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  • Navigate the process with expert help

    Your Guide to 
    Ireland’s NEW
    Employment 
    Permit System

A copy of the Employment Permit (For reference purposes only)

A streamlined process for greater visibility, accountability & control.

Ireland’s new Employment Permits Online system, launched on April 28, 2025, represents a major transformation in how employment permits are managed and processed. This cloud-based platform replaces the previous system and is designed to make the application process easier, more secure, and more transparent for all users.


The platform allows employers and employees to track the status of applications, respond to requests, and manage records efficiently.

The full list is available on the Department's website.

What is the Critical Skills Occupation List?

The Critical Skills Occupation List is a list published by Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) that identifies highly skilled professions experiencing a shortage of qualified workers in Ireland.

Key features of the Critical Skills Occupation List:
  • Eligibility: To qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you must have a job offer for an occupation on the list with a minimum annual salary of €38,000, or for any occupation (not on the ineligible list) with a salary of €64,000 or more.
  • Benefits: Holders of this permit can bring their families to Ireland immediately, and spouses/partners can work without a separate permit. After 21 months, permit holders may apply for a Stamp 4 residence permit, allowing them to work without restriction.

Types of Permits

Ireland offers a range of employment permits to accommodate different work scenarios for non-EEA nationals. 


These permits are processed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), except for the Hosting Agreement, which is managed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Critical Skills

For highly skilled occupations experiencing shortages in Ireland, designed to attract talent in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare.

General Employment

For a broad range of occupations not on the ineligible list, primarily where there is a labour shortage and after a Labour Market Needs Test.

Stamp 1G Extension

Granted on a case-by-case basis, and only under exceptional circumstances. The purpose of the extension is to give you more time to secure a job.

Reactivation Of Permit

For people who previously held an employment permit but fell out of the system through no fault of their own.

What is the

Labour Market Needs Test?

The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is a requirement for certain employment permit applications in Ireland, such as the General Employment Permit. Its purpose is to ensure that job opportunities are first offered to Irish and other EEA nationals before employers can recruit workers from outside the EEA.

Advertisement on the Department of Social Protection Employment Services that is jobsireland.ie for a minimum of 28 days is mandatory.

Book an Appointment

  1. Schedule a 30-minute one-to-one video consultation with an experienced immigration consultant for just €55.
  2. Fill out our online form with your details and a brief description of your query. You’ll be able to select a date and time that suits you best.
  3. Once your booking and payment are complete, you’ll receive a secure meeting link by email ahead of your appointment.


Why Choose a Video Consultation?

  • Private, confidential, and convenient—no need to travel.

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  • Ideal for complex queries, document checks, or understanding your options.