The average processing time for Irish employment permits ranges from 4 to 10 weeks, depending on the type of permit, the completeness of your application, and current demand. Critical Skills Employment Permits are typically faster, while General Employment Permits and those requiring a Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) can take much longer. Delays are usually caused by incomplete documentation, employer issues, or high seasonal backlogs.
The good news is that by planning ahead, submitting a complete and compliant application, and responding promptly to queries, you can significantly reduce waiting times.
Why Processing Times Matter
Understanding how long employment permit applications take is vital for both workers and employers. Delays can affect:
- When you can legally start working.
- Visa applications for non-EEA nationals.
- Relocation timelines, including flights and accommodation.
- Family reunification plans.
- Employer workforce planning.
Being realistic about timelines helps avoid stress and prevents situations where a job offer is jeopardised by paperwork delays.
Typical Processing Times in Ireland
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) publishes current application processing dates to show how far back applications are being reviewed. These official updates provide an important benchmark for applicants.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Critical Skills Employment Permits are prioritised because they address recognised labour shortages in high-demand sectors. Processing is relatively quicker—often 4 to 6 weeks—provided the application is accurate and complete.
General Employment Permit
General Employment Permits generally take longer, typically 6 to 10 weeks or more. If an LMNT is required, the timeline may stretch further, as employers must first advertise the position and prove no suitable candidate within the EEA was available.
Intra-Company Transfer Permit
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) permits often fall within the same timelines as General Permits. Renewals may be processed more quickly, but changes in role or employer can create delays.
Renewals
Renewal applications can sometimes be faster than first-time applications, especially if the employment details remain the same. However, if changes occur—such as role, salary, or employer—these renewals may be treated similarly to new applications.
Visas
If you are from a visa-required country, you must apply for a long-stay “D” employment visa after your permit is approved. Visa processing can take several weeks on top of the permit timeline, meaning you should allow at least two to three months overall.
Common Bottlenecks That Slow Things Down
Several issues can delay applications beyond the average processing times. Understanding them in advance can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks.
1. Incomplete Applications
The most common bottleneck is missing or inaccurate information. Examples include:
- Failure to provide certified degree certificates or proof of qualifications.
- Contracts that do not meet the required standards (e.g. no minimum two-year duration for Critical Skills).
- Missing translations for non-English documents.
- Incorrect details about salary or job duties.
2. Employer Issues
An employer who is not properly registered or who provides incomplete company documents can cause delays. Issues also arise if the employer misunderstands the requirements for the Trusted Partner Scheme or fails to complete the LMNT properly.
3. Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)
For most General Employment Permits, employers must conduct an LMNT before submitting an application. This involves advertising the role in Ireland and across the EEA, which adds time and paperwork.
4. Seasonal Backlogs
The DETE often experiences higher volumes of applications during certain periods, particularly after policy changes (such as updated occupation lists or salary thresholds). These surges create queues that lengthen processing times.
5. Document Verification
Authorities may need to verify academic transcripts, employer references, or overseas legal documents. If apostilles or legalisation are required, the process can take additional weeks.
6. Visa Processing
Even after permit approval, visa delays can derail timelines. Embassies may have significant backlogs, and visa-required nationals must factor this into their plans.
What Official Processing Dates Tell You
The DETE publishes weekly updates showing which applications are currently being processed. For example, if the update says applications submitted on 22 July are now being reviewed, you know that newer applications will not be touched until all those dated before that are processed.
Checking these updates regularly gives you a realistic idea of when your application will be considered. It also helps you decide when to submit—applications lodged during quieter periods may move faster through the system.
Real-World Experience vs Official Estimates
While official timelines are useful, actual experiences vary:
- Critical Skills applications can sometimes be finalised in as little as four weeks, but only if everything is in order.
- General Employment Permits frequently exceed the 10-week estimate, especially when LMNT documentation is not submitted correctly.
- Visa-required applicants often face the longest delays, with total timelines of three months or more from initial application to arrival in Ireland.
How to Speed Up Your Application
Although you cannot skip the queue, you can avoid unnecessary delays by following best practices.
Submit a Complete Application
- Use the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) carefully.
- Ensure all fields are filled out and documents uploaded in the correct format.
- Double-check names, addresses, and job details for consistency.
Choose the Right Permit
If your role qualifies under the Critical Skills Occupations List, apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit rather than a General Permit. This avoids the LMNT and usually results in faster approval.
Ensure Employer Compliance
Confirm that your employer is correctly registered with the relevant Irish authorities. Employers on the Trusted Partner Scheme generally process applications more smoothly.
Plan Ahead
Apply as early as possible. The DETE advises submitting at least 12 weeks before your intended start date.
Respond Quickly
If the DETE requests further documents or clarification, respond immediately. Delays on your side will push your application to the back of the queue.
Professional Assistance
Working with experienced immigration professionals can help you avoid mistakes and submit a stronger application. Firms like Abbey Blue Legal ensure documents are complete, contracts meet legal standards, and applications are filed without errors.
Example Timelines
Example 1: Critical Skills Applicant
- Week 1: Application submitted with complete documentation.
- Week 4: Permit approved.
- Week 6: Long-stay “D” visa granted.
- Total: 6–8 weeks.
Example 2: General Employment Permit with LMNT
- Weeks 1–4: Employer conducts LMNT.
- Week 5: Application submitted.
- Weeks 6–10: DETE processes application.
- Weeks 11–14: Long-stay “D” visa processed.
- Total: 3–4 months.
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Do not resign from your current job until your permit is approved.
- Avoid booking flights before both your permit and visa are granted.
- Keep digital and hard copies of all documents.
- Monitor official processing updates weekly.
- Stay in regular contact with your employer to confirm they have provided all necessary information.
System Improvements
Ireland has made efforts to reduce delays by:
- Expanding the online EPOS system.
- Publishing weekly processing updates.
- Streamlining criteria for certain permit types.
- Allowing spouses and partners of permit holders wider rights, reducing the need for multiple permit applications.
However, high demand and evolving immigration policies mean bottlenecks remain.
Final Thoughts
Processing times for Irish employment permits vary widely depending on the type of permit and the quality of the application. A Critical Skills Employment Permit can often be secured within six weeks, while General Employment Permits—especially those requiring an LMNT—can take three months or more. Applicants who prepare thoroughly, submit complete applications, and respond quickly to requests stand the best chance of faster approval.
How Abbey Blue Legal Ltd Can Help
At Abbey Blue Legal Ltd, we help individuals and employers navigate Ireland’s employment permit system efficiently. We ensure applications are correctly prepared, compliant, and submitted on time. Our team monitors official processing dates and provides realistic advice on how long your case will take, reducing uncertainty and minimising delays.
For tailored guidance on your employment permit application, contact us today:
- Phone: 053 900 6682
- Email: hello@abbeybluelegal.ie
