Work visas in Ireland: An employer’s guide

Ireland has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for global businesses, thanks to its highly educated workforce, strong economy, and EU membership. But for employers hiring talent from outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, navigating Ireland’s work visa and employment permit system is essential.

Employers play a central role in sponsoring foreign workers, ensuring compliance, and supporting employees through the immigration process. This guide explains the different Irish work permits, the application process, required documents, and what you need to know as an employer to hire international talent smoothly.

Why is it important to get the right work visa?

In Ireland, hiring someone without the correct employment permit or immigration permission can have serious consequences. Non-compliance may result in:

• Fines and penalties for employers
• Visa refusals for employees
• Reputational damage with Irish authorities

Beyond compliance, getting the right permit ensures your employee can legally live and work in Ireland, obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), and access essential services like banking and healthcare. The correct permit also protects both parties by formalizing the employment contract under Irish law.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Ireland

Types of work visas and employment permits in Ireland

Ireland operates a work permit system, overseen by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). The right type depends on the role, the worker’s qualifications, and the employer’s needs.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled workers in roles that are difficult to fill with local talent. Eligible professions include ICT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers. It's typically valid for two years.

Holders can apply for Stamp 4 permission (long-term residency) after their permit expires, meaning they no longer need a work permit to remain employed. As a result, this permit is designed to encourage highly skilled talent to stay in Ireland and become an Irish citizen.

General Employment Permit

The General Employment Permit covers occupations not listed on the critical skills list but where there is still demand.

It's valid for two years initially, renewable up to five. After this, employees may apply for long-term residency (Stamp 4).

Note that this permit requires a Labour Market Needs Test to ensure no Irish or EU candidate is available.

Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

The Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit allows multinational companies to move employees from offices abroad to their Irish entity.

It's available for senior managers, key personnel, and trainees, and is valid for up to two years (renewable to five). Note that you must provide proof of an existing employment relationship with the employee.

Internship Employment Permit

The Internship Employment Permit is aimed at non-EEA nationals enrolled in third-level education who want to complete a work placement in Ireland. The work must be directly related to the student’s course of study.

This permit is valid for up to 12 months.

Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

This applies to workers coming under international agreements, such as cultural or humanitarian exchange programs.

Contract for Services Employment Permit

This permit allows a foreign company to send non-EEA staff to Ireland to work on a contract with an Irish company.

Reactivation Employment Permit

This permit helps individuals who previously held an employment permit in Ireland but fell out of the system (e.g., due to exploitation or unemployment) to return to legal employment.

Other options: Atypical Working Scheme and Working Holiday Authorisation

• The Atypical Working Scheme, run by the Immigration Service, allows short-term work (generally less than 90 days) for specific categories, such as locum doctors or foreign researchers.
• The Working Holiday Authorisation scheme is also available to young people from certain countries, allowing them to work and travel in Ireland temporarily.
  
  

What are the requirements for an Irish work permit?

For the Critical Skills Employment Permit, employees must meet salary thresholds and work in eligible occupations.

For the General Employment Permit, applicants must typically earn a minimum of €34,000 annually (although exceptions exist for certain occupations).

In all cases, employees must have the qualifications and experience required for the role.

Employer sponsorship requirements

As the employer, you must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and with the Companies Registration Office.

You must also provide a valid employment contract and evidence of compliance with Irish labor laws.

For many permits, you must show that you made genuine efforts to recruit Irish/EU citizens first (through the Labour Market Needs Test).

What is the application process?

Ireland uses the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) to manage applications. Both employers and employees are involved in the process, which typically follows these steps:

1. You, the employer, applies through EPOS.
2. The application is reviewed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
3. A decision is issued (approval, refusal, or request for further information).
4. If approved, the employee applies for an employment visa (if required, depending on nationality) through the Irish Immigration Service.
5. On arrival in Ireland, the employee registers with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) to receive their Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Commonly required documents during this process include:

• A signed contract of employment
• A copy of the employee’s passport
• Details of the role and salary
• Employer registration details with the Irish authorities
• Evidence of qualifications (e.g., diplomas, certificates)

For a work visa (obtained from the consulate after the permit is approved), the following additional documents are needed:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport photos
• Medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Ireland
• Evidence of financial means
  
  

How much does an Irish work visa cost?

The cost depends on the type and duration of the permit:

• 6-month employment permit: €500
• Up to 2-year employment permit: €1,000
• 2–3-year renewal: €1,500

Visa application fees (if required) are separate and vary by nationality.

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Ireland, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s EOR service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Ireland on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Ireland, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.