Ireland’s General Employment Permit: A Complete Guide

The General Employment Permit (GEP) is one of the primary pathways for non-EEA nationals seeking to work legally in Ireland, particularly in occupations experiencing skills or labour shortages. It replaced the older Work Permit Employment Permit and offers access to a broader range of jobs than the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which only covers specified occupations.

What Is the General Employment Permit? 🤔

Unlike the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which restricts eligibility to certain occupations, the General Employment Permit assumes all jobs are eligible unless they appear on the Ineligible List of Occupations. This flexibility makes the GEP a popular choice for both employers and employees.

Key features include:

• Eligibility for a wide variety of job roles ✅

• Availability for contracts as short as 12 months ⏳

• Applications may be submitted by either the employer or the employee 📝

Eligibility Criteria ✅

Job Criteria

• The occupation must not be on the Ineligible List 🚫

• The applicant must have a genuine job offer from an employer trading in Ireland 🇮🇪

• The minimum annual salary is generally €34,000 💶

• For some roles, such as healthcare assistants or meat processors, the minimum salary is €30,000 💉🍖

Employer Criteria

• Employers must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and other relevant bodies 📋

• Employers must adhere to the 50:50 rule, ensuring that at least half of their employees are EEA nationals. There are exemptions for start-ups and sole-employee firms 👥

• A Labour Market Needs Test must be completed unless the job or employer qualifies for an exemption 🏢

Employee Criteria

• Applicants must have the relevant qualifications, skills, or experience required for the role 🎓

• Employees generally must remain with their initial employer for at least nine months, except in specific cases such as redundancy or medical rotations 🔄

Application Process and Fees 🖥️💰

Application

• Apply online at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date 🗓️

• The process involves application receipt, processing, and possibly a review of refusals 🔍

• Processing times vary depending on employer status (Trusted Partner or Standard) ⏱️

Fees

• New permits cost between €500 and €1,000 depending on duration 💸

• Renewals cost between €750 and €1,500 🔄

• 90% of the fee is refunded if the application is refused 💵↩️

• Employers cannot charge employees for application costs 🚫💷

Permit Duration and Renewals 📅

• Initial permits can last up to two years ⏳

• Permits may be renewed for up to three additional years 🔄

• After five years, permit holders may apply for Stamp 4 residency through the Department of Justice 🏠

Residency and Immigration Requirements 🛂

A General Employment Permit does not confer residence permission. All non-EEA nationals holding a GEP must register promptly with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice upon arrival in Ireland. Failure to register may affect future applications for long-term residency or citizenship.

If a visa is required, applicants should apply for a long-stay visa (D Visa) at their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate before travelling ✈️

Changing Jobs or Redundancy 🔄⚠️

Permit holders must stay with their first employer for at least nine months, unless:

• Made redundant ❌

• Working in medical roles with 6-month rotations 🏥

• There is a fundamental change in the terms or conditions of employment ⚖️

In redundancy cases, the permit holder must notify the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment within four weeks and seek alternative employment within six months 🕒

Long-Term Options 🌟

After five years of holding a GEP, applicants may:

• Qualify for Stamp 4 permission, allowing work without an employment permit ✔️

• Renew their permit without paying a fee if remaining with the same employer 🔄

• Continue to apply for permits even if their job title is no longer on the eligible occupations list 📋

The General Employment Permit provides a flexible and accessible way for non-EEA nationals to join Ireland’s workforce. It plays a crucial role in addressing skill shortages and supporting economic growth. Whether you’re an employer or a Non-EEA candidate, understanding the GEP’s requirements is essential for a smooth and successful application.