Types of Employment Permits in Ireland

Ireland offers eight different types of employment permits, the most common being:

1. Critical Skills Employment Permit

✔️ Designed to attract highly skilled professionals in key sectors.
✔️ No Labour Market Needs Test required.
✔️ Eligible for a Stamp 4 after two years, allowing unrestricted work.

2. General Employment Permit

✔️ Available for occupations not on the Critical Skills List.
✔️ Requires a Labour Market Needs Test in most cases.
✔️ Typically granted for two years, renewable for a further three years.

3. Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

✔️ Allows multinational companies to transfer key employees to Ireland.
✔️ For senior management, key personnel, and trainees.
✔️ Employer must have a direct relationship with the Irish-based company.

Other types of permits include:
✔️ Contract for Services Employment Permit (for foreign companies providing services in Ireland).
✔️ Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit (for family members of employment permit holders).
✔️ Sport & Cultural Employment Permit (for professionals in these sectors).
✔️ Exchange Agreement Employment Permit (for international exchange workers).
✔️ Internship Employment Permit (for non-EEA students gaining work experience).

Who Can Apply for an Employment Permit?

✔️ Employer or Employee – Either party can submit the application.
✔️ Applicants must have a job offer – A signed employment contract is required.
✔️ Employment permit holders cannot make up more than 50% of a company’s workforce (exceptions apply for start-ups supported by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland).
✔️ Employers must be registered with Revenue Commissioners & Company Registration Office and hold a valid Employer Registered Number (ERN).

Who Cannot Apply from Within Ireland?

The following categories must leave Ireland to apply for an employment permit:
❌ Working Holiday Authorisation holders.
❌ Van Der Elst Transfer Permission holders.
❌ Non-EEA nationals without valid immigration status.

However, Stamp 1, 1G, 2, 2A, and 3 holders may apply for an employment permit while residing in Ireland.

Labour Market Needs Test

For most General Employment Permits, employers must complete a Labour Market Needs Test, proving that no Irish or EU national is available for the role.

Labour Market Needs Test Requirements

Advertise the job:

• 4 weeks on the Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection website (EURES).
• 3 days in a national newspaper.
• 3 days in a local newspaper or employment website.
  
  Submit proof of advertisements with the application.

More details: Labour Market Needs Test.

Ineligible Occupations List

Some jobs are not eligible for employment permits, even if an employer cannot find an Irish or EU national for the position.

Check the Ineligible Occupations List.

Application Process & Fees

Application Fees

€500 – €1,500, depending on the permit type and duration.

Passport & Visa Requirements

✔️ Passport validity – Must be valid for at least six months.
✔️ Visa-required nationals – Must apply separately for an entry visa after receiving the employment permit.
✔️ Non-visa-required nationals – Must show their employment permit at the port of entry.

After Arrival in Ireland

All employment permit holders must:
✔️ Register at their local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.
✔️ Obtain a Stamp 1 residence permit in their passport.
✔️ Receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card by post after registration.