Employment Permit Types
The Employment Permits Act 2024 provides for nine types of employment permits, all issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE). An employment permit is not a Residence Permission — holders must also register with Immigration Service Delivery.
Quick Comparison
| Permit Type | Min. Salary | LMNT? | Spouse Work? | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Skills | €40,904 / €68,911+ | No | Yes (Stamp 1G) | 2 years | €1,000 |
| General | €32,691 – €36,605 | Yes (usually) | No (own permit) | Up to 2 years | €500–€1,000 |
| Dependant/Spouse | None | No | N/A (this IS for spouse) | Linked to principal | Free |
| Intra-Company Transfer | Role-dependent | No | Not specified | Up to 2 years | €500–€1,000 |
| Contract for Services | Role-dependent | Yes (usually) | Not specified | Up to 2 years | €500–€1,000 |
| Reactivation | None specified | No | Not specified | Up to 2 years | €500–€1,000 |
| Internship | Not specified | No | Not specified | Up to 12 months | €500–€1,000 |
| Sport & Cultural | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Up to 2 years | €500–€1,000 |
| Exchange Agreement | None | No | Not specified | Per agreement | Free |
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
Most CommonAttract highly skilled people with the aim of encouraging permanent residence in Ireland. Targeted at occupations identified as critically important to the economy.
Who is it for
Non-EEA nationals with a job offer of at least 2 years in an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL), OR in any eligible occupation with annual salary above €68,911.
Salary Thresholds
- €40,904/year minimum for CSOL occupations (relevant degree required)
- €36,848 if degree obtained within 12 months of application
- €68,911+ for any eligible occupation (degree not mandatory)
Duration
Up to 2 years. Job offer must be for at least 2 years.
Renewal
No renewal through DETE. After 2 years, apply directly to Dept of Justice (ISD) for Stamp 4.
Spouse/Partner Work
Yes — spouse/partner receives Stamp 1G which permits employment without an employment permit.
Labour Market Needs Test
Not required.
Fee
€1,000. 90% refunded if unsuccessful.
Path to Residency
After 2 years CSEP → Stamp 4. After 5 years → citizenship eligible.
General Employment Permit (GEP)
Most CommonPrimary vehicle for non-EEA nationals in a broad range of occupations experiencing labour or skills shortages.
Who is it for
Non-EEA nationals with a job offer in any eligible occupation (not on the Ineligible List).
Salary Thresholds
- €36,605/year general minimum
- €32,691/year for horticulture, meat processing, HCA, and home support workers
- €34,009/year if applicant has relevant Irish degree issued in past 12 months
Duration
Up to 2 years initially. Renewable for up to 3 more years.
Renewal
Apply via EPOL within 4 months of expiry. After 5 consecutive years, apply for Stamp 4.
Spouse/Partner Work
No. Spouses must apply for their own employment permit independently.
Labour Market Needs Test
Required in most cases. Exemptions for CSOL roles, salary over €68,911, EI/IDA recommendations.
Fee
€1,000 (up to 24 months) or €500 (6 months or less). Renewal: €1,500 / €750.
Path to Residency
After 5 consecutive years → Stamp 4. Then citizenship eligible.
Dependant / Partner / Spouse Employment Permit
Allows family members of CSEP holders and researchers on Hosting Agreements to work in Ireland.
Who is it for
Dependants, partners, and spouses of CSEP holders, former Green Card EP holders, or researchers on Hosting Agreements.
Salary Thresholds
- No minimum salary threshold.
Duration
Tied to the principal permit holder's status.
Renewal
Renewable. After 5 years on Stamp 1G → Stamp 4.
Spouse/Partner Work
This permit IS for the spouse/partner.
Labour Market Needs Test
Not required.
Fee
Free (no fee).
Path to Residency
Via Stamp 1G, which is reckonable for citizenship.
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit (ICT)
Facilitates transfer of senior management, key personnel or trainees from an overseas branch of a multinational to its Irish branch.
Who is it for
Non-EEA employees of multinational corporations being transferred to an Irish affiliate.
Salary Thresholds
- Role-dependent. Employee can remain on foreign payroll.
Duration
Up to 2 years initially. Renewable up to 24 months, then up to 36 months.
Renewal
Via EPOL.
Spouse/Partner Work
Not specified.
Labour Market Needs Test
Not required (transfers within same corporate group).
Fee
€1,000 (up to 24 months) or €500 (6 months or less).
Path to Residency
Transfer-specific — check eligibility for long-term options.
Contract for Services Employment Permit
For foreign contractors who have won a contract to provide services to an Irish company and need to transfer non-EEA staff.
Who is it for
Non-EEA employees of a foreign undertaking being transferred to work on an Irish contract.
Salary Thresholds
- Role-dependent.
Duration
Up to 2 years. Renewable up to 36 months.
Renewal
Via EPOL within 4 months of expiry.
Spouse/Partner Work
Not specified.
Labour Market Needs Test
Required in most cases (same exemptions as GEP).
Fee
€1,000 (up to 24 months) or €500 (6 months or less). Renewal: €1,500 / €750.
Path to Residency
Check eligibility for long-term options.
Reactivation Employment Permit
Allows non-EEA nationals who previously held a valid permit but fell out of the system through no fault of their own, or who were exploited.
Who is it for
Former permit holders who lost status through no fault of their own, or victims of workplace exploitation.
Salary Thresholds
- No specific minimum.
Duration
Up to 2 years. Renewable up to 36 months.
Renewal
Via EPOL.
Spouse/Partner Work
Not specified.
Labour Market Needs Test
Not applicable.
Fee
€1,000 (up to 24 months) or €500 (6 months or less). Renewal: €1,500 / €750.
Path to Residency
Restores legal status for continued employment.
Internship Employment Permit
Allows non-EEA students enrolled at a third-level institution outside Ireland to gain work experience in a CSOL-eligible discipline.
Who is it for
Full-time non-EEA students at a foreign third-level institution.
Salary Thresholds
- Not specified.
Duration
Up to 12 months. No renewal.
Renewal
Not renewable.
Spouse/Partner Work
Not specified.
Labour Market Needs Test
Not required.
Fee
€1,000 (up to 12 months) or €500 (6 months or less).
Path to Residency
Temporary — internship only.
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
For the development, operation and capacity of sporting and cultural activities in Ireland.
Who is it for
Non-EEA nationals with qualifications, skills, or experience in sporting and cultural fields.
Salary Thresholds
- Not specified.
Duration
Up to 2 years. Renewable up to 36 months.
Renewal
Via EPOL.
Spouse/Partner Work
Not specified.
Labour Market Needs Test
Not specified.
Fee
€1,000 (up to 24 months) or €500 (6 months or less). Renewal: €1,500 / €750.
Path to Residency
Check eligibility for long-term options.
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
Facilitates employment pursuant to international reciprocal agreements to which Ireland is a party.
Who is it for
Non-EEA nationals covered by prescribed international agreements.
Salary Thresholds
- None.
Duration
Per agreement terms.
Renewal
Not renewable.
Spouse/Partner Work
Not specified.
Labour Market Needs Test
Not applicable.
Fee
Free (no fee).
Path to Residency
Agreement-specific.