this process, financial proof is a fundamental requirement that requires adequate planning.
Understanding the visa process in Ireland
Ireland offers a unique experience for exchange students through the program of Study and Work in Ireland, allowing you to enjoy the best of this enchanting country. Unlike other destinations, where a visa must be requested before traveling, you can enter Ireland as a tourist and then apply for your student visa while already in the country. This flexibility makes the process less bureaucratic and more accessible to Brazilians.
The process for obtaining an Irish visa involves some essential steps. First, you need to schedule your Irish immigration interview, which must be done shortly after your arrival. Next, it is necessary to find a fixed accommodation, since hostels or temporary homes are not accepted as proof of address. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you need to present the financial proof required by the Irish government.
Financial requirements for the visa
The Irish government sets minimum amounts that international students must prove to obtain a student visa. These values are updated periodically and represent the amount that the government considers necessary for you to remain in the country during your study period. Currently, the requirements are:
• Current minimum value: €4,680 (valid for courses started until June 29, 2025)
• New value as of June 30, 2025: €6.665
• Visa fee: €300 (in addition to the amount of the financial proof)
• Recommended amount for initial expenses: Minimum of €500 for the first few days
• importantly: The proof amount (€4,680 or €6,665) must not be used before applying for a visa
• Official source: Information available on the website of Irish Immigration
Forms of financial proof
There are several ways to provide financial proof for the Irish visa, each with its advantages and peculiarities. It is important to analyze each option and choose the one that best fits your financial planning. The right decision can not only facilitate the process of obtaining a visa, but also optimize your resources throughout the experience abroad.
The Irish government accepts different types of financial receipts, from Brazilian bank statements to accounts opened abroad. The important thing is that the documents are within the required validity period (generally 30 days before the interview) and that they clearly demonstrate that you have the minimum necessary amount at your disposal.
Accepted financial proof options
Let's take a detailed look at each of the options available to carry out your financial proof for a student visa in Ireland. Each method has its pros and cons, and the ideal choice will depend on your personal situation and financial management preferences.
- Brazilian bank account statement: This is one of the most practical options, as you keep your money in Brazil. The statement can be from a checking or savings account, and must show the equivalent in reais to the required amount in euros. The main advantage is that you don't have to actually transfer or convert all that money, just prove that it's available if necessary. Your card must be enabled for international withdrawals.
- Travel card (VTM): You can obtain a prepaid travel card with the minimum amount required and present the statement of this card. The document must be issued no later than 30 days before your scheduled interview date. The downside is that this amount will have to be effectively converted into euros, with payment of IOF and conversion fees, in addition to not being able to be used until after the visa interview.
- International bank account: Another option is to open an account with an international bank operating in Ireland. This alternative requires advance planning as the account opening process can be lengthy. You will need to transfer the minimum amount required to this account and present your bank statement at the interview. Perks include easy access to cash after visa approval and potentially lower bank fees for local operations.
- Sponsorship letter: If you have a sponsor (family member or friend) who will finance your stay, you can submit a sponsorship letter accompanied by the sponsor's bank statements. In this case, in addition to financial proof, it will be necessary to prove the link with the sponsor through documents such as a birth or marriage certificate.
Tips for financial planning
In addition to preparing the financial proof for the visa, it is essential to carry out a complete financial planning for your experience in Ireland. Consider the monthly costs of accommodation (between €500 and €900 in Dublin, which may be lower in other cities), food (approximately €250-300), transportation (€140 for a monthly pass in Dublin), plus extra expenses for leisure and possible trips around Europe. Remember that, although you can legally work up to 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours on vacation, it is recommended that you do not rely solely on that income in the first few months.
Ideal schedule for financial preparation
To ensure a smooth transition without financial surprises, it is recommended to start your financial planning at least six months before the scheduled departure date. This time is ideal for saving the necessary amount, researching the best exchange options, organizing your financial documents, and ensuring that everything is in order for proof at the visa interview.
An efficient schedule can be divided into phases. In the first three months, focus on saving and gathering the minimum required amount. Over the next two months, research the best exchange options and start preparing your documents. In the last month before the trip, finalize the chosen strategy for financial proof, check that all documents are in order, and organize an additional reservation for the first few days in the country.
Special care with financial documentation
Presenting the correct financial documentation within the standards required by Irish immigration is crucial for the approval of your visa. Some details may make a difference when reviewing your process. These are the main precautions you should take:
• Extracts in English: Prefer to request bank statements in English from your bank, or provide a simple translation
• Signature and stamp: Make sure that the bank documents are duly signed and stamped by the institution
• Complete data: The statement must contain your full name, account number, and financial institution details
• Recent history: Present statements showing movements from the last three months, in addition to the current balance
• Proof of origin: In the case of recent large deposits, be prepared to explain the origin of these amounts
• Digital backup: Keep digital copies of all financial documents in your email or cloud
How to guarantee security in your financial resources
When it comes to managing assets overseas, financial security must be a priority. We recommend always having more than one way to access your money, such as an international backup credit card and some cash for emergencies. Diversifying your sources of access to money is essential to avoid unforeseen events, especially in the first few days in a new country.
The choice of banks and financial services also deserves special attention. Look for institutions that offer reduced fees for international transactions and banking apps that work well abroad. Some Brazilian banks have partnerships with Irish financial institutions, which can facilitate transfers and reduce operating costs during your stay in the country.
Be Easy
A Be Easy is committed to making your exchange experience in Ireland as smooth as possible. Get in touch with us! Our expert team offers comprehensive guidance on financial proof and all aspects of the Irish visa, from initial planning to support during your stay in the country. With years of experience in the exchange market, we are thoroughly familiar with the requirements and processes of Irish immigration, ensuring that you can focus on what really matters: making the most of this transformative experience.
