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Standard Employment Work Permit

Standard Employment Work Permit

The General Employment Permit (GEP) provides a flexible pathway for non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland in occupations that do not qualify under the Critical Skills Employment Permit. While it has broader eligibility criteria, applicants must meet specific requirements, including a Labour Market Needs Test in most cases.

Key Features of the General Employment Permit

✔️ More flexible salary requirements compared to the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
✔️ Available for a wide range of occupations not listed as ineligible.
✔️ Can lead to permanent residency (Stamp 4) after five years of employment.
✔️ Initial permit valid for up to two years, with renewals available for up to three more years.

Eligibility Criteria for a General Employment Permit

To qualify for a General Employment Permit, applicants must meet the following salary and job eligibility requirements:

1. Labour Market Needs Test Requirement

In most cases, the employer must complete a Labour Market Needs Test to prove that no Irish or EU candidate is available for the role. However, this test is not required if:

✔️ The job is on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
✔️ The salary is €64,000 or more per year.
✔️ The position is supported by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland, with an official letter of support.

2. Ineligible Occupations List

Important: If a job is on the Ineligible Occupations List, a permit will not be granted, regardless of salary or qualifications.

Check the Ineligible Occupations List here: Click here

Salary Requirements for a General Employment Permit

Standard Salary Requirement: €30,000 per year.

Lower Salary Exceptions (€27,000 per year) apply in specific cases:
✔️ Recent graduates (within 12 months) from an Irish third-level institution, working in a Critical Skills Occupation.
✔️ Recent graduates (within 12 months) from an overseas third-level institution, working in an ICT professional role on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
✔️ Roles requiring a non-EEA language, supported by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland, in:

  • Customer service or sales
  • Specialist online digital marketing/sales
  • Specialist/technical language or sales support

Salary Calculations:

  • Only base salary and employer-paid insurance count towards the required amount.
  • Bonuses and overtime are not included.
  • Salaries are based on a 39-hour work week (for a 40-hour work week, slightly higher salary figures apply).

Permit Duration & Renewal

Initial Permit: 6 months to 2 years.
Renewals: Additional periods of 6 months to 3 years.
Permanent Residency: After 5 years, permit holders can apply for Stamp 4, granting unrestricted work and residency rights in Ireland.

Family Reunification & Work Rights for Dependents

Unlike the Critical Skills Employment Permit, family reunification for General Employment Permit holders is more restricted:

✔️ Family reunification is only possible after 1 year of employment in Ireland.
✔️ Spouses and dependents receive Stamp 3 (which does not grant work rights).
✔️ Family members must apply for their own employment permits if they wish to work in Ireland.