As Ireland’s demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, businesses are looking beyond the EU to find the right talent. For employers, navigating the country’s work permit system has become essential to meeting staffing needs. Meanwhile, jobseekers from outside the EU must understand the steps to obtain a valid work permit and transition successfully to working in Ireland.
Non-EU/EEA nationals must acquire the appropriate work permit to work in Ireland legally. These permits are issued by the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
This guide provides an overview of key work permits, recent updates, and essential information for HR professionals and international jobseekers. Note: This guide does not cover visas—visit Irish Immigration for visa details.
When is a Work Permit Required?
A work permit is legally required for non-EEA nationals working in Ireland. The EEA includes all EU member states, plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Swiss and UK nationals also have the right to live and work in Ireland.
Jobseekers from all other countries must apply for a work permit and meet eligibility criteria. The most common permits are the General Employment Permit (GEP) and the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP).
The employer can apply for the work permit on behalf of the candidate, or the candidate/jobseeker can apply themselves. The application form requires:
Job description
Start date
Annual remuneration
Relevant qualifications and experience
Types of Work Permits in Ireland
If your organisation is hiring non-EU workers, or if you're an international jobseeker, understanding the different work permits is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of key permits:
1. General Employment Permit (GEP)
The GEP is ideal for a broad range of occupations not covered by the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). It is designed to address skill shortages in specific sectors. The process fee for a General Employment Permit is between €500 - €1500 depending on the duration.
For Employers:
Labour Market Needs Test required (to prove no suitable EEA candidates are available)
Minimum annual salary: €34,000, with some exceptions
Job offer must be at least 12 months
At least 50% of employees in the organisation must be from the EEA
For Jobseekers:
Must secure a job offer for at least 12 months
Must meet salary and skills criteria
Work permit and visa must be obtained before arrival
Can change employers after 9 months but must stay in the same profession
2. Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
The CSEP attracts highly skilled workers in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare. You can view the full list of occupations here. The processing fee is €1,000, with a 90% refund if unsuccessful.
For Employers:
No Labour Market Needs Test required
Job offer must be for at least 2 years
At least 50% of employees in the organisation must be from the EEA
Allows employees to apply for Stamp 4 residency after 2 years, removing future permit needs
For Jobseekers:
Must hold a relevant degree in a critical skills field
Eligible for Stamp 4 residency after 2 years, allowing unrestricted work in Ireland
3. Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
Allows dependents, partners, or spouses of permit holders to work in Ireland
Application is free
No restrictions on job types (must meet minimum wage requirements)
Other permits include the Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit (ICTEP), Internship Employment Permit, Contract for Services Employment Permit, and Sport & Cultural Employment Permit. A full list is available here.
Key Work Permit Updates for 2025
📌 Salary Increase for Healthcare Assistants & Home Care Workers (January 2025) ➝ Minimum salary rising from €27,000 to €30,000
📌 Quota Increase for Mechanics (November 2024) ➝ 200 extra permits issued for Car Mechanics, Motor Mechanics, Auto Electricians, and Motor Vehicle Technicians
📌 Employment Permit Acts 2024 (August 2024) ➝ GEP holders can now change employers after 9 months (previously 12). Holders need to stay within their profession to move. If the holder wants to change professions, they must apply for a new permit.
Processing Time for Work Permits in 2025
As of December 2024, standard applications for Critical Skills Employment Permits are processed in about 5 weeks, while Trusted Partner (organisations partnered with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for faster processing) applications are processed in 1 week.
For Employers:
Consider applying to become a Trusted Partner of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for quicker processing times. Apply here.
For Jobseekers:
Many employers offer permit sponsorship—check if your potential employer assists with permits and visas.
Contact Elite Talent Hub for Guidance
Need help with work permits or securing a job offer in Ireland? Contact us for expert guidance!