Understanding the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)

As of 1 January 2020, the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) became a mandatory step for many employment permit applications in Ireland. With the recent introduction of the Employment Permits Act 2024, the rules governing this process have changed significantly – particularly around how and where job vacancies must be advertised.

If you’re an employer hiring non-EEA workers or a potential employee navigating the employment permit process, here’s everything you need to know about the updated LMNT requirements.

🏛 What is the Labour Market Needs Test?

The LMNT ensures that job vacancies in Ireland are first offered to suitably qualified Irish and EEA nationals before being opened up to candidates from outside the EEA. This is in line with Ireland’s obligation to prioritise employment opportunities for its own citizens and those of the wider EU under the Community Preference principle.

The LMNT must be completed before submitting an application for a:

• General Employment Permit

• Contract for Services Employment Permit

📜 Key Changes Under the Employment Permits Act 2024

The Employment Permits Act 2024 consolidates and updates previous legislation. One of its most important changes is the removal of the requirement to advertise in print media. Now, employers can advertise job vacancies exclusively on online platforms that are easily accessible by Irish and EEA jobseekers.

✅ Acceptable Online Platforms Now Include:

• Government websites such as JobsIreland.ie

• Recruitment websites

• Online newspapers with job listings

• Any electronic system that publishes job opportunities

📋 LMNT Advertising Requirements – Step-by-Step

Before applying for an employment permit, employers must advertise the vacancy in two places, both for at least 28 consecutive days:

1. Department of Social Protection / EURES Network
   Advertise through the national employment services at JobsIreland.ie, which also shares listings with the EURES network, ensuring visibility across the EU.

2. An Additional Online Platform
   Choose any reputable online recruitment platform or job site, provided it meets the criteria: it must publish job listings and be accessible to Irish and EEA citizens.

📌 What the Advert Must Include

To meet LMNT standards, both adverts must contain:

• A clear description of the job

• The employer’s name

• The minimum annual salary

• The location(s) of employment

• The working hours

📅 Application Timelines

Once the job is first advertised on JobsIreland, the employer has a maximum of 90 days to submit the employment permit application. For third-level institutions, this timeframe is extended to 120 days.

📞 How to Advertise with JobsIreland/EURES

Employers can set up their ad on the JobsIreland platform in three ways:

1. Online via JobsIreland.ie or gov.ie/dsp under the employer section.

2. Phone by calling 0818 111 112 or (01) 248 1389.

3. Email JobsIreland at: jobsireland@welfare.ie

Your vacancy will be issued a reference number that must be included in your employment permit application.

🌍 Advertising on Other Online Platforms

The second platform is flexible – employers can use any digital recruitment site that focuses on Irish or EU job markets. Popular examples include:

• IrishJobs.ie

• Indeed.ie

• RecruitIreland.com

• LinkedIn Job Posts

• EU-wide recruitment websites

🚀 Final Thoughts

With the 2024 legislation modernising the LMNT process, employers now have more accessible and digital-friendly ways to meet compliance. However, the core principle remains unchanged: giving priority to Irish and EEA candidates before hiring from outside the EU.

For employers, careful timing and accuracy are key – plan your advertisements correctly and ensure you meet all criteria to avoid delays or rejections in your permit application.

Empower your business to grow compliantly, and bring the right talent into Ireland – the right way.