To be legally employed as an expat, you'll need to obtain a work visa for Ireland. If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you don't need a work permit and can work freely.
If you require a work permit, an offer of employment is usually a prerequisite for applying. Many companies handle much of the application process for their foreign employees. Various employment permits are available for Ireland, each with its own requirements.
Types of work permits for Ireland
There are nine different work permits in Ireland:
- Critical Skills permits (for skilled workers) and
- Dependant/Partner/Spouse permits (for those related to them),
- Intra-company Transfer permits (for those moving within a multinational organisation),
- General Employment permits (for those meeting a certain income threshold),
- Reactivation permits (for those whose work permits lapsed under specific conditions),
- Internship permits (usually for students),
- Sport and cultural permits (for qualified professionals in sports and entertainment), and
- Exchange Agreement permits (for participants of exchange programmes), and
- Contract for Services permits (for foreign contractors).
Work permits for Ireland are issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and can be applied for by you or your employer, based on an offer of employment. The most common types of Irish work permits are the General Employment Permit, Critical Skills Employment Permit, and the Intra-Company Transfer Permit.
If you're a national of a selection of countries, a Working Holiday Authorisation is another option: you'll be able to work in Ireland for up to 24 months (depending on your country of origin), although you won't be able to work for a single employer for more than six months.
General Employment Permit
A General Employment Permit for Ireland is typically valid for two years with options for renewal. The job on offer must meet specific minimum salary requirements set by the government. Certain roles may have different minimum salary thresholds.
You must also have the relevant qualifications, skills, and experience for the job. The job cannot be on the list of ineligible occupations, and your employer must show that they couldn't find a suitable candidate from the EEA by performing a Labour Market Needs Test. The qualification requirements are reviewed and updated periodically, so checking the latest criteria is essential.
After the initial two-year period, you can renew the permit for another three years, provided you still meet the requirements, including any updated salary thresholds.
Critical Skills Employment Permits
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled individuals to Ireland. It targets sectors experiencing significant skills shortages, such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance.
To qualify, your proposed salary must meet the government requirements. The minimum salary is usually high, but exceptions exist for certain roles. You might qualify with a lower salary threshold if your job is on the Highly Skilled Occupations List. This list includes roles like IT specialist, civil engineer, and medical practitioner.
The permit is valid for two years. Unlike other permits, it does not need to be renewed. After 21 months, you can apply for a Stamp 4. This type of immigration permission allows you to work without an employment permit, provided you stay in the same occupation with the same employer at the same salary.
For this transition, you will need a letter from your employer confirming your employment and payslips to show continued employment in the same role.
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permits
This permit is for transferring employees within the same company. It’s ideal if you are in senior management or have specialised knowledge essential for the business. Transfers usually fulfil specific business needs that the existing Irish workforce cannot meet.
Typical roles eligible for this permit include senior managers and key personnel with specialised expertise. You must have worked for your company's overseas branch for at least six months before the transfer.
The permit is terminated if you leave the company during the permit period. You must notify the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment within four weeks.
The application process typically takes four to eight weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned start date to ensure timely approval.
Working Holiday Authorisation
If you're from one of several eligible countries, you can apply for a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) for Ireland. This entry and work permission document allows you to engage in casual or temporary work while you explore the country. It’s perfect for those looking to fund their travels without committing to permanent employment.
Countries with working holiday agreements include Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA. Each country has specific eligibility criteria, often based on age, and some have limited places available annually.
You need proof that you have a return ticket or the funds to purchase one, and sufficient funds to support yourself initially.
While in Ireland on a WHA, you can't work for a single employer for more than six months. The primary purpose of your stay should be a holiday, with work being incidental. You can also take short study courses lasting up to six months.
The WHA is generally valid for 12 months from entry into Ireland, except for Canadians, who can stay up to two years.
To apply, submit your application form, passport, photos, proof of funds and any other required documents to the relevant embassy or consulate. After approval, register with the Irish Immigration Service within one month of arrival to get your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Useful links
Applying for a work permit for Ireland
The application process for a work permit for Ireland is relatively uncomplicated and is completed online through the official DETE employment permit portal. Both the employer and the employee (and, in some cases, an agent) need to register on the portal, but the employer generally handles most of the work and the compliance checks. You'll still need to provide the relevant papers, including your passport, employment contract, and supporting documents such as professional qualifications and your CV.
Applications for Working Holiday Authorisations need to be submitted through the Irish consulates or embassies in partner countries and are processed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Requirements vary by country, so check in with your local Irish mission for a detailed list of conditions and documents.
Useful links
*Requirements for employment and work permits can change quickly. Always check with your respective embassy or consulate for the latest information.