Ireland's work visas let non-EU/EEA citizens work in the country legally. You must hold the correct visa or employment permit before starting a job. Short-term options cover temporary or project work, and long-term options support ongoing roles.
In this article, we’ll cover Ireland’s work visa requirements. You’ll learn about the different visa and permit types, required documentation, and key employer compliance areas.
Who needs to get an Ireland work permit?
Any non-EEA/EU nationals taking up paid work in Ireland must obtain a work permit. People may also need one of they fall into the following categories:
- Employees transferred to Ireland by a multinational corporation
- Employees in roles that fall under permit-controlled occupations
- Employees whose circumstances change in a way that affects authorization
Work permits vs. work visas
The work permit is your legal authorization to work in Ireland. The work visa (if required) comes second, for entry purposes.
Ireland uses a two-step system for most non-EEA employees. Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) issues employment permits. Then, if required based on your nationality, you’ll apply for a work visa with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). They issue entry visas based on your permit type and length of stay.
Types of work permits in Ireland
Here are the most common permit types and what each covers:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit (Ireland's skilled worker visa pathway) is a two-year permit for roles with eligible shortages or specific qualifications. It targets and attracts high-skill, in-demand roles and offers a pathway to long-term residence.
- General Employment Permit is a broad option for non-specialized roles. Any occupation qualifies as long as it’s not on the ineligible list.
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit lets multinational enterprises transfer senior managers, key personnel, and trainees to an Irish group entity for a limited period.
- Contract for Services Employment Permit targets employees of a non-Irish company. Workers must be assigned to deliver a one-to-one services contract to an Irish client. Permits last for a defined term based on the project.
- Reactivation Employment Permit allows a former permit holder who fell out of status through no fault of their own to reenter lawful employment. This also applies to mistreated workers.
- Internship Employment Permit is for full-time students enrolled outside Ireland to gain work experience.
- Sport and Cultural Employment Permit is for qualified professionals working in sport or cultural sectors under defined conditions.
- Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit allows eligible family members to work in Ireland.
- Exchange Agreement Employment Permit is for participants coming to Ireland under an approved government-to-government exchange. The exact terms depend on the specific agreement.
Types of work visas in Ireland
Here are the main work-related entry visas and what each covers:
- Employment visa (Long Stay “D”) is for paid work over 90 days. You must obtain this alongside an approved employment permit.
- Short stay “C” employment visa is for specific work under 90 days, such as short-term postings or urgent assignments. It’s only permitted in certain areas.
- Atypical Working Scheme visa is for defined work that isn’t covered by other employment permit types.
- Employment (Van der Elst) visa is for non-EU workers employed by an EU-based company who are temporarily posted to Ireland.
- Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa is for researchers arriving under a valid Hosting Agreement with a recognized Irish institution.
- Internship (unpaid) visa is for curriculum-required short-term internships.
- Ireland work Holiday visa (Working Holiday Authorisation) lets people aged 18–35 temporary work while traveling in Ireland. They must be from approved countries to qualify.
Applicant eligibility requirements for work visas
To obtain a work visa, applicants must meet the criteria below.
Job offer from an Irish employer
You need a genuine, full-time job offer from an Irish employer. You’ll need to know the role’s duties, a defined salary, and a start date.
Educational or professional requirements
Your credentials must match the role. You’ll typically need to provide:
- University degrees or professional certifications
- When a degree isn’t required, evidence of equivalent professional experience
- Academic transcripts and reference letters
- If required, proof of professional registration with the relevant Irish regulator
Immigration history and background checks
Applications typically include a background check, which may ask for evidence of lawful residence where you apply, details of previous visas, and private medical insurance. Authorities assess prior compliance and may seek additional documents based on your category.
Company eligibility requirements for work visas
Companies hiring in Ireland also have an obligation to maintain the following standards.
Salary thresholds and occupation lists
Minimum pay applies and varies by permit:
- Critical Skills roles follow set occupation or salary rules. The current minimum salary is €38,000 (eligible roles) or €64,000 (non-eligible roles).
- General Employment Permit roles must not be on the ineligible list. They often require a Labour Market Needs Test to show that the employer couldn't fill the role from within the EEA. The current minimum salary is €34,000.
DETE regularly reviews salary thresholds, so verify current requirements before applying.
Registration and compliance
Employers must register with the Revenue Commissioners and the Companies Registration Office. Additionally, they’re required to follow Irish payroll and employment law. Many permits also expect compliance with rules like the 50:50 workforce ratio, where at least 50% of the company’s workforce must be Irish or other EEA nationals.
How to get an Irish work visa
To apply for an Irish work visa, follow the steps below.
1. Apply for an Irish employment permit
Submit the employment permit application through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) with the required documents and fees. Keep in mind that approval can depend on employer criteria (for example, workforce ratios or market-test rules). Some employers may file for a permit for you, so be sure to ask during the recruitment process.
2. Apply for an Irish work visa (if visa-required)
After DETE approves your permit, file the entry visa application via AVATS with the approval letter and supporting documents. You can apply up to three months before your travel date.
3. Travel to Ireland
Carry your permit approval and entry visa upon arriving in Ireland. Keep originals of all your documents ready, as authorities will need to inspect them.
4. Register for an Irish Residence Permit
After arrival, register with the ISD. The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) costs €300 per person, and the card typically arrives in about 10–15 business days.
Information needed to apply for an Irish employment permit
To obtain a permit to work in Ireland, you’ll need to gather the following documentation:
- Signed employment contract: Copy signed by both parties
- Passport copy and photo: ID page plus a compliant passport-style photo
- Employer and Irish contact details: Company registration numbers, registered/trading name, address, and a company liaison’s contact information
- Job and pay details: Title, duties, location, start date, duration, salary, and hours per week
- Payment details: Employer’s name, company (if applicable), phone, and email address
- Recent revenue evidence: Employer’s monthly statutory return within the last three months, or Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) direct debit proof
Specific permits may require different documents and details. Ask your employer for more information.
How much does the work visa for Ireland cost?
Costs vary by permit type, duration, and whether you’re bringing dependents—plan for these fees.
Employment permit fees
The most common permit fees are as follows:
- The General Employment Permit costs €500 (for six months or less) or €1,000 (for up to 24 months).
- Critical Skills Employment Permit costs €1,000 (up to 24 months).
Visa application fees
While the exact price varies by duration and employment type, it typically costs €60 for single-entry (permitting you to enter the country only once) or €100 for multiple-entry (permitting you to enter the country multiple times within the visa’s duration). Keep in mind that if you apply for multiple-entry and ISD only grants single-entry, you won’t get the fee difference back.
Post-arrival registration
IRP registration costs €300. Budget for practical extras that often pop up after arriving, like document translations or notarizations and card delivery postage. You may also have to pay for new passport photos if yours don’t meet current specs.
Simplify cross-border hiring with Oyster
Hiring in Ireland without a local entity involves legal, payroll, and immigration tasks your team may not want to own. Take the load off with Oyster’s Talent Mobility that coordinates visa sponsorship in over 60 countries.
Our network of immigration experts and local HR partners can guide you through the process, from the first question to an approved permit. Oyster checks eligibility, completes and submits applications, and tracks progress in one streamlined workflow.
Ready to hire globally with fewer roadblocks? Talk to us about Talent Mobility.
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