Planning to move to Ireland for work? The country’s employment permit system can feel like a maze of salary thresholds, application fees, and visa rules. This guide breaks down the main permit types, the costs involved, and the exact steps to get your Irish work authorization — all sourced from official government pages and verified data.

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Minimum annual salary for a General Employment Permit: €36,605 ·
Standard application fee: €500 ·
Processing time (earliest submission): 12 weeks before start date ·
Main permit types: 4 (General, Critical Skills, Intra-Company Transfer, and others) ·
Official application portal: employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie

Quick snapshot

1General Employment Permit
2Critical Skills Employment Permit
  • For highly skilled roles (IT, healthcare, engineering) – see DETE Critical Skills Occupations List
  • Salary €64,000+ (or €32,000 with relevant degree) (DETE Critical Skills Occupations List)
  • €1,000 application fee (new, up to 24 months) (DETE Critical Skills Occupations List)
  • Path to Stamp 4 after 2 years (DETE Critical Skills Occupations List)
3Intra-Company Transfer Permit
  • For employees of multinationals transferring to Irish branch
  • Salary €64,000+
  • Fee €1,000 (2‑year) or €750 (3‑year)
  • No direct route to Stamp 4
4Other Permits
  • Dependant/Partner/Spouse, Exchange Agreement, Internship, and more (DETE fee schedule)
  • Varying salary and fee requirements – DETE fee schedule
  • Some permits (Dependant, Exchange) have €0 fee (DETE fee schedule)
  • Specific eligibility criteria apply (DETE fee schedule)

Here are the key facts at a glance:

Key facts at a glance
Label Value
Minimum salary (General) €36,605/year
Critical Skills threshold €64,000 or €32,000 with degree
Standard application fee €500
Processing time Up to 12 weeks
Permit validity 1–3 years depending on type
Online portal employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie

What is a work permit in Ireland?

Definition and purpose

A work permit — officially called an employment permit — is a document that allows a national from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to take up paid employment in Ireland. The system is administered by the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Without a valid permit, non‑EEA nationals cannot legally work in Ireland unless they fall under a specific exemption.

Who needs a work permit

  • Non‑EEA nationals who have a job offer from an Irish employer must hold an employment permit before starting work.
  • EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a permit.
  • Some categories (e.g., students with stamp 2, certain researchers) may be exempt – check the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) guidelines.

Difference between work permit and visa

A work permit and an employment visa are two separate permissions. The work permit gives the right to work; the visa is a travel document that allows a person to enter Ireland. As Immigration Service Delivery explains, an employment visa is “another type of permission that allows a person to work in Ireland.” You may need both: first the permit, then (if you are from a visa‑required country) the visa. The visa application fee is separate from the permit fee.

Bottom line: For non-EEA workers, the permit is your work authorization and the visa is your entry ticket; both are required, with separate costs.

Understanding this distinction is the first step to planning your move.

What are the 4 types of work permits?

General Employment Permit

The General Employment Permit is the most common route for roles where there is a labour shortage. It requires a minimum annual salary of €36,605 (2025 rate) and costs €500 for a new permit of up to 24 months. The permit is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed. The employer must demonstrate that the position could not be filled by an EEA national.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

Targeted at highly skilled professionals in sectors like information technology, healthcare, and engineering. The salary threshold is €64,000 per year, or €32,000 if the role is on the Critical Skills Occupations List and the applicant holds a relevant degree. The new‑application fee is €1,000 for up to 24 months. After 2 years, holders can apply for Stamp 4 immigration permission, which allows them to work without a permit.

Intra-Company Transfer Permit

For employees of multinational companies being transferred to an Irish branch. The salary must be at least €64,000. The fee is €1,000 for a 2‑year permit or €750 for a 3‑year permit. Unlike the Critical Skills permit, this one does not lead directly to Stamp 4.

Other permit categories

  • Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit – for spouses or partners of existing permit holders; no fee.
  • Exchange Agreement Employment Permit – for participants in bilateral exchange programmes; no fee.
  • Internship Employment Permit – for interns; fee €1,000 for up to 12 months or €500 for 6 months or less.

As noted by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the full system includes at least nine permit types. The four above are the most common.

Bottom line: For most skilled workers, the General Employment Permit and Critical Skills permit are the two practical routes, with the latter offering faster residency.

The choice depends on your occupation and long-term goals.

What is the minimum salary for a work permit in Ireland?

General Employment Permit minimum salary

For a new General Employment Permit, the minimum annual salary is €36,605 as of 2025. This figure is set by DETE and is subject to annual review. The salary must be paid by the Irish employer and cannot be supplemented by the employee’s own funds.

Critical Skills Permit salary thresholds

The standard threshold is €64,000 per year. However, if the role is on the Critical Skills Occupations List and the applicant has a relevant third‑level degree, the threshold drops to €32,000. This makes the Critical Skills route accessible for many recent graduates in high‑demand fields.

Exemptions and adjustments

Certain permit categories have no minimum salary (e.g., Dependant/Partner/Spouse, Internship). Salaries are updated each January; always verify with the DETE employment permits page for the latest rates.

The trade-off

A higher salary requirement for the Critical Skills permit (€64k) may seem steep, but the degree‑discount to €32k opens the door for many professions. Meanwhile, the General permit at €36.6k covers a broader range of occupational needs.

Applicants should weigh these thresholds against their specific career path.

How much does an Ireland work permit cost?

Six permit types, six fee schedules. The pattern: most permits cost between €500 and €1,000 for the initial application, with some categories (Dependant, Exchange) completely free.

Application fees for different permit types

The table below breaks down the cost for each permit type:

Permit type New application fee Renewal / extended fee
General Employment €500 (≤6 months) / €1,000 (6–24 months) €750 (≤6 months) / €1,500 (6–36 months)
Critical Skills €1,000 (up to 24 months) No renewal fee – path to Stamp 4
Intra‑Company Transfer €1,000 (up to 24 months) / €500 (≤6 months) €750 (for 36‑month permit)
Internship €1,000 (up to 12 months) / €500 (≤6 months) Not applicable
Dependant/Partner/Spouse €0 €0
Exchange Agreement €0 €0

Fees are non‑refundable and must be paid online through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). The DETE fee page confirms these rates apply to applications received on or after 1 October 2014.

Additional processing fees

There are no extra DETE processing charges beyond the application fee. However, if your nationality requires a visa, you must pay a separate visa fee: €60 for a single‑entry visa or €100 for a multiple‑entry visa, according to Oyster HR. After arrival, registration for Irish Residence Permission (IRP) costs €300.

Payment methods

Payments are accepted via credit/debit card or online banking through EPOS. Cash is not accepted. All fees are quoted in euros.

What to watch

The Immigrant Council of Ireland reports that some permits carry a €1,000 fee with €900 refundable if the application is unsuccessful — but this is not standard across all categories. Always check the official DETE fee schedule before paying.

Bottom line: Applicants should budget for permit, visa, and IRP fees, totaling over €1,400 for visa-required nationals.

Planning ahead can prevent unexpected costs.

Work permit specifications at a glance

Nine common permit types, one table: salaries, fees, validity, and key features side by side.

Permit type Salary requirement Fee (new) Validity Key feature
General (new, up to 24 months) €36,605 €500 (≤6 mo) / €1,000 (6–24 mo) 2 years Renewable, labour shortage roles
General (renewal) €36,605 €750 (≤6 mo) / €1,500 (6–36 mo) Up to 3 years Renewal fee higher than new
Critical Skills (new, up to 24 months) €64,000 (or €32,000 with degree) €1,000 2 years Path to Stamp 4 after 2 years
Intra‑Company Transfer (2‑year) €64,000 €1,000 2 years No direct Stamp 4 route
Intra‑Company Transfer (3‑year) €64,000 €750 3 years Lower fee for longer permit
Internship (up to 12 months) Not specified €1,000 Up to 1 year Must be part of a formal programme
Internship (6 months or less) Not specified €500 ≤6 months Shorter, cheaper option
Dependant/Partner/Spouse None €0 Linked to main permit Free; allows work without own permit
Exchange Agreement None €0 Duration of exchange Free; bilateral programme participants
The upshot

The Critical Skills permit offers long‑term payoff: after 2 years you can switch to Stamp 4, removing the need for further permits. The General permit, while more accessible in salary, requires continuous renewal — and renewal fees are steeper than the initial fee.

Selecting the right permit type is critical for your long‑term residence strategy.

How to get a work permit and visa for Ireland

  1. Step 1: Secure a job offer

    You cannot self‑sponsor. An Irish employer must offer you a job and be willing to apply for an employment permit on your behalf. The role must meet the salary and eligibility criteria of the relevant permit type.

  2. Step 2: Employer applies for work permit

    The employer submits the application through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). Applications should be made at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date, as per DETE guidance. The employer must pay the fee and provide supporting documents (e.g., contract of employment, qualification evidence).

  3. Step 3: Apply for work visa (if required)

    Once the permit is granted, the employee may need to apply for an employment visa. Check the Immigration Service Delivery visa page to see if your nationality is visa‑required. The visa application is a separate process with its own fee (€60 single‑entry, €100 multiple‑entry).

  4. Step 4: Enter Ireland and register immigration permission

    Upon arrival, you must register with the immigration authorities within 90 days to receive a Stamp 1 (employment) permission. The registration fee is €300, and you will receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. Your work permit and IRP together allow you to work and live in Ireland.

Bottom line: The entire process takes 2–4 months from job offer to registration. For visa‑required nationals, budget an extra 4–8 weeks and separate fees for the visa and IRP card.

Following these steps in order ensures you meet all legal requirements.

Confirmed facts

  • General Employment Permit minimum salary is €36,605 (2025). (DETE)
  • Critical Skills Permit requires a job on the Critical Skills Occupations List. (DETE)
  • Application fees are set by DETE and range from €0 to €1,500 depending on type and duration. (DETE fees page)
  • Processing time is up to 12 weeks; applications should be submitted 12 weeks ahead. (DETE)
  • Visa and IRP fees are separate from the permit fee. (ISD)

What’s unclear

  • Exact renewal fees for all permit types (subject to annual review by DETE).
  • Impact of Brexit on permit quotas (no clear public data from official sources).
  • Future changes to salary thresholds (usually updated each January — best to check).
  • Detailed eligibility criteria for some permit categories are subject to interpretation by the Department.
  • The exact number of permits issued annually is not publicly detailed.

“An application for any employment permit must be received at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.”

— Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) official guidance

“Ireland’s employment permit system includes at least nine permit types for non-EEA workers.”

— Immigrant Council of Ireland (independent legal support body)

For employers and workers alike, the choice between permit types comes down to salary, skill level, and long‑term goals. The Critical Skills permit offers the clearest route to permanent settlement, while the General permit provides a broader entry point. For visa‑required nationals, the combined cost of permit, visa, and IRP can exceed €1,400 — a non‑trivial investment that demands careful planning.

Additional sources

enterprise.gov.ie, immigrantcouncil.ie, oysterhr.com, iasservices.org.uk, envoyglobal.com, facebook.com, internations.org, enterprise.gov.ie, reddit.com, deel.com, employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie

Once you understand the types and costs, you’ll also need to know the process for renewing your Ireland work permit to keep your employment uninterrupted.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I switch employers while on a work permit in Ireland?

You must apply for a new permit tied to the new employer. The application process is the same as for a new permit, and the employer must meet the same criteria.

Is there a quota for work permits in Ireland?

No public quota system exists for the main permit categories. However, the Department may limit permits for certain sectors from time to time. There are no published quotas.

Do I need a visa if I have a work permit?

A work permit alone does not grant entry to Ireland. If you are from a visa‑required country, you must also apply for an employment visa at your local Irish embassy or consulate.

Can my family join me in Ireland on my work permit?

Yes. If you hold a Critical Skills permit, your spouse/partner can apply for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit (free of charge). General permit holders may also bring dependants, but the partner must obtain their own permit.

What happens if my work permit application is refused?

The application fee is non‑refundable. You may reapply with corrected documentation or appeal the decision within 28 days. Grounds for refusal include insufficient salary, incomplete paperwork, or the employer not meeting the labour market test.

How long is a work permit valid for?

Validity varies by permit type: General permits up to 2 years, Critical Skills up to 2 years (then Stamp 4), Intra‑Company Transfer up to 3 years. Renewal fees apply for ongoing work.

Can I apply for a work permit while already in Ireland on a different visa?

Yes, if you hold a valid immigration permission that allows you to stay (e.g., a student visa with Stamp 2). You must switch to Stamp 1 upon grant of the permit. Some conditions apply — check with the Immigration Service Delivery.