Types of Employment Permits in Ireland

Ireland’s employment permit system, governed by the Employment Permits Act 2024, provides a structured framework for non-EEA nationals seeking to work in the country. As of 2025, there are nine main types of employment permits, each tailored for specific scenarios and workforce needs.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

• Targeted at highly skilled professionals, especially those in sectors with labour shortages.

• Occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL)—such as ICT professionals, engineers, and technologists—are eligible.

• Designed to encourage permanent residence; holders can apply for long-term residency after two years.

Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit

• Enables spouses, partners, and dependants of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders (and certain researchers) to work in Ireland.

• Recent changes mean eligible spouses and partners can now access the labour market directly (on Stamp 1 conditions) without needing a separate employment permit.

Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

• Facilitates the temporary transfer of senior management, key personnel, or trainees from an overseas branch of a multinational to its Irish branch.

• Employees remain on the foreign payroll and the permit is invaluable for companies establishing operations in Ireland.

General Employment Permit

• Covers a broad range of occupations unless specifically excluded.

• Unlike the Critical Skills permit, all roles are eligible unless listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations.

• Suitable for most non-EEA nationals offered employment in Ireland.

Contract for Services Employment Permit

• For situations where a foreign company has secured a contract to provide services to an Irish entity.

• Allows non-EEA employees of the contractor to work in Ireland on the project.

• Now extended to include subcontractors under the 2024 Act.

Reactivation Employment Permit

• Designed for non-EEA nationals who previously held a valid employment permit but lost their status through no fault of their own or due to exploitation.

• Provides a route back to legal employment in Ireland.

Internship Employment Permit

• For non-EEA full-time students studying relevant disciplines outside Ireland.

• Allows them to gain work experience in occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List.

Sport and Cultural Employment Permit

• Facilitates the employment of non-EEA nationals with specialist skills in sports or cultural activities.

• Supports the development and operation of Ireland’s sporting and cultural sectors.

Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

• For non-EEA nationals employed in Ireland under prescribed international agreements.

• Applies to specific exchange or partnership programmes to which Ireland is a party.

New Developments: Seasonal Employment Permit

• The Employment Permits Act 2024 introduces a new Seasonal Employment Permit, effective from 2025.

• Designed for seasonally recurrent roles (up to seven months per year), supporting sectors like horticulture and agriculture.

• Employers must be pre-approved as seasonal employers and meet accommodation and health insurance requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Ireland’s employment permit system is now more flexible, responsive, and user-friendly, reflecting changes in the labour market.

• The Critical Skills Employment Permit remains the fastest route to residency for highly skilled professionals, while family members enjoy improved access to the labour market.

• New permits and expanded eligibility (e.g., for subcontractors and seasonal workers) are opening up more opportunities for both employers and employees.

For those considering work in Ireland, understanding which permit best fits your circumstances is crucial. If you need tailored advice or support with your application, consulting a qualified immigration consultant is recommended.