Your Guide to the Critical Skills Employment Permit

If you're a highly skilled professional considering a move to Ireland, the Critical Skills Employment Permit could be your fast-track route to long-term residency, family reunification, and a rewarding career in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies.

This type of permit replaces the former Green Card scheme and is tailored specifically for professionals with expertise that is in high demand in Ireland’s labour market.

🔍 What Is the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract talented individuals in sectors that are essential to Ireland’s economic growth. These roles are often high in demand, require specialised skill sets, and are experiencing a shortage of local talent.

Typical sectors include:

• ICT (Information and Communications Technology)

• Engineering and technology

• Healthcare (e.g., nurses and midwives)

• Financial services

• Advanced manufacturing

The full list of eligible roles is updated regularly and published in the Critical Skills Occupations List, which is informed by labour market research.

✅ Why Is It So Attractive?

The Critical Skills Employment Permit offers several key benefits:

• No Labour Market Needs Test: You do not need to prove that an Irish or EU citizen can’t do the job.

• Family Reunification: You can bring your spouse, partner, or dependants immediately. They can also work freely in Ireland.

• Path to Residency: After the 2-year duration of the permit, you may apply for permission to live and work in Ireland without a permit (Stamp 4).

• Fair Employment Rights: You’re fully protected by Irish employment laws from day one.

• Flexibility After 9 Months: You may change employer after completing 9 months with the initial employer (unless there are exceptional circumstances such as redundancy).

🎓 Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, you must have:

• A job offer of at least 2 years’ duration in a qualifying occupation

• The required qualifications, skills, and experience

• A minimum salary of:

  • €38,000 per year for a limited number of strategically important roles listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List (e.g., engineers, software developers)

  • €64,000 per year for all other eligible roles (excluding those on the ineligible list)

Note: Nurses and midwives must hold a qualification accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.

🏢 Employer Requirements

The employer must:

• Be legally trading in Ireland

• Be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, where applicable, the Companies Registration Office

• Employ at least 50% EEA nationals, unless it is a recognised start-up supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland

💼 What Counts as Remuneration?

Your total remuneration must include:

• A basic salary that meets or exceeds national minimum wage or agreed sectoral rates

• Private health insurance provided by a registered provider

Bonuses are excluded from the salary threshold calculations.

📄 How to Apply

Applications can be made online via the Employment Permits Online Portal. Either the employer or the employee can apply.

What you’ll need:

• A full job description

• Proposed start date

• Annual salary

• Details of qualifications, experience, and skills required

It’s important that the job offer is valid for at least two years.

Processing fee:

• €1,000

• If refused, 90% of the fee is refunded (to the applicant only)

⏳ What to Expect in the Application Process

The application process typically involves three stages:

1. Submission & Queueing
   Applications are placed in processing queues (Trusted Partner or Standard), depending on the employer's status.

2. Processing
   A decision-maker reviews the application and may request additional documentation. You’ll have 28 days to respond.

3. Review (if needed)
   If your application is refused, you may request a review within 28 days. Reviews are conducted by a more senior official.

🔄 Changing Employer

You must remain with your first employer for at least 9 months, unless:

• You are made redundant

• The employment relationship changes significantly in ways that couldn’t have been predicted

A new employment permit will be required to change employers, and current policy must be met.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bringing Your Family

Once you're in Ireland, your spouse, partner, or dependant can:

• Join you immediately

• Apply for their own Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit (currently free of charge)

• Work without restriction in most roles

📝 Final Thoughts

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is one of the most progressive and worker-friendly immigration routes in Ireland. It’s ideal for those planning to build a long-term future in the country while contributing their expertise in essential sectors.

If you're a skilled worker with a secure job offer and big plans for life in Ireland—this permit could be the perfect fit.

Thinking of applying? Make sure to review the latest Critical Skills Occupations List and start your application well in advance—at least 12 weeks before your proposed start date.