Plumbers are in acute shortage across Irish construction and maintenance. Housing developments, commercial fit-outs, industrial facilities and maintenance contracts all need qualified plumbers, and the domestic training pipeline is producing a fraction of what the market demands. If you have plumbing contracts you cannot resource, bays you cannot fill, or housing units that cannot be signed off because there is no plumber available, international recruitment through the GEP route is the practical solution. This guide covers how to hire qualified plumbers from outside the EEA.
The Permit Route
GEP for Plumbers
Minimum salary: EUR 36,605
LMNT required (28 days)
50/50 rule applies
Plumbers are eligible -- not on the Ineligible List
The market rate for experienced plumbers in Ireland sits at EUR 38,000-50,000 depending on specialism (residential, commercial, industrial, gas). The GEP threshold is comfortably met.
Qualification Recognition
What Matters
QQI/SOLAS apprenticeship equivalence -- South African Red Seal plumbing qualifications map well to Irish Level 6.
RGI (Register of Gas Installers of Ireland) -- if the plumber will work with gas, they must register with RGI. This requires assessment against Irish standards (IS 813/IS 820).
Safe Pass -- mandatory for construction sites. One-day course on arrival.
Source Countries
Where to Source Plumbers
South Africa -- primary source. Red Seal plumbers with formal apprenticeships. Strong for copper, PVC and industrial pipework.
India -- large pool, particularly for industrial and commercial plumbing. ITI certificates provide formal training evidence.
Brazil -- growing source. No visa required, which compresses timelines.
Timeline and Costs
One Plumber from South Africa -- All In
EUR 2,500-3,500
EUR 500
EUR 400
EUR 900
EUR 1,200
EUR 160
EUR 300-500
EUR 5,960-7,260
Compare to an unfilled plumber position on a housing development costing EUR 1,000-2,000 per week in programme delay. The hire pays for itself within a month.
How Recruitroo Sources Plumbers
Recruitroo sources qualified plumbers from South Africa, India and Brazil for Irish construction companies and maintenance firms. We handle the full GEP route and coordinate RGI assessment for gas-qualified plumbers.
Need plumbers for your projects?
Tell us the specialism (residential, commercial, industrial, gas) and the volume.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects Irish employment permit and RGI rules as of June 2026.