Welders and fabricators are in structural shortage across Irish construction, manufacturing, energy and marine sectors. Steel frame buildings, pharmaceutical plant fabrication, offshore wind foundations, bridge construction and general metalwork all need qualified welders -- and the domestic training pipeline produces a fraction of what the market demands. International recruitment through the General Employment Permit route is now a standard workforce strategy for Irish fabrication shops, steel erectors and manufacturing plants. This guide covers how to hire welders and fabricators from outside the EEA in 2026.
Which Welding Roles Can Be Filled?
All of these roles clear the EUR 36,605 GEP threshold comfortably at market rates. Coded pipe welders and TIG specialists command premiums that make the permit process even more straightforward from a salary perspective.
Qualification Recognition for Welders
What Matters in Irish Welding Recruitment
Coded welding certifications -- ISO 9606 (manual welding) or EN 287 welder qualifications are the international standard. Welders with current coded certifications can work on Irish structural and pressure projects.
SAIW (South African Institute of Welding) -- the main SA welding body. SAIW qualifications are well-regarded internationally and map to ISO standards.
AWS (American Welding Society) -- relevant for welders from India and South America with US-trained backgrounds.
Welding procedure qualification -- many Irish projects require welders to re-qualify on the specific procedure (WPS) used on that project. Budget 1-2 days for this on arrival.
Source Countries for Welders
Where to Source
South Africa -- primary source. SAIW-trained welders with formal qualifications and coded experience. Strong for structural steel, pipe welding and general fabrication.
India -- massive pool of welders, particularly for pipe welding and heavy fabrication. Many Indian welders have worked in the Middle East on international projects with ISO-coded procedures.
Brazil -- strong fabrication and welding tradition, particularly structural and shipyard welding. No visa required for Ireland, which compresses timelines significantly.
Philippines -- growing pool of welders with international shipyard and construction experience.
Timeline and Costs
The timeline follows the standard GEP route. For welders from Brazil (no visa required), the total timeline from decision to productive work is 3-4 months. For South Africa and India, 5-7 months.
Cost: One Coded Welder from South Africa
EUR 2,500-3,500
EUR 500
EUR 300-500
EUR 900
EUR 1,200-1,800
EUR 300-500
EUR 5,700-7,700
Retention for Welders
Welders are in demand everywhere. The same skills that get them to Ireland make them attractive to UK, Canadian and Australian employers. The retention strategies that work:
What Keeps Welders
Pay above the permit threshold -- EUR 40,000+ for experienced coded welders, not EUR 36,605
Consistent work -- welders leave when there are gaps between projects
Career progression to welding supervisor or inspector roles
Good site conditions -- PPE provided, proper extraction, clean welfare facilities
Accommodation support for the first 3 months -- this is the make-or-break period
How Recruitroo Sources Welders for Ireland
Recruitroo sources coded welders from South Africa, India, Brazil and the Philippines for Irish fabrication shops, steel erectors and construction companies. We assess welding certifications against Irish project requirements, handle the full GEP route, and coordinate re-coding tests on arrival. Our welding placements arrive site-ready with the certifications your project needs.
Need welders or fabricators for your projects?
Tell us the welding processes needed (MIG, TIG, MMA, pipe), the volume, and the project timeline. We will match the right source country and build a sourcing plan.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects Irish employment permit rules for welding roles as of June 2026. Welding qualifications and site requirements vary by project.