How to apply for Ireland work permit

Many people looking for a job outside of their own country are considering Ireland. Working and living in Ireland also provides free access to the European Union. Another benefit is that after living in Ireland for five years, you can apply for citizenship.

Because multinationals are considering Ireland as a location to set up shop after Brexit, job possibilities are projected to increase in Ireland. They see the country as a good place to start establishing a foothold in the EU.

 

Work visa for Ireland

If you want to work in Ireland, you must be aware of the visa requirements. If you are from a non-EU nation, you'll need a work permit before you can work in Ireland. Work permits are divided into two categories:

1. Ireland General Employment Permit
2. Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

 

1. Ireland General Employment Permit

This permit allows you to work in Ireland in a job with a minimum salary of 30,000 Euros. You must have a job offer before applying for the visa. You or your company can apply for this visa. Your job should last at least two years. You must hold a degree that is relevant to the job for which you were chosen in order to apply for this visa.

This visa is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three. You can seek for long-term residency in the nation after five years on this work permit.

 

2.Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

This is a work permit that is conditional on a job offer. You are eligible if your job pays you at least 600,000 pounds per year, or at least 300,000 pounds if your job is on Ireland's Highly Qualified Occupations List. This visa can be applied for by either you or your company.

This permit is good for two years. You must specify in your employment contract that you will be engaged for a minimum of two years. After two years immigrants can apply for Stamp 4 with which you can reside and work in Ireland permanently.

Before being authorized, both of these work permits must pass the Labor Market Needs test. The employer must show that the employment vacancy was first offered to EEA employees and then to an immigrant when no suitable applicant could be found.

 

Eligibility requirements for obtaining a work permit

A labor contract or job offer from an Irish company is required.

The Labor Markets Needs Test must be passed by your employer.

The yearly minimum wage for any other type of Ireland work visa, except the General Employment Permit and Critical Skills Employment Permit, must meet the National Minimum Wage.

At least 50% of the employers in the Irish company wanting to recruit you must be  from EU or EEA countries.

 

Documents for application

A copy of your passport

Passport-size photo that complies with Ireland's photo requirements

A copy of the employment contract you and your employer signed

A copy of your registered immigration stamp if you are a resident of Ireland at the time of application.

Where applicable, a copy of the IDA/Enterprise Ireland Letter of Support.

Information about your employment, such as the company's registration number, address, and name, as well as certificates from approved organizations.

Job specifics, such as compensation, employment responsibilities, tasks, and duration of employment.

 

Application process

You (the overseas employee) or your company can submit an application for an Irish work permit.

When you shift from a foreign company to its Irish branch (intra-company transfer), your home country employer can also file the application on your behalf.

EPOS, the Employment Permits Online System, is where you (or your employer) must submit your application for an Ireland work permit.