What the General Employment Permit covers
The General Employment Permit (GEP) is for skilled roles that aren't on the Critical Skills list but also aren't on the Ineligible List of Occupations. It's the route most employers use for hospitality, construction, agri-food, logistics and general operative roles.
It's issued for up to two years initially and can be renewed. After a qualifying period the worker can become eligible for longer-term status.
The Labour Market Needs Test
Most GEP applications require a Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) first: the role must be advertised through the required channels for a set period to show a suitable EEA candidate wasn't available. Getting the LMNT wording, channels and timing right is a common source of avoidable delay.
The 50:50 rule and who pays
At the point of applying, at least half your employees must be EEA/UK/Swiss nationals (start-ups registered with Enterprise Ireland can seek an exemption in their first two years). The employer pays the government permit fee and cannot deduct it from the worker.
Employment permit salary thresholds
Rules last reviewed: 16 July 2026. Final eligibility is always decided by DETE (Ireland) or the Home Office / UKVI (UK) — treat this as indicative guidance, not legal advice.
Ireland — employment permit salary thresholds (from 1 March 2026)
| Permit route | Minimum annual salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Employment Permit (GEP) — standard | €36,605 | Labour Market Needs Test usually required |
| GEP — recent graduate of an Irish third-level institution | €34,009 | Reduced threshold for recent graduates |
| GEP — specified lower-paid eligible roles | €32,691 | Only for roles DETE lists at the lower rate |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) — role on the Critical Skills list, with degree | €40,904 | No Labour Market Needs Test |
| CSEP — recent graduate (< 12 months) | €36,848 | Reduced threshold for recent graduates |
| CSEP — high-salary route, almost any role | €68,911 | Any occupation except the Ineligible List |
Source: Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) employment permit rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for a General Employment Permit?
The standard threshold rose on 1 March 2026, with lower figures for recent graduates and specified lower-paid eligible roles. The current figures are in the salary-threshold table on this page and in our eligibility checker.
Does every General Employment Permit need a Labour Market Needs Test?
Most do, but there are exceptions. We check whether the LMNT applies to your specific role and, when it does, run and record the advertising so the evidence is ready to submit with the permit.
How long is a General Employment Permit valid?
Typically up to two years initially, then renewable. We track renewal dates and file extensions before expiry so there's no gap in the worker's permission.
Last reviewed: 16 July 2026. This guide is general information for employers, not legal advice — final decisions rest with DETE.
Sources: Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE).