Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

Non-EEA nationals with a qualifying two-year job offer who meet the occupation, pay and relevant skills requirements.

• Eligible employer

  The offer must come from a bona-fide employer based and trading in Ireland, registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, where applicable, the Companies Registration Office or Register of Friendly Societies.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Two-year job offer

  The prospective employee must have secured a job offer of at least two years in an eligible occupation.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Eligible occupation and pay

  The route page lists occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List with minimum annual remuneration of €40,904; a €36,848 minimum where the relevant qualification was received within the 12 months before application; and other occupations with annual remuneration of over €68,911, excluding occupations on the Ineligible List or contrary to the public interest. A qualifying public-sector role covered by a public-sector pay agreement uses the rate of that agreement.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Degree for listed jobs

  For occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List using the €40,904 threshold, a relevant degree qualification or higher is required.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Nursing or midwifery qualification

  For a nurse or midwife, a third-level degree or diploma must be accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as sufficient for registration to practise in Ireland.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Skills for the job

  The prospective employee must have the qualifications, skills and experience required for the employment. For an occupation using the over-€68,911 route, a non-EEA national without a degree qualification or higher must have the necessary level of experience.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Employer’s EEA workforce

  At least 50% of the firm’s employees must be EEA nationals when the application is made. This restriction may be waived for a start-up within two years of its establishment that is supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland, where it is a client company of that agency.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Signed contract

  A contract of employment signed by both parties must be submitted with the application.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Apply before the start date

  The employment permit application must be received at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.

  enterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource

• Critical Skills Employment Permit applicationenterprise.gov.ie · checked 5 days agoSource€1,000 once

1. Get ready

   • Secure a two-year job offer

     Get an offer lasting at least two years from an eligible employer in Ireland.

     You’ll need: Job offer

   • Check the occupation, pay and qualifications

     Check which occupation and remuneration category applies and whether you meet its qualification and experience conditions.

     You’ll need: Details of qualifications and experience, Job description, Pay details

   • Gather the application documents

     Prepare the signed contract and the employee and employment details listed in the department’s checklist.

     You’ll need: Contract signed by employer and employee, Passport-type photograph, Details of qualifications relevant to the role

2. Apply

   • Submit the permit application

     The prospective employee or employer can apply through Employment Permits Online; the application must reach the department at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.

     You’ll need: Signed employment contract, Completed application details

   • Pay the permit fee

     Pay the €1,000 processing fee; the department says it refunds 90% if the application is unsuccessful.

3. Visa

   • Apply for an entry visa if required

     After a successful permit application, apply for an entry visa if your nationality requires one.

     You’ll need: Employment permit

4. Travel

   • Bring your documents to the border

     When you arrive

     Have your original employment permit and other supporting documents available for inspection by an immigration officer.

     You’ll need: Original employment permit, Supporting documents

5. Settle in

   • Register your immigration permission

     If you intend to live in Ireland for more than 90 days, register your permission with Immigration Service Delivery within 90 days of arrival.

     You’ll need: Passport, Employment permit, Proof of address

After completing the permit’s duration, holders may apply for permission to live and work without another employment permit; after 60 months of residence permission, they may apply for long-term residence.

• Critical Skills Employment Permit - DETEenterprise.gov.ieOfficial
• irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-re…Official
• Employment Permits - DETEenterprise.gov.ieOfficial
• Fees - DETEenterprise.gov.ieOfficial
• enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permi…Official
• enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/publication-files/critical-skills-e…Official

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.