Do you need an employment permit?
Nationals of the EU, EEA, UK and Switzerland can work in Ireland without a permit. Almost everyone else needs a valid employment permit before they start — the two main routes are the General Employment Permit (GEP) and the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP).
The right route depends on the occupation, the salary and whether the role sits on the Critical Skills list or the Ineligible list. Getting this decision right up front is what avoids refusals later.
The five steps to hiring from outside the EU
The overall shape of the process is the same for most roles, even though timelines vary by route and country:
- Confirm the route and check the role and salary against the current thresholds.
- Run the Labour Market Needs Test (for most General Employment Permit roles).
- Collect the candidate and employer documents and prepare the application.
- Submit the employment permit to DETE and track it to decision.
- Coordinate the entry visa, arrival and IRP registration, then onboard.
How Recruitroo handles it
Recruitroo runs this as a managed service: we source and screen the candidate, pick and check the route, run the Labour Market Needs Test where required, prepare and submit the permit on your behalf, and coordinate relocation — with every case tracked in one place so you're never chasing paperwork.
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
Can any employer hire a non-EU worker in Ireland?
In principle yes — most Irish employers can sponsor an employment permit, provided the role and salary meet the rules, the occupation isn't on the Ineligible List, and the company satisfies the 50:50 rule (at least half the workforce being EEA nationals, with a start-up exemption available).
Which is better, a General or Critical Skills Employment Permit?
It depends on the role. Critical Skills is faster, skips the Labour Market Needs Test and offers a quicker path to Stamp 4, but only covers listed occupations above the threshold. The General Employment Permit is broader but usually needs the Labour Market Needs Test. We recommend the route per case.
How long does it take to hire someone from outside the EU?
Sourcing a shortlist is quick; the permit and visa timeline depends on the route, the candidate's country and official processing times, which DETE publishes and updates. We map a realistic timeline with you at the start rather than promising fixed dates.
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); Irish Immigration Service.