work permit

Work permits & Employment authorization in ireland

If you are a non-EEA (European Economic Area) national seeking to work in Ireland, you generally need an employment permit to do so legally. The employment permit system is governed by the Employment Permits Acts and administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Most people apply for an employment permit after receiving a job offer in Ireland, and in most cases, you must have your permit approved before arriving in the country.

There are several types of employment permits tailored to different job categories and circumstances, including the Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, Seasonal Employment Permit, and others. Additionally, academic researchers may be covered under a special Hosting Agreement administered by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Types of Employment Permits

Critical Skills Employment Permit

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled professionals to Ireland in sectors experiencing skill shortages, such as information and communications technology (ICT), engineering, nursing, and other health-related professions. To qualify, applicants must have a job offer for at least two years with a minimum annual salary of €32,000 (or €64,000 for some occupations) and relevant qualifications.

This permit offers several advantages:

  • No Labour Market Needs Test (employers do not have to advertise the job locally before hiring a non-EEA national).
  • After two years, permit holders can apply to remain in Ireland without needing a further work permit.
  • It facilitates family reunification under certain conditions.

Employers must comply with the “50:50 rule,” meaning at least half their workforce must be EU/EEA nationals.

General Employment Permit

The General Employment Permit allows non-EEA nationals to work in a broader range of occupations, especially those facing labour shortages. Eligibility requires a job offer with a minimum salary of €34,000 per year (with some exceptions for certain roles at €30,000), and the job must not be on the list of ineligible occupations.

Key conditions include:

  • The employer must conduct a Labour Market Needs Test, demonstrating no suitable EEA candidate was found.
  • The employer must be registered and trading in Ireland.
  • The “50:50 rule” applies here as well.

Applicants can apply either before arriving in Ireland or, if already legally resident with certain immigration stamps (e.g., Stamp 1, 1G, 2, 2A, or 3), they may apply from within Ireland.

Seasonal Employment Permit

Starting in early 2025, the new Seasonal Employment Permit will allow non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland for short periods (up to 6 months) in sectors like agriculture and tourism, which experience seasonal labour demand.

Other Permits

Other permit types include:

  • Dependant, Partner, Spouse Employment Permit
  • Contract for Service Employment Permit
  • Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
  • Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
  • Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
  • Internship Employment Permit
  • Reactivation Employment Permit

Each caters to specific employment or personal circumstances.

Who Does Not Need an Employment Permit?

Certain categories of people are exempt from needing an employment permit, including:

  • EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (free to work without permits).
  • Holders of Stamp 4 immigration permission (can work without a permit).
  • Spouses or dependents of Irish citizens or certain permit holders.
  • Refugees and those granted humanitarian leave.
  • International students (limited working hours during studies).
  • Academic researchers under hosting agreements.

How to Apply for an Employment Permit

Applications are submitted online via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). Either the employer or the employee can apply. The process involves:

  • Selecting the correct permit type.
  • Providing personal details, job offer information, and employer details.
  • Uploading supporting documents such as passport copies, work contracts, and company registration certificates.
  • Paying the application fee (typically €1,000 for a General Employment Permit, with 90% refunded if refused).

Applicants receive a unique application number (MyWork-ID) to save and resume their application. Processing times vary, and if refused, applicants can appeal within 28 days.

Immigration and Registration

Once your employment permit is approved, if you are from a visa-required country, you must apply for an Irish visa before travelling. Upon arrival, you must present your permit to immigration officers. You will then register with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), which confirms your legal right to live and work in Ireland.

If you are already in Ireland on a different immigration status and wish to change to a work permit status, you must contact immigration authorities to update your registration.

Bringing Family to Ireland

Permit holders on General or Critical Skills Employment Permits can apply to bring their family members to live with them in Ireland after one year of employment. You must demonstrate sufficient income to support your family without recourse to public funds.

Family members from visa-required countries must apply for visas separately, while those from visa-exempt countries must show proof of relationship at the border.

Important Considerations and Tips

  • Labour Market Needs Test: Most permits require employers to prove no suitable EEA candidate was available.
  • Salary Thresholds: These are periodically updated, so check current minimum salary requirements before applying.
  • 50:50 Rule: Employers must ensure at least half their workforce are EEA nationals.
  • Job Offer: You must have a genuine job offer before applying.
  • Application Fees: Fees vary by permit type and are partially refundable if refused.
  • Legal Advice: Consider consulting immigration or employment law experts to navigate complex cases.

Summary

Ireland offers a structured employment permit system to regulate work by non-EEA nationals, balancing labour market needs with immigration control. The Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit are the most common routes, each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits. Understanding the permit types, application procedures, and related immigration requirements is essential for anyone planning to work legally in Ireland.