Work in Ireland
Thinking about building your career in Ireland? If you are from outside the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, you will most likely need an Employment Permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and, in most cases, a work visa before starting work. Navigating these requirements can feel overwhelming, as the process involves collecting documents, choosing the correct permit, applying within timelines, and ensuring you meet all conditions.
This is where Visawebs steps in to simplify things. Our team offers expert guidance tailored to your circumstances, helping you prepare documents with precision, avoid common mistakes, and streamline the entire process. From selecting between Critical Skills or General Employment Permits to preparing your visa application and even handling appeals, we ensure support at every stage. With Ireland’s growing economy and vast opportunities for skilled professionals, Visawebs is committed to guiding you toward securing your future in Ireland.
Table of Content:
Working in Ireland: Who Needs a Permit?
Citizens of the EEA (EU countries, plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein), Switzerland, and the UK can live and work in Ireland without an employment permit.
If you are from outside the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, you will typically need to:- Apply for an Employment Permit through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
- Apply for a Visa to enter Ireland, if your country of residence requires one.
When Can You Apply for an Irish Work Visa?
You can apply for a visa to enter Ireland once you have secured your employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). DETE issues different types of permits depending on your employment, including Critical Skills Employment Permits and General Skills Employment Permits.
It is possible to submit your Employment (Permits etc.) visa application up to three months before your planned travel date to Ireland.
If you plan to visit another country before arriving in Ireland, make sure you have the relevant visa for that country in your passport before applying for your Irish visa.How to Apply?
The work visa application is completed online through the Irish Immigration Service.
Here’s what you need to do:- Fill in the application form carefully.
- Gather and upload all the required documents.
- Print, sign, and submit your form.
- Provide biometric details if requested.
Work Visa Fees
The visa application fee is €60 for single entry and €100 for multiple entry, payable to the Irish Visa Office. Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee.
You may be required to pay additional charges when submitting the documents during the application process. You may be able to pay the fee in local currency. The visa office, embassy or consulate website will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
Have questions? Or need immediate help and professional advice with your situation?
Contact Us NowProcessing Times
Applications are processed in date order. You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the visa office, embassy or consulate.
Your application may take longer if for example you have not submitted all necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the visa office, embassy or consulate that is handling your application on their website. If your application is being processed by the Dublin visa office, you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the visa decisions page.
Need help tracking your visa application or understanding your processing time? Contact us today
Supporting Documents
The required supporting documents are vital because they provide information about your circumstances in the country from which you are applying. It is your responsibility to satisfy the visa officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought. Submitting any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will succeed. Original documents must be provided.
Submitting a document that is not in English or Irish must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
The date of the translation
The translator’s full name and signature
The translator’s contact details
All letters submitted from a business, company, or other organisation must be on official headed paper so they can be verified, and show the organisation’s:
Full name
Full postal address
Telephone number (fixed line – not mobile/cell phone)
Website address
Email address (Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses are not accepted)
A contact person’s name and title/position
Written signature of an authorised representative (electronic signature is not accepted)
The visa officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
Need guidance on preparing your supporting documents correctly? Contact us for expert assistance.
Return of Documents
Original documents like marriage, birth, or death certificates will be returned. However, items like bank statements or job letters will not be sent back. Always keep copies of everything you submit.
Don’t stress over paperwork or confusing rules-our team at Visawebs makes the process simple. We guide you step by step and handle the details so you don’t have to.
Contact us today for instant support and expert assistance to secure your work visa with confidence.Why Choose Visawebs?
Expert Guidance
Years of experience with Irish immigration rules.
Streamlined Process
No paperwork confusion, no missed steps.
Trusted Support
Thousands of successful visa and permit applications.
Work Visa Support
Tailored to You
Have any Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come to Ireland to work?
What are the ways I can work in Ireland?
To work in Ireland, non-EEA nationals generally need a valid employment permit or immigration permission. Key pathways include:
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Employment Permit – Most common route. First-time applicants must apply while residing outside Ireland. You need the permit before applying for a visa (if required).
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Atypical Working Scheme – Immigration permission issued by the Department of Justice for specific types of work.
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Working Holiday Authorisation Programme – Allows young people from certain countries to fund an extended holiday through temporary work.
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Trainee Accountant – For those taking up a position as a trainee accountant in Ireland.
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Minister of Religion – Requires preclearance approval for all non-EEA nationals intending to work in a religious capacity.
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Volunteering – Preclearance approval is required to volunteer with eligible organizations.
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Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) – Enables you to establish and work full-time in your own business in Ireland.
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Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) – For non-EEA nationals committing to an approved investment in Ireland. (Note: The programme closed on 15 February 2024.)
I am a non-EEA national working in another EU Member State. My employer wants me to work for them in Ireland. What do I need to know?
If you are legally employed by a company in another EU country, you may be allowed to provide services temporarily in Ireland for that employer without an employment permit. This is possible under the Van Der Elst process, which has specific conditions that must be met.
However, you must still comply with Irish immigration rules and may need a visa before traveling to Ireland.
I am a scientific researcher and want to come to Ireland to undertake research. What do I need to know?
You may be allowed to come to Ireland to carry out a research project with an accredited research institution under the Hosting Agreement Scheme. This scheme is part of the Scheme for Accreditation of Research Organisations.
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The Hosting Agreement allows research stays ranging from 3 months to 5 years.
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You do not need a separate employment permit under this scheme.
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You must obtain a Hosting Agreement before applying for a visa (if required) and traveling to Ireland.
For detailed information on applying and accredited institutions, see the DETE Hosting Agreement Scheme.
