If you considering looking for job opportunities in the beautiful country of Ireland, you will need to obtain a work permit. Since hiring employees who don’t have the proper work authorization is illegal in Ireland. The detailed process of applying for a work permit requires serious attention. However, it seems daunting to navigate through immigration regulations, fortunately, in this article, we will provide a complete guide on how to apply for an Ireland Employment Permit and explain the detailed terms of this permit. Let’s dive into it!
What is the Irish Work Permit?
The Irish Work Permit is an official document issued by the Irish government and allows foreigners who wish to engage in employment in Ireland. Ireland offers several types of work permits, among the most popular are the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit. The Employment permit is generally issued for two years and all employment permits are valid only for the employer and the employment stated on the permit. If you wish to change employer, you must submit a new application.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Work Permit in Ireland
Part 1: Ireland Work Permit Eligibility
Anyone who wants to apply for a work permit must ensure to meet the eligibility criteria set by the Irish authorities.
Age and Nations:Be over 18 years old and not a citizen of an EU or EEA member state or Switzerland.
Employment Offer: Have a job offer from a recognized employer in Ireland.
Qualifications and Requirements: Make sure that your qualifications and experience match the job requirements. For example, specific employments within the broader occupation group that are ineligible are listed under ‘Ineligible Employments’.
Salary Threshold: Meet the minimum salary requirements. General Employment Permit applicants must have a minimum yearly salary of €30,000.If you want a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you must make at least €32,000 per year and and on the Critical Skills Occupation List or Pay €64,000 per year and not on the list of ineligible occupations.
In-Demand Skills: A LMNT (Labor Market Needs Test) may be necessary to prove no Irish or EEA workers are available for the job for some permits.
Crime: Not having any previous convictions for criminal offenses.
Part 2: Types of Employment Permits
The Employment Permits Act 2006, as amended by the Irish Government, allows nine different types of employment permits to be issued.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
- General Employment Permit
- Contract for Services Employment Permit
- Reactivation Employment Permit
- Internship Employment Permit
- Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
- Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
For more information about the permits, please click the link below: Types of Employment Permits.
Part 3: Ireland Work Permit Process
The Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) allows applicants for Work Permits and Trusted Partner Registrations to apply, and you can make payments and submit supporting documentation online. If you are not sure which permit to apply for, you can use DETE’s application guide.
Step 1: Select Applicant Type (Employer/Employee).
Step 2: Select Employment Permit type (Apply for a new work permit or renew existing work permit).
Step 3: Select the type of Employment Permit you wish to apply for.
Step 4: Complete an application form (Provide detailed information).
Step 5: Submit the application and attach the supporting document.
Step 6: Pay the fee.
The system is available in English and Irish. Additionally, if you are confused about the steps of the online process, this User Guide includes the documentary requirements for each application type that will help you to complete the process effortlessly.
Part 4: Ireland Work Permit Document Checklist
When applying for an Irish work permit, several documents must be attached to the application system, and the type of documents depends on the permit you are applying for. Use the appropriate checklist to help with your permit application.
Note:
1. The formats for the electronic documents are PDF, PNG, or JPEG/JPG and are no larger than 10MB. The documents must be printed out and signed by before being submitted to the Employment Permits Section.
2. Here we provide the two most common permit checklists for you to complete the application: The critical application checklist and one for the General Employment Permit. If you want to get a general idea of the document to be provided, you can read the below content.
Copy of Passport: A copy of the biographical page of your passport, which shows your picture, signature, and personal details.
Passport-sized Photograph: Passport size photo in line with Ireland work permit photo requirements (Dimensions: 45-50mm in height and 35-38mm in width)
Employer Details: Employer Registered Number (ERN) and Company Name Registered Number, type of company and nature of business, etc.
Employee Details: Name, date of birth, gender, nationality, current address, telephone number, email
address and PPS number (if you already have one). Registration/pin or license number (if the employee has a job that requires them to be registered with a regulatory agency or with the government).
Offer of Employment: A copy of the work contract signed by you and the employer. The job offer must be in writing and specify the duties of the position, the salary, phone number and email address, the start date, and the duration of the contract.
Proof of Identity: If you are a resident in Ireland at the time of application, a copy of your current immigration stamp.
Proof of Qualification: Proof a Labor Market Needs Test was conducted (if applying for a General Employment Permit).
Proof of Payment: Proof of payment for your work permit fee.
Part 5: Submit the Application
Submit your work permit application through the Department for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) or the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) website. Additionally, please check the document checklist and confirm all documents are accurate and up to date to avoid delays in processing.
Part 6: Pay the Fee
The application fee for a work permit depends on the type of permit and duration of your work permit. Fees range from €500 to €1,500. In addition, fees must be paid online via the EPOS portal using a credit or debit card.
Part 7: Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the permit type and workload. The DBEI will process your application within 13 weeks and issue an employment permit if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Part 8: Receive the Decision
You will receive your work permit once the authorities process your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main work permit type for Ireland?
A1: General Employment Permit is the main type of permit in Ireland since it is suitable for occupations that lack skilled workers. There are about nine different types of Ireland employment permits, but the two most common ones are the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit.
Q2: Can I apply for an Ireland work permit without a job offer?
A2: No, you must have a job offer from a recognized Irish employer before applying for a work permit.
Q3: Can I switch jobs while holding an employment permit?
A3: Yes, it is possible to change jobs and employers while holding a valid employment permit. However, it is noted that all work permits are valid only for the employer and the employment stated on the permit. If you want to change employer, you must submit an application for a new employment permit in line with the eligibility criteria for the type of permit being applied for.
Q4: What’s the difference between a work visa and a work permit in Ireland?
A4: A work visa is a long-stay visa, which allows you to enter Ireland for work purposes. To move from one EU country to another for more than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa or a residence permit for that country. However, having a work visa doesn’t guarantee that you have permission to work in Ireland. More importantly, you’ll still need authorization from the immigration authorities at the border control.
A work permit is an authorization from the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation (DBEI) that grants you the legal right to work in Ireland. Most non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, regardless of whether they have a visa or not, must obtain a work permit in Ireland.
Q5: Can I get PR in Ireland after a work permit?
A5: Yes, but it is noted that General Employment Permit holders must have lived legally in Ireland for at least 5 years (or 60 months), whereas Critical Skills Employment Permit can apply for a permanent residency (PR) after just two years.
Q6: Is it hard to get an Ireland work permit?
A6: It is not difficult to get an Ireland work permit as long as you: 1) Have an eligible job with a salary of over 30,000 euros annually for most occupations; 2) Possess the skills and qualifications to do the job; 3) Submit your paperwork and all supporting documentation properly.
Tip: This document aims to answer the majority of the Employment Permits Frequently Asked Questions we receive from applicants for employment permits and Trusted Partner Registrations on a daily basis. After reading this article, if you still have questions about your Irish work permit, check out this document for answers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to work legally in Ireland, non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must obtain a work permit in Ireland. Additionally, knowing fully the different permits, eligibility, and application requirements and process will help you effectively get the work permit desired. Only need to have a job offer or contract from an Irish employer, submit your application online, pay the applicable fees, and provide the required supporting documents on the portal, the work permit will come to you! Finally, hope you find this article helpful.
Erin Lo