General Employment Permit

At Visawebs, we understand how important the right employment permit is for your career in Ireland. Our consultancy team has successfully secured hundreds of Critical Skills and General Employment Permits for professionals across industries.

From the moment you start your application until your permit is approved, we work closely with you at every step ensuring the process is smooth, compliant, and stress-free. With our expertise, you can focus on your career while we handle the complexities of permits and regulations.

Table of Content:

What is the General Employment Permit?

The General Employment Permit is one of the most widely used work permits in Ireland. Compared to the Critical Skills Employment Permit, it offers greater flexibility with broader eligible occupations and more relaxed salary requirements. It is also the best alternative for applicants who may not qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.

Under this scheme, all occupations are considered eligible unless they appear on the Ineligible List of Occupations. Additionally, jobs included on the Critical Skills Occupations List are also eligible under a General Employment Permit.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, don’t worry Visawebs is here to help. Contact us today for instant guidance and tailored advice for your situation.

Who Can Apply for a General Employment Permit?

If you are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK, or Switzerland, you will need a valid employment permit to work in Ireland. In most cases, you may also need to apply for an entry visa before travelling.

For those already living in Ireland, if you hold a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with stamps 1, 1A, 2, 2A, or 3, and you have received a job offer in an eligible occupation, you’re already partway to meeting the requirements for a General Employment Permit.

Understanding Eligibility

The Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) maintains two key lists that determine which jobs qualify:

Critical Skills Occupations List – These roles are highly in demand and usually qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. However, if your salary falls below the €38,000 threshold for Critical Skills, you may still qualify for a General Employment Permit, provided your annual salary is at least €34,000.
Ineligible List of Occupations – Any job on this list is not eligible for a work permit of any kind in Ireland.

Salary & Job Requirements

To be eligible for a General Employment Permit, your role must meet the following criteria:

Minimum annual salary of €34,000 (with relevant skills, qualifications, or experience), From 1 March 2026: minimum salary for General Employment Permits will rise from €34,000 to €36,605
Special categories:
- Horticulture Workers & Meat Processing Operators: Minimum salary €30,000 (€14.79/hour)
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) & Home Support Workers: Minimum salary €27,000
- From 1st March 2026, the threshold for meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers, the minimum salary will increase from €30,000 to €32,691

Unsure About Your Eligibility?

Employment permit rules can be tricky, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Visawebs will review your situation and guide you through the process step by step. Reach out today for instant, expert assistance.

Requirements for a General Employment Permit

To qualify for a General Employment Permit in Ireland, employees must meet certain conditions relating to qualifications and their job offer.

1. Salary & Qualification Requirements

For roles with a minimum salary of €34,000 per year, applicants must hold a relevant degree or higher qualification.
For roles in specific industries, lower salary thresholds apply:
- Horticultural Workers & Meat Processing Operators: Minimum salary €30,000 per year (or €14.79 per hour)
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) & Home Support Workers: Minimum salary €27,000 per year

2. Job Offer Conditions

The job offered must not appear on the Ineligible List of Occupations.
Applicants must have the required skills, qualifications, or experience relevant to the role.
The role must be genuine, full-time, and comply with Irish employment laws.

Contact Visawebs today for expert guidance and a smooth General Employment Permit application.

What Employers Need to Know About the General Employment Permit

To hire a non-EEA national under a General Employment Permit, employers must meet certain criteria set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE):

1. Employer Registration

The company must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and the Companies Registration Office (CRO) (or Registry of Friendly Societies, if relevant).
The business must be actively trading in Ireland.

2. Direct Employment Relationship

The prospective employee must be employed and paid directly by the company (no outsourcing or third-party arrangements).

3. Workforce Composition (50:50 Rule)

At least 50% of employees must be EEA nationals.
This requirement may be waived for start-ups operating for less than two years.

4. Labour Market Needs Test

In most cases, employers must show that the role could not be filled from within the EEA by conducting a Labour Market Needs Test.
However, this test is not required if:

The role is on the Critical Skills Occupations List, or
The annual salary for the role is €64,000 or higher.

Need expert assistance? Contact Visawebs today for professional guidance and a smooth permit application process.

Benefits of the General Employment Permit

The General Employment Permit opens the door to a wide range of opportunities for employees and employers alike. Some of the key benefits include:

Pathway to Long-Term Residency
Permit holders become eligible to apply for Stamp 4 (long-term residence) in Ireland after 5 years of continuous employment.
Family Reunification
After 1 year of employment, permit holders can apply to bring their spouse, partner, and dependent family members to Ireland.
Flexibility for Employers
The permit covers a wide range of occupations, giving employers greater freedom in sourcing talent from outside the EEA.

Contact Visawebs today for guidance on leveraging these benefits and making your General Employment Permit application seamless.

Application Procedure for a General Employment Permit in Ireland

If you’re planning to apply for a General Employment Permit, it’s important to prepare early. Applications must be submitted at least 12 weeks before your intended start date. The process typically involves three main stages:

Submit Your Application
Complete the official application form and attach all required documentation, including the results of the Labour Market Needs Test (where applicable).
Processing Queue
Once submitted, your application will enter the processing queue.
Decision Stage
An official with decision-making authority will review your case. They may request additional details if needed before making a final decision.

Key Details to Include in the Application

A full description of the role being offered
Proposed remuneration (excluding bonuses)
Expected start date
Relevant educational qualifications, skills, or experience for the role

Duration & Renewal

A General Employment Permit is granted for a maximum of 24 months in the first instance.
Permit holders must apply for renewal within 16 weeks before the expiry date to continue working legally in Ireland.

Contact Visawebs today for professional assistance and a smooth, hassle-free application experience.

What is the Processing Time for a Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland?

The current processing time for a Critical Skills Employment Permit application is within 5 to 6 weeks. However, if your employer is a trusted partner, the process will be shortened to 1 to 2 weeks.

We understand that a long waiting time is always frustrating and anxious. Visawebs is committed to following up closely with the department to ensure a faster turnaround time in each case.

Need help with your work permit application? Contact us now for instant help and assistance with your situation. Visawebs is here to take the stress off you and ensure you obtain your work permit without any concerns!

Why Choose Visawebs?

Expert Guidance

With decades of experience in immigration and employment permits, we provide precise and reliable guidance every step of the way.

Streamlined Process

We simplify complex requirements and procedures, saving you time, effort, and unnecessary stress throughout the application.

Trusted Support

Thousands of successful applications and satisfied clients rely on us for professional, efficient, and dependable service.

Have any Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my qualification is equivalent to an Irish degree?

If you studied abroad, you can check the level of your qualification on the NARIC Ireland website. It allows you to compare your qualification against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and download a comparability statement.

Is a third-level qualification required for a General Employment Permit application?

Not always. While many roles may require a degree, you can apply if you have the relevant skills, training, or experience that meet the requirements of the job.

Is the Labour Market Needs Test mandatory for a General Employment Permit?

Yes, in most cases the Labour Market Needs Test is required. However, it is not needed if:

The job is listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List, or
The job has an annual salary of more than €64,000.

Will I get a refund if my General Employment Permit is rejected or withdrawn?

Yes. If your application is refused, you will receive a 90% refund of the fee paid. If it is withdrawn before a decision, you will receive a full refund. Refunds usually take 7 to 8 weeks to process.

When can I apply for Stamp 4?

You can apply for Stamp 4 once you have completed 57 months (just under 5 years) of continuous employment in Ireland. At that point, you will no longer need a work permit to stay and work in the country.

What happens if I am made redundant during my employment?

If you are made redundant, you must notify the DETE within 4 weeks of your dismissal date. You will then be granted up to 6 months to secure another qualifying job.

Work Permits in Ireland

Immigration in Ireland