What is the Labour Market Needs Test?
The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is an Irish requirement proving that employers attempted to fill positions with EEA candidates before hiring internationally. It applies to General Employment Permit applications.
When is LMNT Required?
Required For
- General Employment Permits (GEP)
- Some Intra-Company Transfers
- Contract for Services Permits
Not Required For
- Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP)
- Roles on the Critical Skills Occupation List
- Permit renewals (same role, same employer)
LMNT Requirements
Advertising Duration
The role must be advertised for a minimum of 28 days before submitting the permit application.
Mandatory Advertising Platforms
You must advertise on ALL of the following:
#### 1. EURES (European Jobs Portal)
- EU-wide job portal
- Free to post
- Duration: minimum 28 days
#### 2. DSP / JobsIreland
- Department of Social Protection portal
- Irish job seekers' primary resource
- Duration: minimum 28 days
#### 3. National Media
One of the following:
- National newspaper (print or online)
- Online job board with national reach
- Duration: minimum 3 days (but keep up for 28)
What the Advert Must Include
- Job title (clear, recognisable)
- Job description and main duties
- Required qualifications
- Salary (or salary range)
- Location of employment
- Working hours
- Contract type (permanent, fixed-term)
- How to apply
Evidence Required
When submitting your permit application, provide:
- Screenshots of each advertisement showing dates
- URL links to online postings
- Copy of newspaper advertisement (if used)
- Start and end dates of advertising period
How Recruitroo Automates LMNT
When you post a job on Recruitroo for a GEP-eligible role:
Automatic Posting
1. Your job is posted to our LMNT-compliant job board
2. We syndicate to EURES
3. We syndicate to DSP/JobsIreland
4. Job remains live for required 28 days
Timeline Tracking
- Dashboard shows LMNT countdown
- Notification when 28 days complete
- Alert when you can proceed with application
Evidence Generation
- Automatic screenshots captured
- Evidence package compiled
- Ready for permit application
LMNT Timeline Example
| Date | Action |
|------|--------|
| Day 1 | Post job on all required platforms |
| Day 1-28 | Keep advertisements live |
| Day 28 | LMNT period complete |
| Day 29+ | Can submit permit application |
Responding to Applicants
During the LMNT period, you may receive applications from EEA candidates. You must:
- Consider all applications fairly
- Interview suitable candidates
- Document reasons for non-selection
- Keep records for potential audit
If you find a suitable EEA candidate, hire them—no permit needed!
Common LMNT Mistakes
Timing Issues
- Starting permit application before 28 days
- Not keeping ads live for full period
- Gaps in advertising period
Advertising Issues
- Missing required platforms
- Incomplete job information
- Different details on different platforms
Documentation Issues
- No screenshots taken
- Missing dates on evidence
- Unclear or illegible screenshots
Exemptions and Exceptions
LMNT is not required when:
- Previous LMNT completed (same role, within 6 months)
- Exchange agreements apply
- Emergency situations (rare, requires DETE approval)
Best Practices
1. Start LMNT early – Begin advertising before identifying your candidate
2. Use consistent information – Same details on all platforms
3. Screenshot immediately – Capture evidence when posting
4. Track carefully – Use calendar reminders for the 28-day period
5. Let Recruitroo handle it – Our automation eliminates manual tracking
Proper LMNT compliance is essential for GEP approval. Let Recruitroo's automated system handle the complexity while you focus on finding the right candidate.