Work Visa and Permit in Ireland

Types of Work Permits in Ireland

There are various Ireland work permit visa options for different employment scenarios. 

Moreover, the subtle difference between the terms Ireland work permit and work visa in Ireland will be explored in the following section: 

Ireland work permit types

A work permit is a specific work visa in Ireland that allows you to hire based on the job role. 

The Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) offers nine such options per the Employment Permits Act 2024: 

Ireland work visa types

An employment work visa in Ireland allows your employees to reside for the permitted duration. 

Moreover, after five years of holding any work permit, your employees can apply for a long-term residency as part of a work visa in Ireland.

Requirements for Ireland Work Visa and Permits 

You must sponsor eligible applicants for the Ireland work permit. That is, you are vouching for their employment and ensuring they meet Irish work permit visa requirements, which involve: 

• Providing a job offer
• Providing an employment contract
• Verifying salary
• In some cases, assisting with accommodation, health coverage, language proficiency, etc.
• Ensuring compliance with Irish labor laws

Let’s look into the requirements in detail. 

Ireland work permit requirements

You must provide specific documents to the applicants to fulfill their Ireland work permit visa requirements:

• General Employment Permit: Genuine job offer and minimum salary document 
• Intra-Company Transfer Permit: Transfer letter from the parent company and evidence of employment history within the company
• Critical Skills Permit: Genuine job offer and a letter confirming the role's critical nature
• Seasonal Employment Permit: Genuine job offer and a letter confirming the need for seasonal workers
• Contract for Services Employment Permit: Contract for services and some evidence of the nature of the work
• Reactivation Employment Permit: New job offer letter
• Internship Employment Permit: Letter from the host organization confirming the internship and a job offer letter
• Exchange Agreement Employment Permit: Letter from the participating institutions confirming the exchange agreement

Ireland work visa requirements

Your employee can apply for a work visa in Ireland, known as an Employment visa, only after receiving a work permit. All other requirements relate to applicants’ details.

How to Apply for Ireland Work Visa and Permits

The application process for an Ireland work permit varies based on visa types. However, the general process involves the following steps:

Work permit in Ireland

1. Job offer and documentation:

• Extend a genuine job offer to the applicant.
• Collect the necessary supporting documents from the applicant.

2. Application Submission:

• Apply for Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) through the EPOS system.
• Cover the cost of an Irish visa on behalf of the applicant. 

3. Processing and Communication:

• Monitor the application status through the EPOS system.
• Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested. It may be requested within 28 days from the date of application.

4. Welcome Employee:

If the work permit is approved, welcome the employee to your company and ensure they have everything they need to start working.

Work visa in Ireland

It is usually best to apply for a long-stay employment visa at least three months before the start of the employment period. Applicants can apply online through the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS). 

Ireland employment permit processing time

The department does not provide specific estimated processing times for all nine types of Ireland work permits. 

Here is a general estimate of Ireland employment permit processing time: 

• Critical Skills Permit: 6-8 weeks
• General Work Permits: 16-18 weeks

Moreover, work permit application form Ireland are processed in the order they are received. 

Click here to know the current processing date. 

Digital Nomad Visa in Ireland

A digital nomad differs from a freelancer because they travel for work. However, a specific Ireland digital nomad visa is yet to be available. 

In most cases, they may not qualify under the Contract for Services Employment Permit. 

Alternatively, your foreign independent contractor can apply for a work and holiday visa in Ireland, similar to a tourist visa, to stay in Ireland while working remotely.

Looking to Hire in Ireland? Skuad Can Help

Arranging work permits and visas for your new hires in Ireland can be complex, especially for international companies. 

Here is why you should partner with Skuad and streamline your hiring process in Ireland. 

Skuad's Employer of Record (EOR) services help you build globally distributed teams without establishing a local presence. 

This means that Skuad becomes the legal employer of record, handling all HR, payroll, and compliance matters. 

Moreover, subscribing to Skuad’s EOR gives you seamless assistance with work permit and visa requirements for your foreign hires in Ireland. 

Book a demo today and learn more about hiring in Ireland.

FAQs

Q1. How do I get a work permit in Ireland?

You can get a work permit in Ireland through the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS). Usually, employers sponsor any Ireland work permit visa, including getting a job offer letter, providing an employment contract and salary details, and ensuring compliance with Irish labor laws. Sometimes, they assist with accommodation, health coverage, language proficiency, etc. 

Q2. Is it difficult to get a work permit in Ireland?

If you’re thinking - “How to get work visa in Ireland”, getting a work permit in Ireland depends on a shortage of skill requirements. It can be challenging for non-EU/EEA individuals to fulfill the requirements. However, the process of getting an Ireland remote work visa or a work visa in Ireland becomes easier if any Irish employers sponsor them. Here is where Skuad EOR can quickly help employers hire non-EU/EEA in Ireland. 

Q3. Can I work in Ireland as a US citizen?

Yes, any US citizen can work in Ireland. There is no separate requirement for an Ireland work visa for US citizens, and they need to follow the general visa application process. However, getting an Ireland work permit without job offer is possible with a stamp 1G permission.

Q4. How many types of work permits are there in Ireland?

The Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) offers nine options per the Employment Permits Act 2024. These permits cater to various employment scenarios and skill levels: 

• General Employment Permit
• Intra-Company Transfer Permit
• Critical Skills Permit (or Green Card)
• Seasonal Employment Permit
• Contract for Services Employment Permit
• Reactivation Employment Permit
• Internship Employment Permit
• Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

Q5. Is it easy to get a job in Ireland as a foreigner?

Getting a job in Ireland as a foreigner depends on the prevailing economic conditions and available work visa types. Fortunately, recent immigration trends suggest many high-skilled and low-skilled foreign workers have found employment opportunities in Ireland. While obtaining a work visa is an extensive process for non-EU/EEA individuals, the right candidate will always find opportunities in Ireland. 

Q6. What is the minimum salary for a work permit in Ireland?

The minimum salary for a work permit in Ireland is €34,000 per year, and this applies to the General Employment Permit category.