Irish haulage has been short of drivers for years, and the domestic pipeline is nowhere near replacing the drivers retiring out of the industry. For many transport and logistics firms the realistic answer in 2026 is international recruitment — and HGV drivers have been eligible for the General Employment Permit route since the driver shortage forced the lists open in 2022.
This guide covers the permit route, the licensing steps unique to professional drivers, and the timeline from decision to a driver on the road.
Hiring HGV drivers from abroad — the essentials
- Route: General Employment Permit, salary at least €36,605 (from 1 March 2026)
- A Labour Market Needs Test — 28 days of advertising — applies before you can file
- The driver needs an exchangeable or Irish licence in the correct category (C / CE) plus Driver CPC before commercial driving
- Strong source pools: South Africa and other markets with left-hand-drive experience and recognised licensing
Are HGV drivers eligible for Irish employment permits?
Yes — HGV drivers are currently eligible for the General Employment Permit, subject to the standard conditions: the €36,605 minimum salary, the Labour Market Needs Test, and the 50/50 EEA workforce rule at company level. Occupation lists are reviewed regularly, so confirm the role’s status on the current lists (or run it through our eligibility checker) before you start advertising.
What about licences and Driver CPC?
This is the part that separates driver recruitment from every other trade. A permit lets someone work in Ireland; it does not put them behind the wheel of a truck. Plan for:
- Licence recognition or exchange: drivers from licence-exchange countries can convert to an Irish licence in the equivalent category; others may need to complete Irish tests. Verify the candidate’s country and category situation before offer stage.
- Driver CPC: professional drivers need Certificate of Professional Competence coverage to drive commercially — check what transfers and what must be completed in Ireland.
- Tacho card: a digital tachograph card, applied for once the Irish licence position is settled.
What does the timeline look like?
| Stage | Typical duration (2026) |
|---|---|
| Sourcing and screening | 1–4 weeks (faster from a pre-screened pool) |
| Labour Market Needs Test | 28 days — run in parallel with sourcing |
| Employment permit (GEP) | 4–8 weeks standard; 2–4 weeks Trusted Partner |
| Entry visa (visa-required nationals) | 4–8 weeks |
| Licence exchange / CPC on arrival | 2–8 weeks depending on country |
Because the transport shortage is structural, most operators hire in small batches rather than one-offs — which is exactly where Trusted Partner status and a tracked 50/50 ratio start paying for themselves.
Let Recruitroo handle recruitment and immigration
Recruitroo sources licensed, experienced HGV drivers, runs the LMNT and permit filings, manages visas and relocation, and coordinates the licence-exchange runway so drivers are earning as soon as possible after arrival. Tell us the fleet, the depots and how many seats you need filled.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I have to pay an HGV driver on an employment permit?
At least the General Employment Permit minimum — €36,605 since 1 March 2026 — or the market rate for the role if higher. The salary on the advert, contract and application must match exactly.
Can a driver start driving as soon as they arrive in Ireland?
Only once their licence position and Driver CPC are in order. Depending on the source country that can be quick or can take several weeks — plan onboarding around it.
Where do Irish hauliers recruit HGV drivers from?
South Africa is a leading source thanks to licensing compatibility, English and left-hand-drive experience; other markets work well where licence exchange or retesting is planned for properly.
This guide reflects Irish employment permit rules for HGV and professional drivers 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.