Attracting global talent has become a strategic necessity in today’s workforce landscape—particularly in Ireland, where skill shortages continue to impact industries like tech, healthcare, hospitality, and construction. But for many Irish employers, the process of sponsoring non-EEA workers seems overly complex and time-consuming.
This guide will walk you through a stress-free approach to sponsoring non-EEA employees, from understanding work permit types to ensuring long-term compliance. If you’re looking to grow your workforce while remaining compliant with Irish employment law, this blog is for you.
Why Do Irish Employers Hire Non-EEA Nationals?
Ireland has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years, yet many sectors still face persistent shortages of skilled workers. Employers turn to non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals to fill these gaps, especially in sectors like:
- Healthcare and nursing
- ICT and software development
- Hospitality and food processing
- Engineering and construction
- Financial and professional services
Government-backed employment permits are the legal route to hiring talent from outside the EEA and Switzerland.
Understanding Irish Work Permit Options for Employers
There are nine employment permit types available in Ireland. The two most common for employer-sponsored candidates are:
Critical Skills Employment Permit
This permit is aimed at attracting highly skilled workers in occupations deemed essential to the Irish economy. If your business is looking to hire a senior developer, medical professional, engineer, or similar, this may be the right route.
Key features:
- For roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List
- Minimum salary: €32,000–€64,000, depending on qualifications and role
- Valid for 2 years, after which the employee can apply for Stamp 4 (no longer needing a permit)
- No Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) required
- Spouses and dependants can apply to live and work in Ireland
Ideal for: Tech startups, medical facilities, engineering firms, or finance companies seeking long-term team members with key expertise.
General Employment Permit
This permit covers a broader range of roles that aren’t on the critical list but are still experiencing shortages. It’s often used in hospitality, care work, construction, and other support services.
Key features:
- Labour Market Needs Test required
- Salary threshold: usually €30,000–€34,000
- Valid for 2 years initially, extendable to 3 more years
- After 5 years, employees may apply for long-term residency (Stamp 4)
Ideal for: Restaurants, nursing homes, trades, and medium enterprises who need skilled staff where there’s no local supply.
How Employers Can Sponsor Non-EEA Workers: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Confirm Job Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that the job:
- Is not listed on the Ineligible Occupations List
- Meets the salary threshold
- Aligns with either the Critical Skills or General Employment categories
You can check these lists on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) website. If the position is not eligible, your application will be refused.
Step 2: Conduct the Labour Market Needs Test (If Required)
If you’re applying under the General Employment Permit, you must first attempt to recruit within Ireland and the EEA.
How to perform the LMNT:
- Advertise the role for at least 28 days
- Use JobsIreland.ie, your local Intreo Centre, and a national newspaper
- Keep records of all advertising and candidate responses
Note: Critical Skills applications do not require this step.
Step 3: Gather All Necessary Documentation
To apply for the permit, employers need to prepare:
- A signed employment contract
- Proof of business registration and current tax clearance
- Details of the position (title, location, salary, duties)
- Evidence of LMNT compliance (for General Permits)
- Proof of qualifications from the candidate
Also ensure you meet the 50:50 rule, which states that at least 50% of your workforce must be EEA nationals.
Step 4: Submit an Online Application
Applications are submitted through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). Choose the correct permit type, attach all documentation, and pay the required fee.
Fees:
- €1,000 for permits up to 2 years
- €500 for permits of 6 months or less
- 90% refund if the application is refused
Processing times range from 8 to 13 weeks, depending on the permit type and completeness of documentation.
Step 5: Employee Applies for an Irish Work Visa
Once the employment permit is granted, the worker (if outside Ireland) must apply for an employment visa through the AVATS system.
This includes:
- The employment permit letter
- Employment contract
- Valid passport
- Employer invitation letter
- Accommodation and financial details
Visa decisions generally take 6–8 weeks, so plan accordingly.
Step 6: Arrival and Registration with Immigration (GNIB)
Upon arrival in Ireland, the employee must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 90 days. They will be issued a residence permission card (Irish Residence Permit or IRP).
Employers should ensure the employee completes this registration before beginning work.
Step 7: Maintain Compliance
Once your sponsored employee begins work, your responsibilities don’t end there. You must:
- Notify DETE of any changes to employment conditions
- Renew permits before they expire (apply at least 16 weeks in advance)
- Keep staff records for inspection
- Ensure employees remain within the scope of their permit
Failure to maintain compliance can lead to fines or ineligibility for future sponsorships.
Benefits of Sponsoring Through the Right Channels
Sponsoring a non-EEA worker may seem daunting, but when done correctly, it’s a win-win.
For Employers:
- Access to hard-to-fill skillsets
- Increased retention (especially with Stamp 4 pathways)
- Faster growth and competitiveness
For Employees:
- A clear path to residency
- Family reunification rights (in Critical Skills cases)
- Long-term employment security
How Long Does Sponsorship Take?
Here’s a breakdown of the average timeframe:
| Stage | Time Estimate |
| Labour Market Needs Test | 4–5 weeks |
| EPOS Application Processing | 8–13 weeks |
| Employment Visa Processing (AVATS) | 6–8 weeks |
| GNIB Registration | Within 90 days of entry |
Total time from job offer to start date: ~4–6 months (or faster for Critical Skills roles).
What About Stamp 4?
One of the main benefits of long-term sponsorship is the employee’s eligibility for Stamp 4—an immigration status allowing them to live and work in Ireland without needing a permit.
- For Critical Skills Permit holders: eligible after 2 years
- For General Employment Permit holders: eligible after 5 years
With Stamp 4, employees gain more flexibility, and you as an employer benefit from long-term retention without repeat permit applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning employers can stumble during the process. Here are a few common errors:
- Advertising for fewer than 28 days for General Permits
- Hiring for ineligible roles (e.g. sales assistants, some junior admin roles)
- Not meeting the salary threshold
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Missing permit renewal deadlines
- Failing to meet the 50:50 rule
Working with a legal expert ensures these issues don’t delay your hiring plans.
FAQs: Employer Sponsorship in Ireland
Can I sponsor someone already in Ireland?
Yes, but the person must not have a Stamp that prohibits employment (e.g. student visa). You must still go through the full employment permit process.
Can I sponsor multiple employees?
Yes, but your company must remain compliant with the 50:50 workforce ratio. There are limited exceptions for startups and new investors.
Can I recover costs from the employee?
No. It is illegal to charge the worker for the cost of a work permit or legal support relating to the application.
Why Work with Abbey Blue Legal?
At Abbey Blue Legal, we simplify the sponsorship process for employers across Ireland.
When you partner with us, you get:
- End-to-end support—from job classification to final GNIB registration
- Tailored advice for your industry and workforce
- Application accuracy and compliance checks
- Timely updates and renewal reminders
We’re here to save your business time, stress, and legal headaches—while helping you grow your team.
- Call us on 053 910 0014
- Email: workpermits@abbeybluelegal.ie
Final Thoughts
With Ireland’s labour market becoming more competitive, sponsoring non-EEA workers is not only smart—it’s essential. The key is understanding the process, staying compliant, and getting expert support where needed.
Let Abbey Blue Legal handle the complexities—so you can focus on running your business.
Ready to sponsor a non-EEA employee? Contact us today.
