The General Employment Permit (GEP) is the doorway to working, and eventually building a life, in Ireland for many non-EEA nationals. It’s one of the most flexible employment permits available, covering a wide range of sectors from healthcare and hospitality to logistics, construction and beyond.
But flexibility doesn’t mean simplicity. The General Work Permit is also where a huge number of applications stumble. Understanding what it offers, and where applicants often run into trouble, is key to deciding if it’s the right path for you.
Who Is the General Employment Permit For?
The GEP was created to support industries facing ongoing skills shortages. It’s open to:
- Non-EEA nationals with a valid job offer in Ireland
- Full-time roles (30+ hours/week) that aren’t on the Ineligible Occupations List
- Roles that meet the minimum salary threshold (generally €34,000+)
- Employers who are registered and compliant with Irish regulations
In short, it’s designed for people with the right skills and genuine job opportunities, even if they’re not in the high-salary or high-demand categories covered by the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
For an official breakdown of all employment permit types, you can visit the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment website.
Key Features of the General Employment Permit
- Broad Eligibility – available across multiple industries, from care and catering to skilled trades.
- Renewable Duration – usually issued for two years, renewable for up to five.
- Residency Pathway – after five years on valid permits, long-term residency may be possible.
- Family Options – many GEP holders can later apply to bring dependents once established.
Why So Many GEP Applications Fail
On paper, the criteria look clear. In practice, things aren’t always straightforward. Applications often fall apart because of:
- Job roles that appear eligible but are described in a way that raises red flags.
- Employers misunderstanding their compliance obligations.
- Technicalities like mismatched documents, inconsistent salary details, or missing advertising records.
These issues don’t always show up on checklists, but they can derail even strong applications.
Why Strategy Matters
The General Employment Permit sits in a grey area: the rules are strict, but the range of roles is broad. That means how your case is presented matters just as much as the facts themselves.
At WorkPermits.ie, we’ve seen cases that looked “borderline” succeed when framed correctly and others fail because of avoidable oversights. Knowing the system, the patterns that trigger refusals and the small details that make a big difference is what turns an application into an approval.
Is the General Work Permit Right for You?
If you’re considering a role in Ireland and think the General Employment Permit might apply, the safest step is to check your eligibility early. What looks straightforward can quickly become complex once compliance rules, documentation and labour market tests come into play. For a broader overview of the entire process, see our full guide on how to apply for a work permit in Ireland.
Our team has guided thousands of employers and applicants through the GEP process. If you want clarity on your own situation, reach out to us on info@workpermits.ie, we’ll tell you where you stand and what options are open to you.
