To work in Ireland, a non-EEA national, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. The department's Employment Permits Section administers the employment permits system.
Work Permit Application
Types of employment permit
The Employment Permits Act 2024, as amended, allows for nine different types of Employment Permits to be granted.
General Employment Permit
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Reactivation Employment Permit
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
Internship Employment Permit
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
Contract for Services Employment Permit
General Work Permit
Key Features
ALL occupations are eligible unless they are on the official "Ineligible List”.
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Before you can get a General Employment Permit, you must have:
• A firm job offer from a genuine employer.
• An employer that is registered with Revenue.
• An employer that is actively trading in Ireland
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Initial Permit: Issued for 2 years.
• Renewal: Can be renewed for up to a further 3 years.
•Long-Term Residency: After 5 years, the holder can apply for
Stamp 4 or a long-term residency with the Department of Justice.
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• Standard Rate: €34,000 per year;€36,605 per year (From 1st of March 2026).
•Special Rates (€30,000 per year); €32,691 (From 1st of March 2026).
Critical Work Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market with the aim of encouraging them to take up permanent residence in the State.
Occupations such as ICT professionals, professional engineers and technologists are catered for under this type of employment permit.
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Permit holders can apply for immediate family reunification.
Permit holders may apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for permission to reside and work without the requirement for an employment permit upon completion of the Critical Skills Employment Permit’s duration.
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• Standard Rate: € €38,000 per year; € 40,904 per year (From 1st of March 2026).
• All occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of over €64,000, other than those on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits or which are contrary to the public interest.
Important
In addition to the above requirements, both the employer and the employee must meet all eligibility requirements set by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to qualify for an Employment Permit.
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