Work Permits Ireland
Table of Content:
Employment Permits in Ireland
In Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) is responsible for handling all employment permit applications. The permit system enables non-EU and non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland for roles facing labour shortages, where employers cannot source suitable Irish or EU candidates.
Non-EEA nationals in Ireland on a Working Holiday Authorisation or under a Van Der Elst Transfer Permission are not eligible to apply for permits from within the State and must leave if they wish to do so.
However, those residing in Ireland on valid visas such as Stamp 1, 1G, 2, 2A, or 3 are permitted to apply for an employment permit.Types of Employment Permits
Ireland offers nine categories of employment permits, each designed to meet different work and residency needs. The most common are:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
This permit is aimed at highly skilled professionals, encouraging them to settle in Ireland long-term. It applies only to occupations listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List. Learn More - General Employment Permit (GEP)
This permit covers occupations not included on the Critical Skills list. It allows employers to hire non-EEA nationals where no suitable candidates are available within Ireland or the EEA. Learn More
Other types of employment permits include:
- Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
Available to spouses and de-facto partners of CSEP holders. It provides Stamp 1 permission, granting direct access to Ireland’s labour market without a separate permit. Learn More - Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
Allows multinational corporations to transfer senior managers, specialists, or trainees from overseas branches to their Irish operations. Learn More - Contract for Services Employment Permit
Enables foreign contractors who have secured Irish contracts to transfer their non-EEA staff to Ireland for service delivery. Learn More - Reactivation Employment Permit
Supports non-EEA nationals who previously held a valid permit but fell out of the system through no fault of their own, or due to exploitation, to re-enter legal employment. Learn More - Internship Employment Permit
Open to non-EEA students enrolled in full-time courses outside Ireland in disciplines relevant to occupations on the Critical Skills list. It provides work experience opportunities. Learn More - Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
Designed for individuals with the necessary expertise, experience, or qualifications to contribute to Ireland’s sporting or cultural sectors. Learn More - Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
Facilitates employment under specific international agreements or exchange arrangements where Ireland is a participant. Learn More
Occupation Lists
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) in Ireland manages two official occupation lists related to employment permits.
The Critical Skills Occupations List highlights professions eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. These roles are considered vital to Ireland’s economy and require highly qualified professionals.
The Ineligible List of Occupations outlines jobs that are not eligible for any type of employment permit in Ireland.
It is important to note that there is no specific list of eligible jobs for the General Employment Permit. In practice, all occupations are deemed eligible unless they appear on the Ineligible Occupations List.
Fees for Employment Permits in Ireland
| Employment Permit Type | Fee (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General Employment Permit | 500 | 6 months or less |
| 1,000 | Up to 24 months | |
| 1,500 | Up to 36 months | |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit | 1,000 | Up to 24 months |
| Dependant / Partner / Spouse Employment Permit | No fee | – |
| Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit | 500 | 6 months or less |
| 1,000 | Up to 24 months | |
| 1,500 | Up to 36 months | |
| Contract for Services Employment Permit | 500 | 6 months or less |
| 1,000 | Up to 24 months | |
| 1,500 | Up to 36 months | |
| Reactivation Employment Permit | 500 | 6 months or less |
| 1,000 | Up to 24 months | |
| 1,500 | Up to 36 months | |
| Sport and Cultural Employment Permit | 500 | 6 months or less |
| 1,000 | Up to 24 months | |
| 1,500 | Up to 36 months | |
| Exchange Agreement Employment Permit | No fee | – |
| Internship Employment Permit | 500 | 6 months or less |
| 1,000 | Up to 12 months |
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Have any Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who requires an Employment Permit to work in Ireland?
How do I apply for an Employment Permit?
Can International Protection (Asylum) applicants work in Ireland?
What is the usual processing time for a work permit in Ireland?
Are all jobs eligible for employment permits?
Not all jobs are eligible. Employment permits depend on having a job offer from an Irish-based employer registered with the Revenue Commissioners. Eligibility is determined by occupation lists:
Occupations on the Ineligible List cannot receive a permit.
Jobs outside this list may qualify for a General Employment Permit.
Highly skilled roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List may qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP), which has faster processing.
