Work Permits for Ireland

To be legally employed as an expat, you must obtain a work visa for Ireland. If you are a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a work permit and can work freely.

If you require a work permit, an offer of employment is usually a prerequisite for applying. Many companies handle much of the visa process for their foreign employees. Various employment permits are available for Ireland, each with its requirements and application process.

There are nine different work permits in Ireland, including:

• Critical Skills permits (for skilled workers) and 
• Dependant/Partner/Spouse permits (for those related to them), 
• Intra-company Transfer permits (for those moving within a multinational organisation),
• General Employment permits (for those meeting a certain income threshold),
• Reactivation permits (for those whose work permits lapsed under specific conditions),
• Internship permits (usually for students),
• Sport and cultural permits (for qualified professionals in sports and entertainment), and
• Exchange Agreement permits (for participants of exchange programmes like AIESEC, Bord Bia, Fullbright, IAESTE and Vulcanus), and
• Seasonal Employment Permits, which allow you from 2025 to work for a maximum of seven months of the year in seasonally recurring work.

General Employment Permits

Work permits for Ireland are issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and can be applied for by you or your employer, based on an offer of employment.

A General Employment Permit is typically valid for two years with options for renewal. The job on offer must meet specific minimum salary requirements set by the government. Certain roles, such as meat processing or healthcare assistants, may have different minimum salary thresholds.

You must also have the relevant qualifications, skills, and experience for the job. The job cannot be on the list of ineligible occupations, and your employer must show that they couldn't find a suitable candidate from the EEA by performing a Labour Market Needs Test. The qualification requirements are reviewed and updated periodically, so checking the latest criteria is essential.

After the initial two-year period, you can renew the permit for another three years, provided you still meet the requirements, including any updated salary thresholds.

Useful links

• DETE Employment Permits
• General Employment Permit Details

Critical Skills Employment Permits

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled individuals to Ireland. It targets sectors experiencing significant skills shortages, such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance.

To qualify, your proposed salary must meet the government requirements. The minimum salary is usually high, but exceptions exist for certain roles. You might qualify with a lower salary threshold if your job is on the Highly Skilled Occupations List. This list includes roles like IT specialist, civil engineer, and medical practitioner.

The permit is valid for two years. Unlike other permits, it does not need to be renewed. After 21 months, you can apply for a Stamp 4 Irish Residence Permit. This allows you to work without an employment permit, provided you stay in the same occupation with the same employer at the same salary.

For this transition, you will need a letter from your employer confirming your employment and payslips to show continued employment in the same role.

Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permits

This permit is for transferring employees within the same company. It’s ideal if you are in senior management or have specialised knowledge essential for the business. Transfers usually fulfil specific business needs that the existing Irish workforce cannot meet.

Typical roles eligible for this permit include senior managers and key personnel with specialised expertise. You must have worked for your company's overseas branch for at least 12 months before the transfer. Your employer must demonstrate the necessity of your transfer, often through a Labour Market Needs Test.

The permit is terminated if you leave the company during the permit period. You must notify the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment within four weeks. You then have a six-month grace period to find a new job and apply for a new permit. If unsuccessful, you may need to leave Ireland.

The application process typically takes four to eight weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned start date to ensure timely approval.

Working Holiday Authorisations

If you're from one of several eligible countries, you can apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) in Ireland. This visa allows you to engage in casual or temporary work while you explore the country. It’s perfect for those looking to fund their travels without committing to permanent employment.

Countries with working holiday agreements include Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan. Each country has specific eligibility criteria, often based on age, and some have limited places available annually.

You need proof of sufficient funds to support yourself initially. Typically, this involves an original bank statement proving you have at least USD 1,500 (or equivalent) and a return ticket or funds to purchase one.

While in Ireland on a WHA, you can't work for a single employer for more than six months. The primary purpose of your stay should be a holiday, with work being incidental. You can also take short study courses lasting up to six months.

The WHA is generally valid for 12 months from entry into Ireland, except for Canadians who can stay up to two years.

To apply, submit your application form, passport, photos, proof of funds and any other required documents to the relevant embassy or consulate. After approval, register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau within one month of arrival to get your Certificate of Registration.

*Requirements for employment and work permits can change quickly. Always check with your respective embassy or consulate for the latest information.