Before committing to international recruitment, every Irish employer asks the same question: what will it actually cost? The government fees are straightforward, but the total cost includes LMNT advertising, recruitment, relocation, accommodation support and onboarding. This guide breaks down every cost component for hiring an international worker into Ireland in 2026 -- with worked examples for GEP and CSEP routes.
Government Fees
The permit fee is split: the employer pays 50% and the employee pays 50%, unless the employer agrees to cover the full amount (which many do to attract candidates).
LMNT Advertising Costs (GEP Only)
Advertising Budget
Jobs Ireland / EURES: Free
National newspaper ad (3 days): EUR 100-300
Online job board (14 days): EUR 50-200
Total LMNT cost: EUR 150-500
CSEP applications do not require LMNT -- this cost is avoided entirely on the Critical Skills route.
Recruitment and Platform Costs
Relocation Costs
Getting the Worker to Ireland
Flight: EUR 600-1,500 (depending on source country)
First month accommodation support: EUR 800-1,800
Airport collection and orientation: EUR 100-300
Total relocation: EUR 1,500-3,600
Worked Example: GEP Route -- Chef from India
Total Cost Breakdown
Permit fee (employer share)
EUR 500
LMNT advertising
EUR 300
Recruitment platform
EUR 3,000
Flight
EUR 900
First month accommodation
EUR 1,200
IRP registration
EUR 300
D-visa
EUR 80
Total all-in (employer cost)
EUR 6,280
Worked Example: CSEP Route -- Software Developer from India
Total Cost Breakdown
Permit fee (employer share)
EUR 500
LMNT
Recruitment platform
EUR 3,500
Flight
EUR 900
First month accommodation
EUR 1,500
IRP registration
EUR 300
D-visa
EUR 80
Total all-in (employer cost)
EUR 6,780
The CSEP route costs slightly more in salary but avoids LMNT costs and processes faster. Over the permit lifetime, CSEP also avoids the EUR 1,500 renewal fee because the worker transitions to Stamp 4 after 21 months.
Comparing to Domestic Agency Fees
The Domestic Alternative
A domestic recruitment agency charging 15-20% of a EUR 40,000 salary = EUR 6,000-8,000 per hire. And that assumes the hire happens at all -- many roles in shortage sectors go unfilled for 3-6 months despite agency involvement.
International recruitment costs EUR 5,000-8,000 all-in and delivers candidates that the domestic market cannot. The economics are comparable, with the added benefit of actually filling the role.
How Recruitroo Keeps Costs Predictable
Recruitroo operates on a credit-based subscription model. You know the cost before you start, there are no surprise percentage-of-salary fees, and the platform handles everything from sourcing through permit, visa and relocation. Our clients budget accurately and avoid the cost overruns that come with managing multiple vendors.
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Get a QuoteSee Client StoriesThis guide reflects Irish employment permit fees and typical recruitment costs as of May 2026. Government fees are subject to change.