Sponsor a role outside the critical skills list, with the labour market test handled for you.
EUR 0
Salary floor
0 days
Advertising
0 months
To Stamp 4
0 to 13 wks
DETE decision
The General Employment Permit is the workhorse route for hiring non-EEA talent into roles that fall outside the Critical Skills Occupations List, spanning most of the wider economy provided the occupation is not on the ineligible list.
Ref GEP-28, typed for the wall
0 days
The role must be advertised through the labour market needs test for a full 28-day period before a General Employment Permit application can be lodged with DETE.
The labour market needs test means advertising the job for 28 days in the prescribed places before you apply.
Sponsor a role outside the critical skills list, with the labour market test handled for you.
Entry 01 · registered
We check the occupation is not on the ineligible list, confirm the salary clears the applicable floor, and verify the candidate's qualifications or relevant experience.
Entry 02 · registered
We draft the advert, place it across the DETE-approved channels for the full 28-day period, and keep dated screenshots of every posting as evidence.
Entry 03 · registered
We build the EPOS application with the advertising evidence, the contract and the fee, and lodge it with DETE.
Entry 04 · registered
On grant we support the entry visa where required, arrival and IRP registration for the hire.
Entry 05 · registered
We diarise renewals, the 12-month change of employer window and the 57-month Stamp 4 milestone so the hire stays compliant throughout.
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0to0
weeks to a decision
Lodged with the fee
EUR 0
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyEmployer official charges only, excluding any relocation or professional support costs.
EUR 1,000
EUR 250
EUR 100
The General Employment Permit against the main alternatives.
| Criteria | General Employment Permit | Critical Skills Permit | Intra-Company Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum annual salary | EUR 36,605 | EUR 40,904 | EUR 49,523 |
| Labour market needs test | Required | No | No |
| Occupation eligibility | Not on the ineligible list | On the critical skills list | Senior or key staff |
| Route to Stamp 4 | After 57 months | After 21 months | After 57 months |
| Immediate family reunification | No | Yes | No |
| Change of employer | After 12 months | After 12 months | Tied to the group |
Plaque 02 The payoff
Yes, typically after 57 months of employment, counted from the commencement date on the Revenue Employment Detail Summary, subject to meeting the usual conditions at the time.
On the record
Reflects the current DETE labour market needs test advertising rule.
Labour market needs test
4wk
Prepare and lodge via EPOS
1wk
DETE processing to decision
10wk
Entry visa and IRP registration
3wk
Assess eligibility
Run the labour market test
Compile and submit
Grant and mobilise
Ongoing compliance
It is a 28-day advertising exercise, placed through the prescribed channels, showing no suitable EEA candidate was available before you hired from outside the EEA. Get the wording, duration or platforms wrong and the application is refused, so we keep dated screenshots of every advert.
Yes, typically after 57 months of employment, counted from the commencement date on the Revenue Employment Detail Summary, subject to meeting the usual conditions at the time.
Some occupations carry a higher minimum and the published figures are indicative, so we confirm the correct floor for your specific role before the contract is drafted.
Yes. The standard floor is EUR 36,605, but certain recent graduates can qualify at EUR 34,009. We check the current thresholds on the official page before drafting the contract.
A General Employment Permit holder can generally move to a new employer after 12 months, subject to a fresh application and the conditions in force at the time.
General Employment Permit, official page
Check the salary threshold, the ineligible occupations list and the labour market needs test rules.
enterprise.gov.ie
EPOS, apply online
File the application and upload your labour market needs test evidence on the online system.
epos.enterprise.gov.ie
Current processing dates
See the exact application date being processed so you can time the start date realistically.
enterprise.gov.ie
Employment permits hub, DETE
Company details are verified inside EPOS, with Revenue documentation and your CRO number on each application.
enterprise.gov.ie
Citizens Information on employment permits
A plain-English explainer your candidate can read on their rights and conditions under the permit.
citizensinformation.ie
Register the IRP after arrival
Get your new employee registered for their residence permission once they land.
irishimmigration.ie
A General Employment Permit holder can generally move to a new employer after 12 months, subject to a fresh application and the conditions in force at the time.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.
