Irish hospitality -- hotels, restaurants, pubs, contract caterers and tourist attractions -- has been struggling with staffing since the pandemic. Chefs are the most acute shortage, but hotel managers, front office supervisors and food service managers are all difficult to fill locally. International recruitment through the employment permit system is now a normal part of workforce planning for Irish hospitality businesses. This guide covers how to hire hospitality workers from outside the EEA in 2026.
Which Hospitality Roles Can Be Filled?
Entry-level hospitality roles (kitchen porters, waiting staff, bar staff) may appear on the Ineligible List. The sponsorable roles are chefs and management positions where the salary threshold can be met.
The Chef Shortage -- Ireland Specific
Chefs are the most commonly sponsored hospitality role in Ireland. The challenge: the GEP threshold of EUR 36,605 is above what many independent restaurants currently pay. Employers need to factor in the full cost stack and set salary expectations before starting the process.
For larger hotels and restaurant groups paying executive chefs above EUR 40,904, CSEP may be available -- giving the benefits of no LMNT, no 50/50, and faster processing.
Source Countries
Where to Source
India -- largest source, particularly strong for Indian and pan-Asian cuisine. Also hotel management.
Nepal -- growing source for kitchen roles.
Philippines -- excellent for hotel operations and F and B management.
South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil -- growing pools for chef and hospitality management.
The 50/50 Challenge in Hospitality
Hospitality businesses with small teams hit the 50/50 rule quickly. A restaurant with 8 staff can only have 4 non-EEA permit holders. Strategies:
Managing the 50/50 in Hospitality
Prioritise the chef hire and fill front-of-house domestically
Count existing EEA staff (EU nationals with Stamp 4) carefully -- they count toward the EEA side
For hotel groups, apply through the entity with the strongest EEA ratio
Timeline and Costs
All-in cost for a chef hire: EUR 1,000 permit + EUR 200-500 LMNT ads + EUR 2,000-3,500 flight/accommodation + EUR 2,500-3,500 recruitment = EUR 5,700-8,500.
How Recruitroo Supports Irish Hospitality
Recruitroo sources chefs, kitchen supervisors and hospitality managers for Irish hotels, restaurant groups and catering companies. We handle the full GEP route including LMNT and 50/50 ratio tracking.
Need chefs or hospitality managers for Ireland?
Tell us the roles, cuisine type and locations. We will build a sourcing plan with costs and timelines.
Get a QuoteSee Client StoriesThis guide reflects Irish employment permit rules for hospitality as of May 2026. The Ineligible List and salary thresholds are subject to change.