Labor Market Needs Test
At Visawebs, we help you understand and navigate the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT), including advertisement and application requirements.
What is the Labour Market Needs Test?
The Irish government’s policy is that available jobs in Ireland should first be offered to suitably qualified Irish and other EEA nationals. Only when no appropriate candidate is found within the EEA can the position be filled by a non-EEA national. That said, employers still retain the right to decide on the most suitable candidate for their business
What does the Labour Market Needs Test involve?
For an employment permit application, the employer must advertise the vacancy in specific ways:
Note: Both advertisements (on the Department’s portal and the additional platform) must include:
Applications for employment permits that require the LMNT must be submitted within 90 days from the date the job was first advertised (or 120 days in the case of third-level institutions). A common reason for rejection of General Employment Permit applications is incomplete or incorrect Labour Market Needs Test documentation.
- With the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Employment Services/EURES network – for a minimum of 28 days.
- On an additional online recruitment platform – also for at least 28 consecutive days. This can be any website or platform designed to publish job opportunities.
Note: Both advertisements (on the Department’s portal and the additional platform) must include:
- A description of the role
- The name of the employer
- The minimum annual salary
- The location(s) of the job
- The working hours
Applications for employment permits that require the LMNT must be submitted within 90 days from the date the job was first advertised (or 120 days in the case of third-level institutions). A common reason for rejection of General Employment Permit applications is incomplete or incorrect Labour Market Needs Test documentation.
Who requires the Labour Market Needs Test?
The LMNT is mandatory for:
The LMNT is not required in cases such as:
- General Employment Permits
- Contract for Services Employment Permits
The LMNT is not required in cases such as:
- Roles listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List
- A non-EEA national with a General Employment Permit who was made redundant in the past six months
- Jobs supported by a recommendation from Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland (for their client companies only)
- Roles involving carers of individuals with exceptional medical needs, where the carer has already been providing ongoing support and the individual has developed significant dependence on them
Important Note
Employment permits cannot be granted for roles listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations, regardless of the salary offered.
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.
