Reactivation of
Employer Permit
The Reactivation Employment Permit allows a foreign national to regain legal working status after their original permit lapsed through no fault of their own or due to workplace exploitation.
Either the worker or the employer can apply. Once issued to the worker, a copy is sent to the employer, authorising specific employment. Typically, only one such permit is granted per individual.
You are eligible for a
Reactivation Employment Permit if you:
Hold a current or new Spousal / Dependant Permit, but your circumstances have changed (e.g., separation), and the Minister for Justice supports your case.
Hold a Reactivation Permit and have been made redundant. You have 6 months to find a new job and reapply.
Previously held an Intra-Company Transfer Permit, Contract for Services Permit, or Internship Employment Permit and overstayed its expiry.
Hold a Reactivation Permit and wish to change employers
Note that permit holders are generally expected to stay with their initial employer for 12 months
You are not eligible for a
Reactivation Employment Permit if you:
Have already been granted one through this scheme.
A second permit is considered only in exceptional, unavoidable circumstances
Previously held an Employment Permit but lost legal residency through no fault of your own, yet remained in the State.
Have never held an Employment Permit.
Previously held an Employment Permit but have since left the State.
Previously held an Employment Permit with Stamp 1 permission, but have changed your status to a different immigration stamp.
Conditions
Before applying for the permit, you must first obtain immigration permission. This requires:
Applying to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) for permission to stay to apply under this scheme. If granted a temporary Stamp 1 and you have the official “Reactivation Employment Permit” letter from the Department of Justice, you may then apply for the Reactivation Employment Permit.
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