If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and want to work in Ireland, you need an Employment Permit first. The permit is granted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

Key Difference: Two Main Permits

The process depends on the type of job you get:

• 1. Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP): For highly skilled jobs that Ireland needs (like Tech, Engineering, certain Healthcare roles). This permit is faster and offers a quicker path to long-term residency.
• 2. General Employment Permit (GEP): For all other skilled jobs not on the Critical Skills or Ineligible Lists. This process is longer and usually requires the employer to advertise the job first.

Phase 1: Preparation (Before You Apply)

1. Get a Job Offer
This is mandatory. You must have a signed contract from an Irish employer for at least one to two years (depending on the permit type).
2. Check the Job Rules
Your job must meet specific requirements:
- • Salary: It must meet the minimum salary set for your permit type (e.g., higher for Critical Skills).
- • Not on the Ineligible List: The job must not be on the list of jobs that are not eligible for a permit (e.g., retail cashier, many entry-level administrative roles).
- • Labour Market Test (for GEP only): For a General Permit, the employer must advertise the job to Irish and EU/EEA citizens for at least 28 days before applying for you.

3. Gather Documents
Collect all necessary supporting documents, including:

• Valid Passport
• Signed Employment Contract
• Diplomas/Degrees (Proof of education)
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Taxes/Registration Proof for the employer (the employer provides this).

Phase 2: The Employment Permit Application

4. Apply Online (EPOS)
You or your employer must apply for the Employment Permit using the online system called EPOS (Employment Permits Online System).
- • You pay the application fee (typically €1,000 for a 2-year permit).
- • You upload all your documents.
5. DETE Reviews
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) reviews the application.
- • They check if the job, salary, and documents meet the rules for the permit you chose.
- • Processing Time: This usually takes several weeks (check the official DETE website for current times).
6. Permit Approval
If approved, an official Employment Permit is issued. This permit is proof that you have permission to work in Ireland.

Phase 3: The Visa and Arrival

7. Apply for the Visa (If Required)
If you are from a country that needs a visa to enter Ireland (check the official list), you must now apply for a Long Stay 'D' Visa using the AVATS online system.
- • You submit your approved Employment Permit as part of this visa application.
- • You attend a visa appointment at the Irish Embassy or Consulate to give your passport and biometrics.
8. Travel and Registration
- • Enter Ireland: You travel to Ireland using your Long Stay Visa (if required) and your approved Employment Permit.
- • Register with Immigration: Within 90 days of arriving, you must register with the local immigration office (Garda National Immigration Bureau).
- • Get Your IRP: When you register, you receive the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card (also called a Stamp 1). This is your final permission to live and work in Ireland.
You must have your IRP card to live and work legally in Ireland long-term.

For support with permit type selection, salary compliance checks, and the two-part application process, we recommend approaching FederPath.

Choose The Right Career

Key Difference: Two Main Permits

Phase 1: Preparation (Before You Apply)

Phase 2: The Employment Permit Application

Phase 3: The Visa and Arrival

Quick Connect

Enquiry Now

Choose The Right Career

Key Difference: Two Main Permits

Phase 1: Preparation (Before You Apply)

Phase 2: The Employment Permit Application

Phase 3: The Visa and Arrival

Quick Connect