Understanding the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)

As of 1 January 2020, the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) has been a mandatory step for many employment permit applications in Ireland. With the introduction of the Employment Permits Act 2024, several significant changes have come into effect — particularly regarding how and where employers must advertise job vacancies.

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

🏛 What is the Labour Market Needs Test?

The LMNT exists to ensure that employment opportunities in Ireland are first offered to suitably skilled Irish and EEA nationals, before being made available to non-EEA nationals. This reflects Ireland’s obligation under the Community Preference principle, prioritising job opportunities for its own citizens and those across the wider EU.

Employers must complete the LMNT before submitting an application for either:

• A General Employment Permit

• A Contract for Services Employment Permit

📜 Key Changes Under the Employment Permits Act 2024

The Employment Permits Act 2024 consolidates and modernises previous employment permit legislation. One significant change is the removal of the requirement for employers to place advertisements in print media.

Now, employers may advertise job vacancies on one or more online platforms that are easily accessible to Irish and EEA jobseekers. However, it is not mandatory to advertise exclusively online — employers can still choose to use print media if they wish.

✅ Acceptable Online Platforms Include:

• Government websites such as JobsIreland.ie

• Recruitment websites (e.g. IrishJobs.ie, Indeed.ie, RecruitIreland.com)

• Online newspapers with job listings

• Any electronic system whose primary purpose is publishing job vacancies, accessible to Irish and EEA citizens

📋 LMNT Advertising Requirements – Step-by-Step

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

1. Department of Social Protection / EURES Network

• Employers must place a notice with the Department of Social Protection Employment Services, which shares listings via JobsIreland.ie.

• This also ensures the vacancy is advertised through the EURES network, providing visibility across the EU.

2. An Additional Online Platform

• Employers must also advertise the vacancy on at least one other online platform.

• This can be any reputable recruitment website or online service whose main purpose is publishing job offers accessible to Irish and EEA citizens.

📌 What the Advert Must Include

Both adverts (on JobsIreland/EURES and the additional online platform) must contain:

• A description of the employment

• The employer’s name

• The minimum annual remuneration

• The location(s) of employment

• The hours of work

📅 Application Timelines

Applications for employment permits that are subject to the LMNT must be submitted within 90 days from the date on which the advertisement is first published.

• For third-level institutions, the timeframe is extended to 120 days.

It is important to note that the 90 (or 120) days run from the first day of publication, not from the end of the 28-day advertising period.

⚠️ Important: No Amendments During the Advertising Period

Employers should be aware that vacancies cannot be amended or extended at any time during the 28 days of advertising on either platform. The adverts must remain exactly as originally posted for the full duration.

📞 How to Advertise with JobsIreland/EURES

Employers can place an advertisement with JobsIreland and EURES in any of the following ways:

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

• By phone on 0818 111 112 or (01) 248 1389

• By email at jobsireland@welfare.ie

Once registered, your vacancy will be issued a reference number, which you should include in your employment permit application.

🌍 Advertising on Other Online Platforms

For the second required advertisement, employers have flexibility to choose any reputable online recruitment platform that publishes job offers in Ireland or across the EU. Popular examples include:

• IrishJobs.ie

• Indeed.ie

• RecruitIreland.com

• LinkedIn job posts

• EU-wide recruitment websites

🚀 Final Thoughts

The Employment Permits Act 2024 has modernised the LMNT process, offering employers more accessible and digital-friendly options for advertising vacancies. However, the core principle remains unchanged: employers must prioritise offering job opportunities to Irish and EEA nationals before hiring candidates from outside the EEA.

For employers, careful planning and strict adherence to the advertising requirements and timelines are essential. Getting it right at the LMNT stage helps avoid delays or refusals in your employment permit application.

By staying informed and compliant, you can help your business grow and bring the right talent into Ireland — the right way.