Ireland’s work permit system supports local employment while allowing businesses to hire global talent. Some professionals need an Ireland work permit before their start dates. Building your team in Ireland means understanding these work visa requirements, so you can stay compliant and avoid delays. 

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Who needs a work permit in Ireland?

Nationals from EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and the U.K. can live and work in Ireland without an Ireland work permit. Nationals from these countries can stay longer than three months as long as they’re employed, self-employed, studying, or financially self-sufficient. U.K. citizens can live and work in Ireland without any conditions or time limits.

All other non-nationals need an Ireland work permit before starting work. Nationals from countries must also get a long-stay visa (or “D” visa) before traveling to Ireland. All non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals must register with immigration after arrival to get an Irish residence permit (IRP). 

Work permit options in Ireland

There are two main work permits for skilled professionals: the critical skills employment permit (CSEP) and the general employment permit (GEP).

The CSEP is for highly skilled roles on the critical skills occupations list. It’s designed to attract top talent to Ireland.

  • Eligibility: Applicants must have a job offer of at least two years. They must earn at least EUR 68,000 a year for qualifying jobs or at least EUR 40,000 for jobs on the critical skills list. 

  • Main benefit: CSEP holders can apply for long-term residency (“Stamp 4” permission) after two years, which allows them to work in the country without an Ireland work permit.

The GEP is for jobs not on the critical skills list. This Ireland work permit has stricter rules, including a labor market test, so that positions are first offered to EEA nationals.

  • Eligibility: Applicants must have a job offer with an annual salary of at least EUR 36,000. There are some exceptions for certain roles, like healthcare assistants.

  • Labor market needs test (LMNT): The employer must advertise the position within the EEA before offering it to a non-EEA national. The LMNT must be completed before applying for the Ireland work permit. There are some exemptions, such as for certain in-demand roles or if the applicant is already legally working in Ireland.

Other types of work permits in Ireland include:

  • Intra-company transfer (ICT) permit: For senior management, essential personnel, or trainees transferring from an overseas branch of a multinational company. Applicants must have been employed with the company for a minimum period before the transfer. Minimum salaries apply for all roles, and the ICT permit isn’t a pathway to long-term residency.

  • Working holiday authorisation (WHA): This isn’t an Ireland work permit, but it allows people aged 18–30 or 18–35, depending on their nationality, from certain countries to live in Ireland for up to 12 months and do casual work. Canada citizens can stay and work for 24 months. 

  • Atypical working scheme (AWS): For individuals doing short-term (15–90 days) and specialized work and who don’t qualify for a standard Ireland work permit.

The application process for a work permit in Ireland

Start the application process well before the employee's start date, as government processing times can vary. Check the Department of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment (DETE) and Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) websites for the latest estimates.

  1. Employer applies for the permit: The employer or an authorized agent applies to the DETE for the relevant Ireland work permit. This must be done before the employee travels to Ireland.

  2. Employee applies for “D” visa (if applicable): Once the work permit is granted, citizens of countries that need visas must apply for a long-stay D visa through their local Ireland embassy or consulate. They’ll need the approved Ireland work permit for this.

  3. Employee registers with ISD after arrival: After arriving in Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must register with the ISD to get an IRP, which confirms they can live and work in the country.

Other important considerations for Ireland work visas and permits

The rights of an employee’s family members depend on the type of Ireland work permit that the employee has: 

  • CSEP holders: Eligible spouses or partners and children can join them immediately and get a “Stamp 1G” permission. They can then work in Ireland without needing a separate Ireland work permit.

  • GEP holders: Their dependents can join them but not straight away. They usually get a “Stamp 3” permission, which doesn’t allow them to work. The main Ireland work permit holder must complete 12 months of employment before applying for family reunification, unless they earn above a certain amount. Dependents on “Stamp 3” can apply for their own Ireland work permit after living in Ireland for 12 months and if they have a job offer. 

Manage your Ireland teams with G-P

With G-P EOR, you can move key talent to important markets and boost performance around the world. Let us handle the contracts and compliance to make every relocation a success. Reduce the hassle of navigating immigration laws and leave the complexities to us. 

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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.