The General Employment Permit (GEP) is one of the main pathways for non-EEA nationals to work legally in Ireland, especially in occupations facing skills or labour shortages. Replacing the older Work Permit Employment Permit, this scheme is ideal for those seeking employment in a broader range of industries not covered by the Critical Skills list.
What Is the General Employment Permit?
Unlike the Critical Skills Employment Permit, where only listed occupations are eligible, the General Employment Permit assumes all occupations are eligible unless specifically excluded on the Ineligible List of Occupations.
The GEP is popular because:
It applies to a wide variety of job roles.
It can be granted for 12-month contracts.
It allows applications from either the employer or employee.
Eligibility Criteria
Job Criteria
Not listed on the Ineligible Occupations List.
Must have a genuine job offer from an employer trading in Ireland.
Minimum salary usually starts at €34,000 annually.
For some roles like healthcare assistants or meat processors, the minimum is €30,000.
Employer Criteria
Must be registered with Revenue and the CRO/Registry of Friendly Societies.
Must meet the 50:50 rule – at least half of staff must be EEA nationals. Exemptions apply for start-ups or sole employees.
Must advertise the job via a Labour Market Needs Test unless exemptions apply.
Employee Criteria
Must have qualifications, skills, or experience relevant to the role.
Cannot change employers in the first 9 months, except in certain situations like redundancy.
Application Process & Fees
Process
Apply online at least 12 weeks before the job start date.
Applications are processed in stages: received, processing, and review (if refused).
Processing times vary depending on whether the employer is a Trusted Partner.
Fees
€500–€1,000 for new permits (depending on duration).
€750–€1,500 for renewals.
90% refund if refused.
Employers cannot recover application costs from employees.
Permit Duration & Renewals
Initially valid for up to 2 years.
Renewable for up to 3 additional years.
After 5 years, holders may apply for Stamp 4 residency via the Department of Justice.
Residency & Immigration Requirements
A GEP does not confer residence. Holders must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) upon arrival.
If visa-required, applicants must also apply for a long-stay visa (D Visa) before travelling.
Changing Jobs or Redundancy
Permit holders must stay with their initial employer for 9 months, unless:
Made redundant.
Working in rotating medical roles.
Employment terms change substantially.
If made redundant, notify the Department within 4 weeks and seek another job within 6 months.
Long-Term Options
After 5 years on a GEP, applicants may qualify for:
Stamp 4 permission.
Renewal of their permit with no fee (if staying with the same employer).
A longer-term stay even if the original job title is no longer on the eligible list.
The General Employment Permit offers a flexible, accessible route for non-EEA nationals to enter the Irish workforce. With the potential to lead to long-term residency, it's a vital part of Ireland’s strategy to address skill shortages and sustain its growing economy.
Whether you're an employer or a skilled international candidate, understanding the GEP's rules and requirements is key to a successful application.
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