✅ How to Get a Work Permit in Ireland (2025 Guide for Immigrants)
If you’re planning to move to Ireland for work in 2025, securing a valid work permit is one of the first — and most important — steps. This guide is for non-EEA immigrants, including skilled professionals, jobseekers, and students transitioning into work.
🔍 Do I Need a Work Permit?
Yes — unless you’re a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland. Everyone else, including Indian nationals and other non-EEA immigrants, must apply for an employment permit before starting a job in Ireland.
🧾 Types of Work Permits in Ireland (2025)
Ireland offers nine permit types. The two most relevant for newcomers are:
✅ 1. General Employment Permit
- Salary Threshold: Minimum €30,000/year (some roles €27,000 with conditions).
- Sectors: Hospitality, construction, agriculture, retail, etc.
- Validity: Up to 2 years, renewable.
- Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT): Often required (employer must show role couldn’t be filled locally).
✅ 2. Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Salary Threshold:
- €38,000/year if the job is on the Critical Skills Occupation List.
- €64,000/year for all other roles.
- Sectors: ICT, engineering, healthcare, fintech, science.
- Fast-track to Stamp 4 residency after 2 years.
- No LMNT required.
Other Permits:
- Intra-Company Transfer Permit
- Contract for Services Permit
- Internship Permit (for students)
- Reactivation Permit (if you previously had status)
🔗 Check the full Critical Skills Occupation List on enterprise.gov.ie
📄 Required Documents
Here’s what you or your employer will need to prepare:
- Valid passport
- Detailed job offer/contract from an Irish employer
- Job details: title, salary, start date, duties
- Employer’s registration with Revenue and Companies Office
- Recent passport photo
- Proof of qualifications (if required)
- Application fee (see below)
🧠 Note: If applying for a General Employment Permit, a Labour Market Needs Test must be done — showing the job was advertised locally for at least 4 weeks.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Application Process
1️⃣ Get a Job Offer
You must have a confirmed offer before applying. Use:
2️⃣ Choose Your Permit Type
Base this on your job’s salary and sector.
3️⃣ Apply via EPOS
Submit your application through the Employment Permits Online System:
👉 epos.enterprise.gov.ie
4️⃣ Pay the Fee
- General Permit: €500 (6 months) / €1,000 (2 years)
- Critical Skills: €1,000 (flat)
5️⃣ Wait for Processing
- General Permit: 6–13 weeks
- Critical Skills: 4–8 weeks
Use the EPOS dashboard to track your application status.
6️⃣ Apply for Irish Visa (if required)
Once your permit is approved, non-visa exempt nationals must apply for a D Visa through AVATS.
💡 Common FAQs
❓ Can I switch jobs later?
- General Permit: Not within the first 12 months unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- Critical Skills: Yes, after one year, and you can apply for Stamp 4 after two.
❓ Do I need a PPS Number first?
No — but once approved and in Ireland, you’ll need a PPS Number for tax and salary.
👉 How to Get a PPS Number
❓ Can my spouse work too?
If you’re on a Critical Skills Permit, your spouse can apply for Stamp 1G and work without a permit.
🛡️ Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply at least 12 weeks before your intended start date.
- Ensure no typos in your documents or application.
- Double-check if your employer is registered correctly with Irish authorities.
- If rejected, you may appeal within 28 days.
🔗 Useful Resources
- Employment Permits Portal (EPOS)
- Critical Skills Occupation List
- How to Register for Tax in Ireland
- Find Accommodation in Dublin
- Cost of Living in Dublin (2025)
✅ Conclusion
Getting a work permit in Ireland is a manageable process — but only if you follow the rules closely. With a valid job offer and the right documents, you’ll be on your way to working and settling in Ireland legally and confidently.
