Ireland Employment Permit Calculator
Check which Irish work permit you need, calculate the fee, and verify your salary meets the minimum threshold. Covers Critical Skills (CSEP), General Employment (GEP), Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), Dependant/Spouse, and Contract for Services permits issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
How Ireland Employment Permits Work
Ireland's employment permit system is administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to work in Ireland must hold a valid employment permit before starting employment. The system is designed to fill skill gaps in the Irish economy while protecting the domestic labour market. There are several permit types, each with different salary thresholds, eligibility criteria, and fees. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is the most sought-after, as it leads directly to long-term residency through Stamp 4 after two years. The General Employment Permit is more widely available but requires a labour market needs test to demonstrate that no suitable EEA candidate could fill the role.
Critical Skills vs General Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) targets highly skilled workers in occupations that Ireland needs most. If your occupation is on the Critical Skills Occupation List, the minimum salary is 38,000 euro. For occupations not on the list, you need a minimum salary of 64,000 euro to qualify. The fee is 1,000 euro for both new and renewal applications. The key advantage is that after two years on a CSEP, you can apply for Stamp 4 permission, which lets you work without any permit. The General Employment Permit (GEP) has a lower salary threshold of 34,000 euro but requires employers to conduct a labour market needs test, advertising the position to EEA nationals first. The GEP fee is 1,000 euro for new applications and 1,500 euro for renewals, with a 50 percent refund if the application is refused.
Other Permit Types and Fees
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) permit allows multinational companies to transfer employees to their Irish branch. The fee is 500 euro, with minimum salary requirements depending on role: 40,000 euro for senior management and key personnel, and 30,000 euro for trainees. The Dependant/Partner/Spouse permit costs 1,000 euro and is available to spouses of CSEP holders or researchers. The Contract for Services permit, also 500 euro, applies to foreign contractors providing services to an Irish entity with a minimum salary of 40,000 euro. All permit applications are currently processed within eight to twelve weeks, though processing times can vary depending on volume and completeness of documentation submitted.
Tips for a Successful Permit Application
Start your application well in advance, as processing takes eight to twelve weeks. Ensure all documents are certified and translated into English where required. For GEP applications, the labour market needs test must show the position was advertised on EURES, IrishJobs.ie, and the DSP Employment Services Office for at least two weeks. Check the Ineligible Categories of Employment List to confirm your occupation is not excluded from the permit scheme. Keep your passport valid for the duration of the permit, and ensure your employer is registered with DETE. If your application is refused, GEP applicants receive a 50 percent fee refund. Consider consulting a registered immigration solicitor for complex cases, particularly if you are switching permit types or have spent time on other immigration permissions in Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee for a Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland?
The fee for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is 1,000 euro for both new applications and renewals. This is a flat fee regardless of salary level. If the application is refused, there is no refund for CSEP applications. The permit is valid for two years and after that period you can apply for Stamp 4 permission to work without any permit.
What is the minimum salary for a General Employment Permit?
The minimum annual salary for a General Employment Permit (GEP) in Ireland is 34,000 euro. The job must also not be on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List. The employer must conduct a labour market needs test, advertising the position for at least two weeks on EURES, IrishJobs.ie, and the DSP Employment Services Office before applying. The fee is 1,000 euro for new applications and 1,500 euro for renewals.
How long does it take to process an Irish employment permit?
Current processing times for Irish employment permits are approximately eight to twelve weeks from the date of submission. Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of documentation. You can check the latest processing times on the DETE Employment Permits website. Trusted Partner applications may be processed more quickly.
Can I get a refund if my employment permit is refused?
Only General Employment Permit (GEP) applicants are eligible for a 50 percent refund of the application fee if refused. This means you would receive 500 euro back from a 1,000 euro new application fee, or 750 euro from a 1,500 euro renewal fee. Other permit types such as CSEP, ICT, and Contract for Services do not offer refunds on refused applications.
What is the Critical Skills Occupation List?
The Critical Skills Occupation List is maintained by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and lists occupations where Ireland has significant skill shortages. If your occupation is on this list, you can apply for a CSEP with a minimum salary of 38,000 euro. The list includes roles in ICT, engineering, healthcare, science, and finance. It is updated periodically based on labour market analysis.
Can my spouse work in Ireland on my employment permit?
If you hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a Hosting Agreement as a researcher, your spouse or partner can apply for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit. The fee is 1,000 euro and there is no minimum salary requirement for the dependant. This permit allows your spouse to take up employment with any employer in Ireland for the duration of your permit.