Work Permits Ireland
Your Essential FAQ Guide

Whether you need a visa to enter Ireland depends on your nationality, not just your employment permit.

• If you are from a visa-required country, you must obtain the appropriate entry visa before traveling to Ireland, even if you have an approved employment permit.
• If you are from a non-visa-required country, you can enter Ireland without a visa using your valid passport and employment permit.
• Having an employment permit does not replace the need for a visa if one is required by your nationality.

Work Permits Ireland can help you determine whether you need a visa and assist with the application process. Book a consultation for personalised advi ce.

Work Permits Ireland specialises in helping clients with many common Irish employment permits, including Critical Skills and General Employment Permits, as well as family-related permits like the Dependent/Spouse/Partner Employment Permit.

For other permit types such as Intra-Company Transfers or Internship Employment Permits, please get in touch to confirm availability.

We provide personalised guidance tailored to your situation. Book a consultation to find out how we can help you.

Yes, there is a specific permit called the Dependent/Spouse/Partner Employment Permit designed for eligible family members of certain permit holders.

Who qualifies?

Spouses, de facto partners, and dependents of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and some researchers.

Key features:

No job offer or Labour Market Needs Test required.

Allows full-time work for any employer.

Flexible and transferable within Ireland.

Limitations:

Not available to spouses or dependents of General Employment Permit holders, who must apply for their own permits under standard rules.

Important: This permit provides one of the easiest routes for family members to work legally in Ireland.

Changing your employment permit type after approval is generally not automatic and depends on your circumstances.

• To switch from a General Employment Permit to a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you must:
• Secure a qualifying job that fits the Critical Skills Occupations List.
• Meet the relevant salary and eligibility criteria.
• Submit a new application; the original permit does not automatically convert.
• Switching permit types usually requires:
• A fresh application and approval process.
• Maintaining valid immigration status throughout the transition.

Important: Always consult with an expert before making changes to avoid gaps in your legal status.

The General Employment Permit is more flexible and covers a wider range of occupations compared to the Critical Skills Permit.

Who is it for?

Workers with a job offer in an eligible occupation not listed under the Critical Skills Occupations List.

Key differences:

• Usually requires a Labour Market Needs Test to prove no suitable EU/EEA candidate is available.
• Longer processing times compared to Critical Skills Permit.
• Does not automatically grant work rights to spouses or dependents.
• No direct pathway to long-term residency (though can lead to Stamp 4 after a number of years).

Salary threshold:

Minimum annual salary is generally €34,000. May vary from case to case

Important: The application process is more stringent due to the Labour Market Needs Test requirement.

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled workers to fill shortage occupations in Ireland. It is aimed at professionals in sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and science.

Who is it for?

Highly skilled workers with a job offer in an eligible occupation listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List.

Key benefits:

• Faster processing times
• Exemption from the Labour Market Needs Test
• Allows spouses and dependents to work without needing a permit
• Provides a pathway to long-term residency and citizenship

Salary threshold:

Minimum annual salary generally €34,000 for certain roles and €64,000 for others.

Important: This permit requires a formal job offer from an Irish employer in a qualifying role.

Ireland offers several types of employment permits tailored to different roles and circumstances:

Critical Skills Employment Permit: For highly skilled professionals in shortage occupations (e.g., IT, healthcare). Offers faster processing and a pathway to long-term residency.

General Employment Permit: For a broader range of jobs. Usually requires a Labour Market Needs Test to prove no suitable EU/EEA candidate is available.

Intra-Company Transfer Permit: For employees transferring within multinational companies.

Dependent/Spouse/Partner Employment Permit: Allows eligible family members of Critical Skills permit holders to work without a job offer or Labour Market Needs Test.

Internship Employment Permit: For international students or recent graduates undertaking internships.

Important: Each permit has specific eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and application requirements.

For a detailed overview, see our Guide to Employment Permit Types .

You must apply for and receive your employment permit approval first before applying for an Irish work visa (if your nationality requires one).

The work permit approval confirms your eligibility to work in Ireland and is a prerequisite for visa issuance.

Attempting to apply for a visa without an approved work permit is generally not accepted and can delay your travel plans.

Once your permit is approved, you can apply for the visa needed to enter Ireland legally and begin work.

If you need guidance on this process, book a consultation with Work Permits Ireland.

Yes, you can travel to Ireland on a tourist visa while your work permit application is being processed, but you are not allowed to work until your permit and any required work visa are approved.

Traveling on a tourist visa is permitted for tourism or short visits only. Starting employment without the correct work permission is illegal and can affect your current and future immigration status.

Providing false or misleading information or documents is a serious offence. It can lead to visa refusal, deportation, bans on re-entry, and legal penalties. Always provide truthful, accurate information in your application.

A complete Irish visa application includes:

• Your valid passport
• Approved employment permit or relevant immigration permission
• Proof of accommodation in Ireland
• Evidence of financial means to support yourself
• Any additional documents requested by the visa office (e.g., police clearance, medical certificates)

Submitting all required documents helps avoid processing delays or refusals.

Non-EEA nationals who require a visa to enter Ireland generally apply for one of the following visa types depending on their circumstances:

• Short-Stay ‘C’ Visa: For visits up to 90 days (not typically for work purposes).
• Long-Stay ‘D’ Visa: For stays longer than 90 days, including for work or study. Most employment permit holders require a ‘D’ visa to enter Ireland legally.
• Transit Visa: For passing through Ireland on the way to another country.

A valid employment permit alone does not guarantee entry; visa requirements depend on your nationality. Always check the visa requirements specific to your country before travel.

Work Permits Ireland can help clarify which visa you need and guide you through the application process. Book a consultation for personalised advice.

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a formal refusal letter outlining the reasons. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to meet eligibility criteria, or concerns about your intent to return home.

Key points:

• You have the option to appeal the refusal within a specified time frame (usually 28 days).
• Alternatively, you can submit a new application addressing the issues raised.
• Visa refusals can affect future applications, so it’s important to respond carefully.

Work Permits Ireland can assist you in understanding the refusal reasons, preparing appeals, or submitting new applications to improve your chances. Book a consultation for expert advice.

Traveling outside Ireland while your employment permit application is being processed can be risky. If you leave the country without the proper permissions or before your permit is approved, you may face difficulties re-entering Ireland or experience delays with your application.

Key points:

• It’s generally recommended to avoid international travel until your permit and any required visa are approved.
• If travel is necessary, ensure you have a valid visa or residence permission to return.
• Traveling without proper documentation could jeopardize your application or future immigration status.

Because each case can vary based on nationality and application type, consulting with Work Permits Ireland before making travel plans is advisable. Book a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Upon arrival in Ireland with a valid employment permit (and visa if required), non-EEA nationals must register with their local immigration office—usually within 90 days—to obtain the Irish Residence Permit (IRP), often called the GNIB card. This confirms your legal status and right to work.

Key points:

You will need to bring your passport, employment permit approval, employment contract, proof of address, and visa (if applicable) to the registration appointment.

Registration is mandatory and includes a fee (typically around €300).

Timely registration is essential to maintain your legal status.

The registration process can be complex and varies by location. For personalised guidance and to ensure smooth compliance, it’s highly recommended to consult with Work Permits Ireland. Book a free consultation to get expert support.

A visa is permission granted by Irish immigration authorities to enter and stay in Ireland for a specific purpose and time. It controls your entry into the country.

A work permit is permission to work legally in Ireland. It allows a non-EEA national to take up employment under specified conditions.

Key differences:

You may need a visa before entering Ireland, especially if you come from a visa-required country.

The work permit authorizes you to work in Ireland and is tied to your job and employer.

You can have a work permit but still require a visa to enter Ireland.

Some nationalities do not need a visa but still require a work permit to work.

If unsure which applies to you, Work Permits Ireland can clarify your status and help with applications.

Book a consultation

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Work Permits Ireland maintains transparent pricing with no hidden fees. The flat service fee covers all standard application steps, but additional costs such as government application fees, visa fees, travel expenses, and document certifications are separate and clearly communicated upfront.

If any extra charges arise due to complex cases or additional services, these will be discussed with you beforehand.

For a full cost overview tailored to your case, Book a consultation

Work Permits Ireland’s service fees typically cover the time and expertise invested in managing your application and are usually non-refundable, even if your permit or visa application is refused. Refund policies may vary depending on the terms agreed upon in your contract.

For full details on service terms and refund policies, please discuss them during your consultation.

To learn more, Book a consultation

Yes, besides the official work permit and visa fees, other costs may include:

• Professional service fees charged by Work Permits Ireland
• Travel and accommodation expenses, which are negotiated between employer and employee
• Fees for document translation or certification, if required

It’s important to budget for these additional costs to ensure a smooth application process.

For a detailed estimate tailored to your case, Book a consultation

The overall process—from initial application through permit approval and visa issuance—can vary 

• Labour Market Needs Test: 28 days
• Your application should be ready to submit for processing at the department of Enterprise as soon as the LMNT is complete.

Timelines can vary based on application complexity and government processing volumes.

For personalised timeline planning and to ensure your application progresses smoothly, Book a consultation

After your employment permit is approved, the entry visa application typically takes around 8 weeks to process. Processing times can vary based on the applicant’s nationality and the visa office handling the application.

It’s important to apply for the visa promptly after permit approval to avoid travel delays.

For assistance with visa applications and timelines, book a consultation .

The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) involves advertising the job to prove no suitable EU/EEA candidates are available. This process usually takes 28 days, including the mandatory advertising period.

Efficient management of the LMNT is critical to avoid delays in your permit application.

For expert support managing the LMNT, book a consultation .

The employment permit application process in Ireland typically Varies from submission to decision. Processing times can vary depending on:

• Permit type (Critical Skills permits often process faster)
• Completeness of the application and documentation
• Volume of applications being handled by the Department
• Whether a Labour Market Needs Test is required

Delays may occur if additional information is requested.

To ensure smooth processing, Work Permits Ireland helps prepare accurate and complete applications. Book a consultation for personalised guidance.