Critical Skills Employment Permit: Work & Reside in Ireland
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is the most sought-after work permit in Ireland, designed to attract highly skilled professionals in key industries. This permit not only allows individuals to work in high-demand roles but also provides a pathway to permanent residence in Ireland after two years of employment.
Benefits of the Critical Skills Employment Permit
✔️ Fast-track to long-term residency – Eligible permit holders can apply for a Stamp 4 after 20 months, allowing them to live and work in Ireland without restrictions.
✔️ No Labour Market Needs Test required – Employers are not required to prove they could not find an Irish or EU national for the role.
✔️ Spouse & Family Benefits – Spouses and dependents can join the employee immediately, and spouses receive a Stamp 1G, allowing them to work freely in Ireland.
✔️ No permit renewal required – Unlike other employment permits, the CSEP is valid for two years and leads to residency eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria for the Critical Skills Employment Permit
To qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, applicants must meet one of the following salary and skills criteria:
1. Roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List
Minimum Salary Requirement: €32,000 per year
Qualification Required: A relevant Level 7 degree or higher on the NARIC scale
Check the Critical Skills Occupations List: Click here
2. Other Highly Skilled Roles
Minimum Salary Requirement: €64,000 per year
Qualification Requirement: No specific degree required, but the applicant must prove relevant skills and experience
Position must not be listed on the ‘Ineligible Occupations List’
Check the Ineligible Occupations List: Click here
3. Special Rules for Nurses & Midwives
✔️ A third-level degree or diploma accepted by the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland is required.
✔️ Salary may be below €64,000, but the role must still meet other CSEP criteria.
Important Salary Notes:
- Only base salary and employer-paid health insurance count towards the salary requirement.
- Bonuses and overtime pay are not included.
- Salary calculations are based on a 39-hour work week (if working 40 hours per week, slightly higher salary thresholds apply).
Family Reunification & Work Rights for Spouses
One of the biggest advantages of the Critical Skills Employment Permit is that family members can immediately join the employee in Ireland.
✔️ Spouses, civil partners, and dependent children (under 18 or students aged 18-23) can accompany the permit holder.
✔️ Spouses are granted a Stamp 1G, allowing them to work in Ireland without needing a separate employment permit.
✔️ No additional financial requirements for family reunification.
Applying for Permanent Residency (Stamp 4)
✔️ After 20 months of employment in Ireland, CSEP holders can apply for a Stamp 4 residence permit, which allows them to live and work in Ireland without any restrictions.
✔️ Once approved for Stamp 4, the individual is no longer required to hold an employment permit and may change employers freely.
- Employment Permit Types & Overview
- Highly Skilled Worker Permit
- Standard Employment Work Permit
- Work Transfer Permit for Company Employees
- Alternative Employment Permit Options
- Work Permit Schemes for Skilled Labour
- Short-Term Work Permission for EU Employees
- Employer-Supported Residency Applications
- Employment Rules for Posted Workers in Ireland