Eligibility and Requirements
To apply for an employment permit in Ireland, you must have a job offer from an Irish employer in an eligible occupation. The job must pay a minimum annual remuneration, which varies depending on the type of permit. Critical Skills Employment Permits require a minimum salary of €32,000 for strategically important occupations and €64,000 for other eligible occupations. General Employment Permits have lower salary thresholds but require a Labour Market Needs Test.
Applying for a Permit
To apply for an employment permit, you must complete an application form available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s website. Along with the form, you must submit supporting documents, such as a passport photo, copies of your passport, job offer, and qualifications.
The Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) allows applicants for Employment Permits and Trusted Partner Registrations to apply, make payments and submit supporting documentation online.
The online application system for employment permits brings a number of significant benefits:
- faster turnaround of applications
- easier, online submission of supporting documentation
- secure online fee payments (where applicable) by credit/debit card
- as the system continuously validates your data and supporting documentation there will be fewer errors and rejected applications
- intuitive user experience with help information and relevant mandatory fields
Application Checklist
- Completed application form
- Passport-size photo
- Copy of passport
- Original job offer letter
- Copies of relevant qualifications
Application Deadlines
There are no specific deadlines for applying for employment permits in Ireland; applications are processed on a rolling basis. However, it is advisable to apply at least 12 weeks before the intended start date of employment.
Application Processing Dates
Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the type of permit. Generally, Critical Skills Employment Permit applications are processed within 4 weeks, while General Employment Permit applications may take up to 8 weeks.
Application Status
Applicants can check the status of their application online through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). You will need your application number and email address to log in and view the status.
Notices and Updates
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regularly updates its policies and procedures. It is crucial to check their website or contact them directly for the most current information regarding employment permits.
For more detailed information, please visit the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website.