Looking to sponsor an international hire in Ireland? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.
Capital City
Dublin
Currency
Euro
(
€
)
Timezone
WET
(
GMT -1
)
Payroll
Monthly
Employment Cost
11.05%
Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in [Country]? Navigating [Country]’s visa and work permit process can be complex - especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in [Country], including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.
Employers must be registered with the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment to sponsor foreign workers.
The work permit process typically takes 5-6 weeks.
Common work permits include the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit, with fees ranging from €500 to €1,000.
Independent contractors follow a separate process and are not required to have employer sponsorship.
Work permits are typically location-specific, and changes in job roles may require further approval.
Navigating the work permit and visa process in Ireland can be complex for employers, particularly when relocating or hiring international employees. Whether you are bringing foreign talent into your organization or hiring from abroad, understanding the different work permit options and the specific visa processes will ensure a smooth transition. This guide outlines the essential steps, requirements, and types of work permits and visas that employers need to know when bringing international workers into Ireland.
Non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals require an employment permit to work in Ireland. However, certain individuals are exempt, including international students, spouses, civil partners, or parents of Irish citizens, and those with refugee status or humanitarian leave. Employers should verify the specific circumstances of potential hires to determine the necessity of an employment permit.
Ireland offers various employment permits tailored to different employment scenarios.
To obtain a work permit in Ireland, employers and prospective employees must meet specific criteria:
Employers sponsoring a visa in Ireland need to register their company with the Revenue Commissioners and Companies Registration Office. They must also ensure compliance with employment laws, such as the 50:50 rule and Labour Market Needs Test. During the employment permit application process, employers must provide all required documents, including an employment contract and proof of registration.
Fees vary depending on the permit type and duration.
Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Ireland, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.
Processing times vary based on permit type and workload. As of December 16, 2024, standard applications for Critical Skills Employment Permits are processed in about 5 weeks, while Trusted Partner applications are processed in 1 week. Employers should check current timelines when planning to hire international talent.
Employment permits in Ireland are typically granted for an initial period of up to two years. Renewals can extend the permit to a maximum of five years in total. After five years, individuals may be eligible to apply for long-term residency or a Stamp 4 permission, which allows them to work without an employment permit. Employers should ensure renewal applications are submitted at least 12 weeks before the permit’s expiration to avoid disruptions in employment.
As of December 2024, Ireland does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. Non-EEA nationals looking to work remotely from Ireland typically need to obtain a relevant employment permit and visa, depending on their work and nationality. Employers facilitating remote work arrangements must consider Irish employment and tax laws.
Employers and digital nomads should:
Employers hiring international talent in Ireland face several challenges. These include:
To mitigate these challenges, employers should plan applications well in advance, stay informed on permit regulations, and seek professional advice from immigration consultants.
Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:
Disclaimer
THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.
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FAQS
Yes, Playroll can sponsor work visas in Ireland. As the legal employer, we manage the full visa process with local authorities — from documentation to approvals — ensuring your hire is compliant and ready to work. Whether you're relocating a team member or hiring in Ireland, our experts will guide you step by step.
Want to get started? Book a demo and we’ll walk you through the process.
In Ireland, a work permit (employment permit) authorizes a non-EEA national to work in a specific role for a particular employer. A work visa, on the other hand, permits entry into Ireland for employment purposes. Typically, non-EEA nationals require both: an employment permit to work and a visa to enter the country.
Processing times vary depending on the permit type and current workload. As of December 16, 2024, standard applications for Critical Skills Employment Permits are processed within approximately five weeks, while Trusted Partner applications are processed within one week. Employers should refer to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the latest processing timelines.
Employers must provide a valid job offer, meet salary thresholds, comply with the Labour Market Needs Test (where applicable), and adhere to the 50:50 rule, ensuring that at least 50% of their workforce comprises EEA nationals. Employers also need to be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and the Companies Registration Office.
Ireland offers several employment permits, including the Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit, Contract for Services Employment Permit, and Reactivation Employment Permit. Each permit type has specific eligibility criteria and application processes suited to different employment scenarios.
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