What an Irish employment permit application decides

An Irish employment permit application concerns a particular job, employer, salary and applicant. The supporting documents must show how the proposed employment meets the requirements for that permit type.

Prepare the employer and job information alongside the applicant’s documents. Qualifications and experience are relevant where the permit requires them, but the application also needs clear evidence of the employment terms.

What the Department assesses

The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment assesses the application in relation to:

• the employer, registered and trading in the State
• the role and its job description
• the salary
• the named applicant

Changes to any of these four details after a permit is issued may require a new application. Check the Department’s procedure for the proposed change before proceeding.

Preparing the key documents

Check that the documents describe the same role and employment terms throughout.

The job description establishes the duties used to classify the occupation and identify the relevant permit requirements. A description broad enough to cover three different jobs may leave the occupation unclear.

The contract provides evidence of the employment terms. Its duties, salary and proposed start date must agree with the information in the application.

The applicant’s qualifications must meet any qualification requirements for the permit and role. Experience or qualifications in a related field do not replace a specific qualification where one is required.

Planning the application

Allow time to check the occupation and complete any required advertising before finalising the application timetable.

1. The employer settles the role and the salary.
2. The occupation is checked against the published lists, before any advertising.
3. Where a Labour Market Needs Test applies, it is run and its advertising periods are completed.
4. The offer is issued with a proposed start date that allows time for the permit decision.
5. The application is submitted.

Completing step four before steps two and three can create an unrealistic start date. The employer and candidate should understand the outstanding permit requirements before making arrangements around the offer.

The Department decides from the file

The Department assesses the information and supporting evidence supplied with the application. Include the documents needed to demonstrate each requirement; an interview or the employer’s recruitment needs cannot replace that evidence.

Salary, fees and processing times

Salary thresholds, fees and processing times can change. Check the Department’s current information for the relevant permit type when preparing the application, using the source links below.

Common questions

Does a better CV help my permit application?

A CV can help document qualifications or experience required for the role. The application must demonstrate that the proposed employment and the applicant meet the requirements for the permit type.

Can I apply for a permit without a job offer?

An employment permit application requires specific proposed employment with an identified employer and role. It is not a general permission to enter the State and look for work.

Sources

1. Employment permits — Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment — Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
2. Employment permit types — Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
3. Employment Permits Act 2024 — Oireachtas — Houses of the Oireachtas

Terms