You run a business with 10, 20, maybe 40 employees. You are not a multinational with an immigration department. You have never hired from outside Ireland before. But you have a role you cannot fill locally, and you are wondering whether international recruitment is even feasible for a company your size. The answer is yes -- and in many ways, the process is easier for small businesses than people assume. The permit system does not discriminate by company size, the costs are manageable, and platforms like Recruitroo exist specifically to handle the complexity so you do not have to. This is the small business guide to making your first international hire in Ireland.
Can a Small Business Actually Do This?
Yes. Here Is Why.
The employment permit system makes no distinction based on company size. A 5-person garage has the same access to the GEP and CSEP as a 500-person construction firm.
The costs are fixed, not proportional to revenue -- EUR 1,000 permit fee is the same whether your turnover is EUR 500,000 or EUR 50 million.
The 50/50 rule is the main constraint for small businesses. A company with 8 employees can have at most 4 non-EEA permit holders. Plan accordingly.
Platforms handle the administrative burden. You do not need an HR department or an immigration lawyer -- you need a platform that does this every day.
The 50/50 Rule -- The Small Business Challenge
This is the single biggest consideration for small businesses. The maths is simple but the impact is significant:
For a 10-person company wanting to hire 2 international workers: you need at least 6 EEA employees (including yourself if you are an EEA national) after the 2 new hires join.
What It Costs -- Realistic Numbers for Small Businesses
All-In Cost: First Hire for a Small Business via Platform
EUR 2,500-3,500
EUR 500
EUR 300-500
EUR 700-1,200
EUR 800-1,800
EUR 200-500
EUR 5,000-8,000
This is a one-off cost per hire. There are no ongoing platform fees, no monthly subscriptions, and no percentage-of-salary charges. For most small businesses, the cost of the international hire is comparable to what they would pay a domestic agency -- except the international route actually delivers a candidate.
The Time Investment for a Small Business Owner
What You Personally Need to Do
Week 1: Brief the platform on the role (30 minutes). Provide company documents (tax clearance, CRO printout).
Week 2-3: Review candidate shortlist, interview 2-3 candidates via video (1-2 hours).
Week 3-4: Select candidate, review and sign contract (30 minutes). The platform handles LMNT, EPOS, visa coordination.
Month 2-5: Wait. The platform manages processing. You get status updates.
Arrival week: Welcome the worker, show them the workplace, make sure accommodation is sorted. Total hands-on time: 5-10 hours across 4-6 months.
Common Concerns for Small Business Owners
Every small business owner asks the same questions. Here are the honest answers:
'What if they leave after 6 months?'
International hires on permits have a structural incentive to stay -- their visa is tied to your company. Combined with the investment in relocation, first-year retention rates for well-supported international hires are typically 80-90%. Compare to domestic hires in shortage sectors: 60-70%. Your international hire is statistically more likely to stay.
'Can I afford the accommodation support?'
First-month accommodation costs EUR 800-1,800. This is a one-off cost that prevents a EUR 5,000-8,000 recruitment investment from walking out the door in week 3 because they had nowhere to live. It is not optional -- it is the most important retention investment you will make.
'What if the permit is refused?'
Platforms with high submission quality have near-zero refusal rates. The EUR 1,000 DETE fee is non-refundable if refused, which is why using a platform that validates every application before submission is important. DIY first-time refusal rates run 10-20%. Platform-filed refusal rates are near 0%.
'Is this even worth it for one hire?'
If the role has been unfilled for 3+ months and you are losing EUR 800-2,500 per week in productivity, the answer is unambiguously yes. One hire at EUR 5,000-8,000 that fills a role generating EUR 40,000+ per year in value is one of the highest-ROI investments a small business can make.
The Step-by-Step for a Small Business
Your Roadmap
Role not on Ineligible List. Salary meets threshold. 50/50 ratio OK (or use CSEP).
Brief us on the role. We handle everything from sourcing onwards.
Video interviews with 2-3 pre-screened candidates. You choose.
LMNT, EPOS submission, visa coordination, arrival logistics.
Structured onboarding, first-month support, 30/60/90-day check-ins.
How Recruitroo Works for Small Businesses
Recruitroo was built for businesses like yours. We know you do not have an HR department, an immigration budget, or weeks to spend on paperwork. Our platform handles the entire process -- you spend 5-10 hours total across 4-6 months, and you get a qualified worker on your team. Our small-business clients are garages, workshops, construction firms, manufacturing operations and engineering companies with 5-50 staff.
Small business, big hiring problem?
Tell us the role. We will confirm eligibility, model the cost, and show you exactly how the process works -- free, no commitment.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects Irish employment permit rules for small businesses as of June 2026.