Navigating Ireland’s permit system may seem complex at first, but understanding each step can make the process much more straightforward. This comprehensive guide expands on the key points, providing deeper explanations, practical advice, and important considerations for each permit type. Whether you’re a highly skilled professional, a student looking for work experience, or an employee transferring from abroad, you’ll find valuable details here.
For personalised assistance, visit Ireland Work Permits or reach out via contact us.
1. Familiarise Yourself with Types of Employment Permits
Ireland offers a diverse range of employment permits, each tailored for specific situations. Understanding these differences is essential before you begin your application:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit – Designed for professionals in shortage occupations such as ICT specialists, engineers, nurses, and certain teaching roles. It encourages long-term residency and provides a clear route to Stamp 4 status.
- General Employment Permit – Broad coverage for roles not on the ineligible list. Most applicants will need to pass the Labour Market Needs Test to ensure no suitable candidate is available in Ireland or the EEA.
- Dependent / Partner / Spouse Permit – Grants work rights to family members of Critical Skills permit holders, enabling them to work in any eligible role.
- Intra‑Company Transfer Permit – Allows employees to relocate temporarily to an Irish branch of their existing employer, often for specialist roles or managerial positions.
- Internship Employment Permit – Offers non‑EEA full-time students valuable industry experience in Ireland for up to 12 months, with no option for renewal.
- Specialised Permits – Includes the Contract for Services, Sport and Cultural, Exchange Agreement, and Reactivation Permits—designed for unique or niche situations such as cultural exchange or re-entering the workforce after a permit lapse.
2. Choose the Right Permit & Check the Requirements
Critical Skills Permit
- Your job must appear on the official Critical Skills list.
- No Labour Market Needs Test required.
- Higher salary thresholds apply (€38,000 or €64,000 depending on occupation).
- Typically allows you to apply for Stamp 4 after two years.
General Employment Permit
- For roles outside the ineligible occupations list.
- Requires a Labour Market Needs Test (28-day job advertisement across approved platforms).
- Standard salary requirement is around €34,000, with exceptions for some graduate and healthcare roles.
Other Permits
- Each has its own eligibility rules, document requirements, and validity periods.
- Some are industry-specific or based on international agreements.
3. Prepare Documents & Undertake Preliminary Steps
A successful application hinges on having your documents complete and ready:
- Signed employment contract specifying duties, salary, and terms.
- Valid passport (minimum six months’ validity for new applications).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of job advertisement for General Employment Permits.
- Signed declarations from both employer and employee.
- Evidence of employer tax compliance.
- Professional registration or licensing documentation for regulated professions.
Pro tip: Scan and store all documents electronically in clear, labelled folders to speed up the online submission process.
4. Submit via Ireland’s New Online Permit System
Since 28 April 2025, all applications must go through the updated online portal:
- Employers and applicants can work collaboratively on submissions.
- Track your application in real time for updates.
- All draft applications from the old EPOS system had to be finalised by 17 April 2025 to avoid deletion.
5. Submit the Application — and If Required, Apply for a Visa
Permit Submission
- Upload documents to the portal and pay the required fee (€500–€1,000 based on permit type).
- Double-check details before submission to avoid delays.
Visa Application
- Nationals from visa-required countries must apply for a long-stay D visa after permit approval.
- Apply via AVATS up to three months before travelling.
- Provide passport, permit approval letter, and proof of accommodation or financial support.
6. Processing Times & Entry to Ireland
- Permit processing usually takes 4–6 weeks for complete applications.
- Visa processing varies by location but often adds several more weeks.
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications are the most common cause of delays.
7. Arriving and Registering — Next Steps
When you arrive in Ireland:
- Register with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) if staying more than 90 days.
- Obtain the correct immigration permission/stamp.
- Critical Skills permit holders may qualify for Stamp 4 after two years, while other permits may require renewal before longer-term residency options.
Permit Types & Workflow
| Permit Type | Eligibility & Features | Key Steps |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit | Shortage occupations, no LMNT, high salary | Job offer → Permit → Visa → Register |
| General Employment Permit | Broad roles, LMNT required, moderate salary | Job → Advertise (28 days) → Permit → Visa → Register |
| Dependent(s) Permit | Linked to Critical Skills holder | Apply after main permit → Register |
| Intra‑Company Transfer | Multinational employee transfer | Employer applies → Visa → Register |
| Internship Permit | Student work experience (≤12 months) | Employer support → Permit → Visa → Register |
| Other Specialist Permits | Unique cultural or contractual cases | Meet criteria → Apply → Process steps |
Final Notes
Ireland’s employment permit system continues to modernise, with more efficient processes and broader eligibility in high-demand industries. In 2024, over 38,000 work permits were issued, the majority in healthcare, ICT, and engineering roles.
If you want expert help to choose the right permit, ensure your documents are perfect, and guide you through both the permit and visa stages, visit Ireland Work Permits or use the contact page. With the right preparation and support, your move to Ireland can be smoother, faster, and more secure.
