If you’re hiring a non-EEA national on a General Employment Permit, chances are you’ll need to complete the Labour Market Needs Test Ireland requires.
This isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a legal requirement that can make or break your application. Do it right, and you clear one of the biggest hurdles. Do it wrong, and the permit will likely be refused.
But don’t worry, once you know what to watch out for, the process becomes a lot more manageable.
What Is the Labour Market Needs Test?
The Labour Market Needs Test is a job advertising requirement that proves you tried to fill the position with someone already based in Ireland or the EEA. It’s designed to protect the local workforce and ensure permits are only issued when there’s a genuine need.
In practice, this means you have to:
- Advertise the job on JobsIreland.ie and one other online recruitment platform
- Run both ads for 28 continuous days
- Provide proof that no suitable EEA candidate was available
That’s the high-level version but in reality, many applications fall apart on small technicalities. Things like inconsistent job titles, missing salary info or poorly timed ads can all trigger refusals.
When Is It Required?
You need to complete the Labour Market Needs Test if you’re applying for:
- A General Employment Permit
- A Contract for Services Employment Permit
You don’t need it for:
- Critical Skills Employment Permits (all roles are exempt)
- Jobs with a salary of €64,000 or more
- Intra-Company Transfer Permits
- Certain Trusted Partner roles (where pre-approved arrangements apply)
Not sure if your role qualifies for exemption? That’s something we can help you check because the rules change often and need to be interpreted carefully.
The Labour Market Needs Test Ireland process can feel frustrating, especially for employers already under pressure to fill roles quickly. Missing a single step or misinterpreting the requirements often leads to delays and refusals. That’s why many businesses choose professional support — to make sure the test is completed correctly the first time.
Why It Pays to Get It Right First Time
The Labour Market Needs Test isn’t just red tape, it’s your first real chance to show that the permit is justified.
Getting it right means your application flows smoothly through the system. Getting it wrong means delays, rejections, and often having to start the entire process over from scratch.
At WorkPermits.ie, we specialise in catching issues before they become problems. We know the patterns that cause refusals, the small tweaks that make a difference and how to present each case in a way that gets it over the line.
Need help with the LMNT or want us to check your ad setup? We offer support at every stage so that you can get it right the first time. (If you’re just starting out, our step-by-step guide to applying for a work permit in Ireland is a good place to begin.)
