Work permits and visas in Ireland

Overview of work permits and visas

Individuals who are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland usually need permission to work in Ireland. This generally takes the form of a work permit (also called an employment permit) and, in many cases, an entry visa. The specific type required depends on the person’s nationality, job, and circumstances.

• Work permits authorize an individual to work for a specific employer in Ireland.
• Work visas grant permission to enter Ireland for employment purposes.
• Certain groups, such as EEA nationals, spouses of Irish citizens, and those with recognized refugee status, are exempt from permit rules.

Main types of employment permits

Critical Skills Employment Permit

This permit is aimed at highly skilled professionals in areas experiencing labor shortages, for example, IT, engineering, and healthcare roles. It is valid for up to two years and can provide a path to permanent residency.

• Minimum annual salary: usually €32,000 (may vary for some professions).
• Eligible for family reunification after one year.
• Applicants can apply for long-term residency after holding the permit for two years.

General Employment Permit

This permit covers a broad range of occupations that are not listed as ineligible. It is issued when an employer cannot find a suitable candidate within the EEA.

• Minimum annual salary requirement is typically €30,000.
• Valid for up to two years initially, with renewals possible to a maximum of five years.
• Permits family reunification after 12 months.
• Transition to other permit types is possible if requirements are met.

Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

Multinational companies use this permit to temporarily transfer employees from overseas branches to their Irish operations. The employee must have worked for the company for at least 12 months.

• Available for senior management, specialists, and trainees.
• Initial validity up to two years, with extension options.

Other permit types

• Contract for Services Employment Permit: For workers employed by a foreign company contracted to provide services in Ireland.
• Reactivation Employment Permit: For people who previously held a valid permit but fell out of the employment permit system.
• Working Holiday Authorisation: Available for nationals from specific countries aged 18–30 to work and travel in Ireland for up to 12 months.
• Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit: Allows spouses, partners, and dependents of current permit holders to work in Ireland.
• Student Employment (Stamp 2): International students may work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during holidays if studying on eligible courses.
• Start-up Entrepreneur Program (STEP) Visa: For non-EEA nationals who aim to start and run innovative businesses in Ireland. Usually requires a business fund of at least €75,000.

Key employer obligations and requirements

Employers sponsoring foreign employees must follow specific legal steps to comply with Irish law.

• Register with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
• Be compliant with the “50:50 Rule,” meaning at least half of the workforce is EEA nationals.
• Advertise the role within the EEA to fulfill the Labour Market Needs Test (unless exempt).
• Issue a formal job offer and employment contract.
• Register with the Companies Registration Office and Revenue Commissioners.
• Ensure all permits and documents are kept up to date.

Application process for work permits

The process for securing a work permit in Ireland typically involves several key steps:

• Secure a valid job offer from an Irish employer.
• Submit the permit application via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS), including required supporting documents and payment of relevant fees.
• The DETE processes the application, checking compliance with permit rules.
• Receive the decision—if approved, the permit is issued, allowing the employee to commence work.

Processing times

Processing times vary by permit type and workload. As of late 2024, Critical Skills Employment Permits take about five weeks for standard applications or one week for Trusted Partners.

Fees for permits and visas

Application fees differ based on the type and duration of the permit:

Permit type	Fee (up to 6 months)	Fee (6–24 months)
General Employment Permit	€500	€1,000
Critical Skills Employment Permit	N/A	€1,000
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit	€500	€1,000

Employment visa (entry): €60 (single entry), €100 (multiple entry).

Permit renewals and pathways to residency

Most employment permits are valid for an initial period of up to two years. They can often be renewed for up to five years. After five years of legal employment, permit holders may be eligible to apply for long-term residency or a Stamp 4 status, which allows them to work without a permit.

• Renewal applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks before expiration.
• Those with Critical Skills permits can usually apply for long-term residence after two years.

Visa rules for contractors and digital nomads

Independent contractors do not require employer sponsorship but must comply with Irish tax reporting and registration rules. Ireland does not currently offer a dedicated “digital nomad visa.” Non-EEA remote workers must use existing employment permit routes if their work conditions require residency.

Common challenges for employers

Employers hiring foreign workers in Ireland often face:

• Complexity in understanding different permit categories and their requirements.
• Difficulty demonstrating compliance with the 50:50 Rule and Labour Market Needs Test.
• Potential permit processing delays.

Early planning and consultation with immigration or legal experts can reduce risks of non-compliance and delays.

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

A work permit lets a non-EEA national take up employment with a specific employer in Ireland. A work visa is usually needed to enter Ireland for employment purposes. In most cases, both are required.

Who is exempt from needing a work permit in Ireland?

Citizens of the EEA and Switzerland, spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens, some family members of work permit holders, those with refugee or humanitarian status, and certain students may be exempt.

How long does it take to process a work permit in Ireland?

Processing times usually range from 5 to 6 weeks. Trusted Partner employers may receive Critical Skills Employment Permits in as little as one week. Times may vary depending on permit type and volume of applications.

Can family members join employees working in Ireland?

Permit holders may apply for family reunification after 12 months (or after one year in the case of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders). Family members can then apply for their own employment permits to work in Ireland.

Does Ireland have a digital nomad visa?

No. Ireland currently does not offer a specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers should check which type of employment permit applies according to their individual work status and residency plans.