Ireland Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in 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.

Types of Work Visas in Ireland

Ireland offers various employment permits tailored to different employment scenarios.

Employment Permit (General Employment Permit)

The General Employment Permit is one of the most common work permits in Ireland, designed for foreign nationals who have received a job offer from an Irish employer. It is primarily intended for non-EEA nationals, except for those from certain countries that benefit from a more relaxed work permit regime, such as those in the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA). This permit allows the foreign national to stay in Ireland for up to two years, during which time they can live and work in the country.

The application process for the General Employment Permit involves both the employer and the employee. Employers must first obtain approval from the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) to hire a foreign worker for a position that has been advertised and for which there is no suitable Irish or EU candidate. The employee can apply for the permit only once the employer's request has been granted.

💡 Best work permit option if: This permit is ideal for employers in Ireland who need to fill positions where there is a skill shortage in the local labor market. It is most beneficial for hiring workers for general roles in industries such as hospitality, retail, administration, and engineering. It is a great option for businesses that do not require highly specialized professionals but still need to attract foreign workers with specific skills.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed for highly skilled professionals in fields where there is a recognized shortage of qualified workers in Ireland. These critical skills include jobs in technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and other specialized fields. The permit is intended to attract highly qualified workers to fill positions that are essential for the continued growth and innovation of Ireland’s economy.

To qualify for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, applicants must meet specific salary thresholds, which generally require that the job offer pays a minimum of €32,000 annually for most roles. However, for certain high-demand professions such as doctors and engineers, the salary threshold can be lower. This permit is particularly valuable because, after holding the permit for two years, individuals can apply for permanent residency in Ireland, which offers long-term stability.

💡 Best work permit option if: This permit is perfect for companies seeking to hire professionals with expertise in areas such as information technology, engineering, medical fields, and financial services. It’s ideal for highly skilled foreign workers who want to build a long-term career in Ireland while contributing to the country's economic development.

Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

The Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit is designed for foreign employees working for multinational companies with branches or affiliates in Ireland. This permit allows employees to temporarily transfer to an Irish branch of the company. Typically, the Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit is granted to employees in senior management, specialized roles, or technical positions where the employee's skills and knowledge are crucial for the Irish operations of the company.

The application process for this permit involves both the employee and employer. The employer must demonstrate that the employee has been working with the company for at least 12 months prior to the transfer and that the position requires the specific expertise of the individual. The permit is valid for up to two years, with the option to extend it if the company continues to require the employee's expertise.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for multinational companies that need to transfer key personnel with specialized knowledge or managerial experience to their Irish office. It is best suited for global companies expanding operations in Ireland or requiring expertise that is not readily available in the local labor market.

Working Holiday Authorisation

The Working Holiday Authorisation is a special visa arrangement available to nationals of certain countries with which Ireland has reciprocal agreements. This visa is designed for young people (typically between the ages of 18 and 30) who wish to travel and work in Ireland for a limited period of up to 12 months. This visa allows individuals to work part-time while exploring the country, providing a unique opportunity to experience Irish culture while supporting themselves through temporary work.

To apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation, the applicant must meet age restrictions, and the visa is typically granted based on nationality. The application process involves providing proof of sufficient financial resources to support oneself at the start of the stay. Applicants must also demonstrate that they plan to travel and work in Ireland temporarily and do not intend to settle permanently.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for young adults (18-30 years old) from eligible countries who want to travel and work in Ireland for up to 12 months. It’s perfect for individuals seeking short-term, flexible work opportunities while exploring Ireland’s culture and lifestyle.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Ireland

To obtain a work permit in Ireland, employers and prospective employees must meet specific criteria:

 
• Job Offer: A valid job offer from an Irish employer is mandatory.
• Salary Thresholds: Minimum salary requirements vary by permit type. For example, the General Employment Permit typically requires an annual salary of at least €30,000.
• Labor Market Needs Test (LMNT): Employers may need to prove the role could not be filled by an EEA or Swiss national by advertising within the EEA.
• Qualifications and Experience: Applicants must have qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the position.
• 50:50 Rule: Employers must have at least 50% of their workforce comprised of EEA nationals.

Ireland Work Permit Application Process

 
• Step 1: Secure a Job Offer. The prospective employee must obtain a job offer from a registered Irish employer.
• Step 2: Submit Application. The employer or employee submits the permit application through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) with all required documentation and fees.
• Step 3: Await Processing. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times depend on the permit type and workload.
• Step 4: Receive Decision. Upon approval, the employment permit is issued, allowing the employee to begin working in Ireland.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Ireland

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.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Ireland

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 Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Ireland

The processing time for a work permit or visa in Ireland can vary depending on the type of application and individual circumstances. Here's a general overview:

Work Permits

• Critical Skills Employment Permit: Typically processed within 2 to 3 weeks.
• General Employment Permit: Can take around 8 to 12 weeks.
• Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit: Generally processed in 4 to 6 weeks.
• Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit: Usually processed within 8 to 12 weeks.

It's important to apply well in advance of your planned start date to account for any potential delays.

Visa Applications

• Short Stay Visa (less than 90 days): Processing usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks.
• Long Stay Visa (more than 90 days): Can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks or longer, depending on the type and complexity of the application.

Factors That Can Affect Processing Times

• The volume of applications at the time.
• Whether additional documentation or an interview is required.
• Whether the application is submitted through the correct channels (e.g., visa application centers or consulates).

To get the most accurate information, always check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website or speak to one of our in-house visa experts  before applying.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Ireland

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.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Ireland

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:

 
• Consult with legal advisors to ensure compliance with Irish employment regulations.
• Consider the type of employment permit that aligns with the work being performed.
• Ensure that tax obligations are addressed for both the employer and the employee.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

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:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.