Ireland Work Permit (2026)

An Ireland work permit — formally called an Employment Permit — is the legal authorisation that allows a non-EU/EEA national to work in Ireland. It is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and is separate from the Irish visa. You need both: the permit authorises the work, the visa authorises the entry. This page explains every permit type, who qualifies, and how the application process works.

Last updated: June 2026

Ireland Work Permit vs Work Visa — Key Difference

These are two separate approvals that are often confused:

You apply for the Employment Permit first. Once approved, you apply for the D Visa using the permit as a supporting document.

Types of Ireland Employment Permit

1. Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

The most sought-after permit for skilled non-EU workers. Designed to attract talent in high-demand sectors.

• No Labour Market Needs Test — employer does not need to advertise locally first
• Issued for up to 2 years initially
• After 2 years, eligible for Stamp 4 — unrestricted right to work without a permit
• Spouse/partner immediately eligible to work in Ireland on a Stamp 1G
• Path to long-term residency and Irish citizenship

Salary Thresholds (2026)

Critical Skills Occupations Include

• Software engineers, data scientists, cloud architects, cybersecurity specialists
• AI / machine learning engineers
• Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers
• Civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers
• Financial analysts, actuaries, quantitative analysts
• Research scientists and academics
• Veterinary surgeons

The full list is published and updated regularly on the Department of Enterprise website.

2. General Employment Permit (GEP)

For roles that are not on the Critical Skills list but are also not on the Ineligible Occupations list.

• Employer must conduct a Labour Market Needs Test — advertise the role to EU/EEA nationals for 4 weeks via national newspapers, EURES, and Jobs Ireland
• Permit is employer-specific — tied to the sponsoring employer
• Issued for up to 2 years initially, renewable for 3 years
• Minimum annual salary: €30,000
• After 5 years on GEP, eligible to apply for Stamp 4
• Changing employer requires a new permit application

Ineligible Occupations

A list of low-wage or oversupplied roles that cannot use the General Employment Permit. This list includes roles such as general operatives, retail assistants, and basic administration. Always verify on the Department of Enterprise website before applying.

3. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit

For employees of multinational companies transferred from an overseas office to the Irish operation.

• Applicant must have worked for the company for at least 12 months outside Ireland
• Role must be senior management, specialised knowledge, or a trainee position
• No Labour Market Needs Test required
• Validity: up to 2 years (senior/specialist); up to 1 year (trainee)

4. Researcher Employment Permit

For non-EU researchers coming to work at approved Irish research institutions (universities, IDA-funded companies):

• Issued based on a hosting agreement between the researcher and the host institution
• No salary threshold set — remuneration must match the hosting agreement
• No Labour Market Needs Test required

5. Sport and Cultural Employment Permit

For professional athletes, coaches, performers, and cultural workers. Salary threshold is €30,000 minimum. Issued for up to 2 years.

6. Exchange Agreement Permit

For workers under a bilateral or multilateral exchange agreement between Ireland and another country. Duration set by the exchange agreement terms.

How to Apply for an Ireland Employment Permit

Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility

• Confirm your role is not on the Ineligible Occupations list
• For Critical Skills: confirm your occupation appears on the Critical Skills list or meets the €64,000 threshold
• Secure a job offer from an Irish employer registered with Revenue Commissioners

Step 2 — Labour Market Needs Test (GEP Only)

If applying for a General Employment Permit, the employer must first advertise the role:

• On EURES (European Employment Services)
• On Jobs Ireland (national jobs portal)
• In at least one national newspaper
• Advertisements must run for a minimum of 4 weeks
• Employer must document that no suitable EU/EEA candidate applied

Step 3 — Apply via EPOS

The Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) is the government portal for all permit applications. Either the employer or the employee (or both jointly) can apply depending on permit type:

• Create an account at epos.enterprise.gov.ie
• Complete the online application form
• Upload required documents (contract, qualifications, Labour Market Needs Test evidence)
• Pay the application fee online

Employment Permit Application Fees

50% of the fee is refunded if the permit is refused.

Step 4 — Apply for Long Stay D Visa

Once your Employment Permit is approved, apply for a Long Stay D Visa through VFS Global or the Irish embassy. Include your Employment Permit as a key supporting document. See the full Ireland work visa guide for the complete D visa process.

Processing Times

Add 6–10 weeks for the subsequent D Visa. Total from job offer to arriving in Ireland is typically 4–6 months.

Renewing Your Employment Permit

• Apply for renewal at least 12 weeks before expiry via EPOS
• Critical Skills: renewable for a further 3 years
• General Employment: renewable for up to 3 years per renewal
• After the renewal period, most workers are eligible for Stamp 4 (unrestricted work rights)

Path from Work Permit to Permanent Residency

Official References

• Department of Enterprise — Employment Permits Overview
• Critical Skills Occupations List (Official)
• EPOS — Employment Permits Online System

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an Ireland work permit and a work visa?

An Employment Permit is issued by the Department of Enterprise and authorises you to work in Ireland. A Long Stay D Visa is issued by the Irish embassy and authorises you to enter Ireland. You need both — the permit first, then the visa.

What is the salary requirement for Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit?

For occupations on the Critical Skills list, the minimum salary is €38,000 per year. For other eligible occupations not on the list, the threshold is €64,000 per year.

Can I change jobs on an Ireland work permit?

Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can change employers after completing 12 months in Ireland and obtaining a new permit. General Employment Permit holders are tied to their sponsoring employer and must apply for a new permit to change jobs.

How long does it take to get an Ireland work permit?

Critical Skills Employment Permits typically take 6–10 weeks. General Employment Permits take 8–14 weeks due to the Labour Market Needs Test requirement.

Can my spouse work in Ireland if I have a Critical Skills Employment Permit?

Yes. Spouses and partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders are immediately eligible to work in Ireland on a Stamp 1G — no separate employment permit is required for them.