Looking to work in Ireland as a non-European national? Here's a comprehensive guide to the Ireland Work Visa Process and the various types of employment permits available in 2024
In 2022, Ireland issued 39,955 employment permits. In 2023, 30,981 work permits were issued to foreign nationals. And as of 15th March 2024, up to 6,874 work permits have been issued so far. This includes all working sectors. You can check the Ireland employment permit statistics from here.
Most work permits are issued to India, Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, Brazil, China, Nigeria, Malaysia, and much more. Ireland welcomes people from all around the world. If you are a non-European national then you will need to obtain an Ireland work permit first. Some nationals are also required to apply for a visa. If you are coming to work in Ireland for more than 90 days then you have to apply for the Ireland Long Stay type D Visa. More details about the Ireland Visa application process are given below.
This Blog Includes:
Types of Ireland Work Visas and Permits
Ireland offers nine different kinds of employment permits. A short description of each permit is given below with the link to the relevant work permit type for more detailed information.
1) Critical Skills Employment Permit
This is the most common and popular type of Ireland employment work permit. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is targeted to highly qualified applicants to encourage them to take up permanent residence in Ireland.
See the list of the Occupations that are eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit. A Labour Market Needs Test is not required.
2) Ireland General Employment Permit
In the General employment permit, all types of occupations are eligible such as seasonal, agriculture, and construction. This General Employement permit is offered to the 3rd country’s nationals for occupations that are experiencing a labor or skills shortage.
All occupations are eligible unless excluded under the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits.
Learn more about General Employment Permit
3) Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits
These types of permits are issued to the dependents of the Critical Skills Employment Permit holder.
Learn more about the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
4) Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
This permit is issued to the one who wants to transfer to the Irish branch of a company they are already employed in.
Learn more about Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
5) Internship Employment Permit
This permit is designed for non-EU nationals who are currently enrolled in a College or university outside Ireland as full-time students, studying in a discipline relevant to the occupations included on the Critical Skills Occupations List to come to Ireland and gain experience
Learn more about the Internship Employment Permit
6) Contract for Service Employment Permit
Issued for self-employed individuals or those on short-term, specific service contracts.
7) Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
Facilitates employment for professional athletes, sports coaches, or individuals in the cultural and entertainment industry.
8) Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
Issued for participants in approved exchange programs for work placements.
9) Reactivation Employment Permit
For non-EEA nationals who previously held a valid employment permit and wish to return to the Irish workforce.
Requirements to Get an Ireland Work Permit
Find an Employer: Secure a job offer in Ireland (Job sites are given below).
Employer applies for Employment Permit: Your employer will apply for the employment permit on your behalf which is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
Employment Permit Granted: If successful, you’ll receive an employment permit.
How to Apply for the Ireland Work Visa?
The Ireland Work permit and Ireland work visa, both are different.
A work visa issued by the Irish government allows you to travel to Ireland and work there.
A work permit issued by the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) allows you to work in a specific job in Ireland.
You can apply for an Employment visa after you have obtained your employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
Depending on the Job situation if it is for up to 90 days you will apply for the Short Stay (C) Visa. If it is longer than 90 days then you will apply for the long stay (D) visa.
Submit your visa application with the Irish Immigration Service, including your employment permit. From this link, you can check the application process for the Ireland visa.
How to Apply for the Ireland Work Visa:
Requirements to Get an Ireland Work Permit:
1. Find an Employer: Secure a job offer in Ireland.
2. Employer applies for Employment Permit: Your employer applies on your behalf to the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE).
3. Employment Permit Granted: If successful, you’ll receive an employment permit.
Processing Time:
- It can take up to 8 weeks from the application lodging date at the visa office. Avoid purchasing travel tickets before knowing the outcome.
Find Employment, and Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland
This site lists more than 30,000 Jobs in Ireland. Search for a Job there.
IrishJobs.ie
RecruitIreland.com
EURES Ireland
Skill Shortage List
The Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) identifies occupations in Ireland that are deemed:
Finding Employment Opportunities in Ireland:
Explore job listings on sites like Jobs.ie, IrishJobs.ie, RecruitIreland.com, and EURES Ireland.
Check the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) for in-demand occupations.
Whether you're seeking skilled employment or an internship opportunity, Ireland offers a variety of pathways for non-European nationals to work and contribute to its vibrant economy.
Helpful Links
About Ireland Employment Permit
