Ireland—a hub of global tech giants and innovative startups—continues to struggle with skill shortages in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. To support sustained economic growth and fill these gaps, the Irish government offers the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). This blog explores:
- What the Critical Skills Permit is and how it works
- Specific provisions for IT professionals
- Salary thresholds and job titles
- The application process, timelines, and costs
- Family reunification and residency benefits
- Common pitfalls and expert tips
If you’d like personalised guidance or wish to begin the application process, contact Abbey Blue Legal at 053 910 0014 or email workpermits@abbeybluelegal.ie.
What Is the Critical Skills Employment Permit?
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is Ireland’s flagship visa route aimed at attracting highly skilled non‑EEA nationals to occupations in strategic shortage—ICT, engineering, healthcare and more.
Key features:
- No Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT): Exempt due to recognised skills shortages
- Pathway to permanent residence: After 2 years, holders can move to Stamp 4 immigrant permission
- Family-friendly: Dependants can apply for work permission; spouses and partners gain full work rights
- Portability: Can switch employers after 9 months, subject to permit conditions
Are IT Professionals Eligible?
Occupations on the Critical Skills List
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) maintains a Critical Skills Occupations List, updated in September 2024. This list uses SOC-3 and SOC-4 codes, and specific roles within ICT qualify—such as information technology and telecommunications directors.
However, it’s vital to understand that:
- Only those specific SOC-4 titles listed are eligible under the standard €38,000 threshold.
- Other ICT roles outside the list must meet the €64,000+ salary threshold to qualify.
Salary thresholds for ICT roles
There are two salary tiers:
- €38,000 per annum for select qualifying occupations on the list, plus a relevant degree.
- €64,000 per annum or more for any job (excluding those barred) — degrees not mandatory if experience is demonstrated.
Example scenarios:
- Software Development Director, earning €60,000 with a relevant degree? Qualifies under the €38,000 bracket.
- Junior Developer, earning €65,000 but not listed? Could qualify at the €64,000+ level.
- Software Engineer, earning €55,000, not on the list? Must apply via General Employment Permit or request job classification adjustments by employer.
Steps to Qualify as an IT Professional
Job offer from an Irish employer
- Must be for at least 2 years.
- Employer must be registered with Irish Revenue and, if applicable, Companies Registration Office.
- Must demonstrate that ≥ 50 % of staff are EEA nationals—or, if a startup <2 years old supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA, this requirement may be waived.
Degree or experience requirement
- For the €38,000 bracket: degree in ICT or related field.
- For the €64,000+ bracket: can be a non-graduate with equivalent experience .
Salary confirmation
- Must clearly meet salary thresholds.
- Employers often structure remuneration to ensure eligibility and compliance.
Application Process: Step by Step
Here’s how to apply for a CSEP:
Preparing your application
- Apply via Employment Permits Online System at least 12 weeks before employment start.
- Attach:
- Signed job offer/contract
- Proof of qualifications and experience
- Description of role, salary details
- Employer revenue/registration info
Fee structure
- Costs €1,000; 90% refundable if unsuccessful.
Processing timeline
- Applications are queued in receipt order. No LMNT is required.
- Each case may take a few months.
- Upon grant, employment permit copy goes to the applicant; employer receives certified copy.
Post-approval steps
- If you require a visa, apply via AVATS to your local Irish consulate at least 3 months before arrival.
- On arrival, register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Navigating changes & renewals
- After 9 months, you may request employer change under specific conditions .
- If made redundant, you have 6 months to find similar work and reapply.
- After 2 years, apply for Stamp 4—no renewal of the CSEP is needed.
- After 5 years, eligibility for long-term residency or citizenship may follow.
Benefits for Approved IT Professionals
No Labour Market Test
Employers save time and cost, since Irish/EU labour doesn’t need to be proven unavailable.
Family reunification
Spouses, partners and dependants can:
- Apply immediately for work permits
- Work in any job once granted.
Residency pathway
After 2 years with Stamp 4, you can live and work freely. After 5 years, consider indefinite residency or citizenship.
Upskilled access
Holders gain Irish employment rights from day one and are portable across employers.
What IT Professionals Should Know
Precise Role Alignment
Only exact SOC-4 titles listed qualify under the lower threshold. For instance, “IT Director” vs “Developer” matters.
Salary verification
Bonuses and incentives do not count—only base salary matters for permit eligibility.
Role flexibility post-9 months
Employers changes are allowed—especially valuable if assigned projects evolve.
General Employment Permit as fallback
If you don’t meet thresholds, consider the General Employment Permit, though it lacks LMNT exemptions, offers less favourable residency terms, and doesn’t include immediate family rights.
Sector Outlook & Demand
- In 2024, Ireland issued over 38,000 work permits to non‑EU nationals across healthcare, IT, agriculture and more; over half were Critical Skills permits, with ICT professionals forming a major component.
- Average salary of CSEP holders in 2024 was €58,746—a strong indicator of the earning potential and continued demand in ICT.
FAQs for IT Professionals
Can a mid‑level developer qualify at €65k?
Yes, if they meet or exceed €64k, regardless of SOC-4 title, and the job isn’t on the Ineligible Occupations List.
What if salary is €60k but role is on the list?
Qualify under €38k bracket, provided you hold a relevant degree and the role is exactly listed.
Can I apply at €55k for a listed role?
No. The salary must meet one of the two thresholds.
What if employer misclassifies my role?
Ensure correct SOC-4 job title. You may need legal support to advocate for job title/device adjustments.
Does bonus count?
No, only base salary is considered.
Legal Support from Abbey Blue Legal
Navigating job titles, salary alignment, and permit nuances requires expertise. Abbey Blue Legal can support you by:
- Reviewing qualifying job titles and salary structure
- Assisting with SOC‑4 coding and application submissions
- Shepherding your application through AVATS and Immigration services
- Guiding post-arrival registration and Stamp 4 transition
Contact us today:
- 053 910 0014
- workpermits@abbeybluelegal.ie
Summary Table: IT Professional Eligibility
| Scenario | SOC‑4 Role | Degree | Salary | Permit Type | Comments |
| IT Director on list | Yes | Yes | €50,000 | CSEP (€38k tier) | Eligible |
| Software Engineer (non-listed) | No | Yes | €68,000 | CSEP (€64k tier) | Eligible |
| Developer on list | Yes | Yes | €36,000 | None | Requires ≥€38k |
| Dev Ops not listed | No | Yes | €60,000 | None | Needs ≥€64k |
| Junior Dev, no degree | No | No | €65,000 | CSEP (€64k tier) | Eligible |
| Analyst on list | Yes | No | €40,000 | None | Needs degree |
| System Architect | Depends (title matters) | Yes | €70,000 | CSEP | Eligible if job aligns |
Final Thoughts
The Critical Skills Employment Permit offers IT professionals a fast-track route to living and working in Ireland—but only if you tick the right boxes. With the right job title, base salary, sector fit and employer compliance, you can skip the LMNT, bring your family, and secure residency within two years.
If you are seeking expert support, Abbey Blue Legal is your local partner through every step—from application to Stamp 4 and beyond.
Call us at 053 910 0014 or email workpermits@abbeybluelegal.ie.
