Hiring internationally: Ireland vs the UK
Two neighbouring markets, two very different systems. Here's how hiring from overseas compares between Ireland's employment permits and the UK's sponsorship route.
| Ireland | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| System | Employer applies for an employment permit per role | Employer holds a sponsor licence, then issues a CoS per worker |
| Up-front employer step | Permit application (Trusted Partner speeds repeats) | Sponsor licence before any hire |
| Labour-market test | Labour Market Needs Test for most GEP roles | No resident-labour test, but strict salary/skill rules |
| Skill level | Role must be eligible (not on the Ineligible List) | Generally graduate-level (RQF 6) since July 2025 |
| Ongoing per-year charge | None equivalent to the ISC | Immigration Skills Charge per sponsored year |
| Care workers | Still open (subject to permit rules and quotas) | Closed to new overseas applicants since 22 July 2025 |
Which should you choose?
The systems differ in shape: Ireland is permit-per-role with a Labour Market Needs Test for most General Employment Permits; the UK is a licence-then-sponsor model with no resident-labour test but tighter skill and salary rules and a per-year Immigration Skills Charge.
For some sectors the choice is made for you — for example the UK closed its overseas care-worker route in July 2025 while Ireland's remains open, which is a genuine reason employers look across both markets.
As a dual-market managed service, Recruitroo can advise on and run hiring in either country — or both.
Frequently asked questions
Is it easier to hire internationally in Ireland or the UK?
Neither is simply 'easier' — they're different. Ireland's General Employment Permit needs a Labour Market Needs Test; the UK needs a sponsor licence and a per-year Immigration Skills Charge but no resident-labour test. The best market depends on the role and sector.
Can UK employers still sponsor care workers in 2026?
The UK closed its Health and Care Worker route to new overseas applicants from 22 July 2025 (in-country switching remained for a transitional period). Ireland's care-worker permits remained available subject to the permit rules — one reason employers consider both markets.
Last reviewed: 16 July 2026. General information for employers, not legal advice.
Sources: Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE); UK Home Office / UKVI.
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Not sure which route fits?
Tell us the role and country — we'll recommend the right permit or visa and handle it end to end.