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Work Permits

Information on permits required for non-EEA nationals to work legally in Ireland, including eligibility and application processes.

Sections

1. Overview of Work Permits in Ireland

Ireland offers several types of work permits to non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals who wish to work in the country. These permits are regulated under the Employment Permits Acts 2003–2014 and are administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). The system is designed to address skills shortages in specific sectors while ensuring that job opportunities for Irish and EEA nationals are protected.

2. Types of Work Permits

Ireland has several types of work permits, with the most common being:

A. Critical Skills Employment Permit

  • Purpose: Attract highly skilled workers in sectors experiencing shortages.
  • Eligibility: Jobs on the Critical Skills Occupations List (e.g., ICT, engineering, healthcare).
  • Salary Threshold:
    • Minimum €32,000 per year for roles requiring a degree.
    • Minimum €64,000 per year for other eligible roles.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Family reunification is allowed immediately.
    • Fast-track to long-term residency (eligible after 2 years).
    • No Labour Market Needs Test required.

B. General Employment Permit

  • Purpose: For jobs not on the Critical Skills Occupations List but not on the Ineligible Occupations List.
  • Eligibility: Open to most roles, provided certain conditions are met.
  • Salary Threshold: Minimum €30,000 per year (exceptions apply for certain roles, e.g., healthcare assistants).
  • Key Features:
    • Labour Market Needs Test required (to prove no suitable EEA candidate is available).
    • Renewable for up to 5 years, after which you may apply for long-term residency.

C. Intra-Company Transfer Permit

  • Purpose: For employees transferring within a multinational company to Ireland.
  • Eligibility: Must have been employed by the company for at least 6 months.
  • Salary Threshold: Minimum €40,000 per year (or €30,000 for trainees).
  • Key Features:
    • Valid for up to 2 years, with the possibility of renewal for 3 years.

D. Other Permits

  • Contract for Services Employment Permit: For non-EEA workers employed by a foreign company contracted to provide services in Ireland.
  • Reactivation Employment Permit: For individuals who previously held a work permit but fell out of the system due to exploitation or other reasons.
  • Sport and Cultural Employment Permit: For athletes, coaches, and cultural workers.
  • Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit: For family members of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders.

3. General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a work permit in Ireland, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Job Offer: A valid job offer from an Irish employer.
  • Salary Threshold: Meet the minimum salary requirements for the specific permit type.
  • Labour Market Needs Test (if applicable): The employer must advertise the job within Ireland and the EEA for at least 28 days to prove no suitable candidate is available locally.
  • Employer Requirements: The employer must be registered with the Irish Revenue and not have breached employment laws.

4. Application Process

The application process for a work permit in Ireland is as follows:

Step 1: Job Offer

  • Secure a job offer from an Irish employer. The employer must provide a detailed contract or letter of employment.

Step 2: Determine the Permit Type

  • Identify the appropriate work permit based on the job role, salary, and sector.

Step 3: Submit the Application

  • Applications are submitted online via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).
  • Either the employer or the employee can apply, depending on the permit type.

Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents

Typical documents include:

  • Copy of the job offer/contract.
  • Passport details.
  • Employer registration details.
  • Evidence of qualifications and experience.
  • Labour Market Needs Test results (if applicable).

Step 5: Pay the Fee

  • Fees vary depending on the permit type and duration (see below).

Step 6: Processing Time

  • Processing times vary but typically range from 6 to 8 weeks. Critical Skills Employment Permits are often processed faster.

Step 7: Receive the Permit

  • If approved, the permit is issued to the employer and employee. The employee can then apply for a visa (if required) to enter Ireland.

5. Costs

The cost of a work permit depends on the type and duration:

| Permit Duration | Fee | |----------------------|---------| | Up to 6 months | €500 | | 6 months to 2 years | €1,000 |

  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
  • Critical Skills Employment Permits are exempt from renewal fees after the initial 2 years.

6. Country-Specific Considerations

A. Non-EEA Nationals

  • Non-EEA nationals require both a work permit and, in most cases, a visa to enter Ireland. Check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website to confirm visa requirements for your country.

B. EEA and Swiss Nationals

  • EEA and Swiss nationals do not require a work permit to work in Ireland.

C. Family Reunification

  • Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can bring their family members to Ireland immediately. General Employment Permit holders must wait 12 months before applying for family reunification.

D. Tax and Social Security

  • Once employed, you must register for a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to pay taxes and access social services.
  • Income tax, Universal Social Charge (USC), and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) will be deducted from your salary.

E. Long-Term Residency

  • After 5 years of legal residence in Ireland on a work permit, you may apply for Stamp 4, which allows you to live and work in Ireland without a permit.

7. Key Resources

8. Tips for Applicants

  • Plan Ahead: Start the application process early, as processing times can vary.
  • Check Occupation Lists: Ensure your job is eligible under the Critical Skills or General Employment Permit criteria.
  • Work with Your Employer: Employers familiar with the process can help streamline your application.
  • Stay Informed: Regulations and occupation lists are updated periodically, so check for the latest information.

If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!