Applicants must have a valid job offer from an employer in Ireland. The job being offered must meet specific conditions outlined by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

The job must pay at least €34,000 per year as of January 2024. There are exceptions where lower salaries may be acceptable:

A minimum annual salary of €30,000 is acceptable for specific roles such as meat processing operatives, horticultural operatives, healthcare assistants (with relevant qualifications), and home carers (with relevant qualifications). The position must not be on the ineligible list of occupations for Employment Permits. This list includes jobs that are not eligible for permits due to various reasons, including oversupply of labour within those occupations

You must have a job offer from an employer in Ireland. The job must meet specific criteria:

The salary must be at least €38,000 per year if it the job type is on the Critical Skills occupation list.
If the job is not on this list, the salary must be at least €64,000 per year.

No. You must have a job offer to apply for a General Employment Permit or a Critical Skills Permit in Ireland.

One key aspect to note is that there is an “Ineligible List of Occupations” which outlines specific jobs that cannot be filled by non-EEA nationals through employment permits. If a job is on this list, it is not eligible for an employment permit.

Notification of Termination: The employer must notify the Department in writing that the employment permit holder’s employment has been terminated. This notification is crucial as it formally informs the authorities that the employee is no longer working for that employer.

The cancellation process ensures that the employee cannot continue to work under that permit since they are no longer employed by the sponsoring employer.

After cancelling the permit, DETE is required to inform both the employer and the employee in writing about the cancellation of the employment permit. This communication serves as an official record for both parties regarding the status of the employment permit.

It is important to note that if an employee continues to work without a valid employment permit after termination, both the employee and employer could face legal consequences under Irish law. Employers are prohibited from employing individuals who do not hold a valid employment permit.

If an employee’s contract ends but they have applied for a new employment permit or visa renewal before their current one expires, there may be a grace period during which they can remain in Ireland legally while awaiting a decision on their application.

If an individual wishes to work again in Ireland after their previous employment has ended and their permit has been cancelled, they must secure a new job offer and apply for a new employment permit under current regulations.

When notifying DETE about termination, employers should ensure all necessary documentation is provided, including details about why and when the employment was terminated.

If your employer has terminated your employment permit in Ireland, you should take the following steps:

1. Notify the Employment Permits Section
You must inform the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) about the termination of your employment. This is crucial as it helps to keep your immigration status updated. You can do this by sending an email to epms@enterprise.gov.ie.

2. Return Your Employment Permit
You are required to return both the original employment permit and any certified copies to the DETE within four weeks from the date of termination. Failing to do so may affect your future applications for permits or residency.

3. Check Your Immigration Status
If you were on a General Employment Permit or another type of work permit, you need to confirm your current immigration status. If you have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP), check how long it remains valid and whether you can apply for a new employment permit.

4. Look for New Employment
You are allowed to seek new employment after your permit has been terminated. If you find a new job, ensure that the new employer is willing to apply for a new employment permit on your behalf.

5. Apply for a New Employment Permit
Once you have secured a job offer, either you or your new employer can apply for a new employment permit using the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). Make sure that this application is submitted promptly, as there are specific timelines involved.

The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is a requirement for employers to demonstrate they have attempted to fill a vacancy with an Irish or EEA citizen before hiring a non-EEA national. This involves advertising the position on specified platforms for a minimum period.

The 50:50 rule states that no more than 50% of employees in a company can be non-EEA nationals when applying for a General Employment Permit. Exceptions apply if the company is newly established or has received support from Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland.

Yes, family members can join you after you have held your employment permit for at least one year and can prove financial stability above certain thresholds.

Once you receive your Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, you may need to apply for an entry visa if you are from a country that requires one. Upon arrival in Ireland, you must register with local immigration authorities and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).