Most delayed employment permits are not refused — they are returned. An incomplete application comes back without a decision, loses its place in the queue, and restarts the clock. DETE processes complete applications in date order, so the single best thing you can do for your timeline is submit a decision-ready file through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) on the first attempt.
Here is the working checklist we use, split by who supplies what.
What documents does the employer need to provide?
- Company registration details and evidence the business is trading and tax-compliant with Revenue
- Workforce numbers showing the EEA/non-EEA split — the application must satisfy the 50/50 rule at the time it is made
- A signed contract of employment stating the role, annual salary, working hours and location — the salary must independently meet the current threshold (€36,605 for a General Employment Permit, €40,904 for Critical Skills, since 1 March 2026)
- Job description matching the advertised vacancy exactly
- Trusted Partner number, if registered — this replaces much of the employer documentation
What documents does the employee need to provide?
- Passport bio page, in date and clearly legible
- A passport-standard photograph meeting the specification
- Qualifications relevant to the role — certificates, and where required, recognition or registration with the relevant Irish body (for example Safe Electric for electricians, NMBI for nurses)
- Evidence of relevant experience where the occupation requires it — references and employment history
- Immigration status details if the person is already in the State
What Labour Market Needs Test evidence is required?
For most General Employment Permit applications, the LMNT evidence pack is where returns happen. You need to show the vacancy ran for 28 consecutive days on JobsIreland/EURES and on an additional online platform, with every advert matching the application on job title, salary, hours, location and employer name.
- Confirmation of the JobsIreland/EURES listing showing start date and duration
- Screenshots or confirmations of the additional online advert showing dates and full content
- A record of applications received and the outcome for each — DETE expects you to account for domestic applicants
Common reasons applications get returned
- LMNT dates that do not cover 28 full days, or adverts amended mid-run (which restarts the test)
- Salary below the current threshold — especially applications budgeted before the 1 March 2026 increases
- Missing qualification evidence for occupations that require specific credentials
- Applying more than 90 days after the LMNT advertising commenced, which voids the test
- The 50/50 rule not satisfied at the time of application
The permit is also only one stage of the journey — the D visa and registration steps that follow have their own document lists, covered in our guide to hiring international workers in Ireland step by step.
Let Recruitroo handle recruitment and immigration
Recruitroo assembles the entire EPOS document pack — employer side, candidate side and LMNT evidence — and checks it against current DETE requirements before anything is submitted. Our customers see permit success rates at or close to 100% because applications go in decision-ready.
Frequently asked questions
How long does DETE take to process a complete application?
As of summer 2026, standard new applications are processing in roughly 4-8 weeks and Trusted Partner applications in roughly 2-4 weeks. Incomplete applications are returned without a decision and rejoin the queue on resubmission.
Do documents need to be translated?
Documents not in English or Irish generally need a certified translation submitted alongside the original. Build translation time into your plan for qualifications and references.
How long is the Labour Market Needs Test valid?
The permit application must be submitted within 90 days of the LMNT advertising commencing. Miss the window and the 28-day test must be run again.
This guide reflects DETE documentation requirements for Irish employment permit applications as of August 2026. Salary thresholds, occupation lists and processing times change regularly — check current DETE guidance or ask Recruitroo before committing to a hire.