Ireland Work Visa Process 2024 (Types of Employment Permits)

Ireland is a European country that frequently offers employment permits to foreign nationals. This post is about the Ireland Work Visa Process and the types of employment permits. In 2022, Ireland issued 39,955 employment permits. In 2023, 30,981 work permits were issued to foreign nationals. And as of 15th March 2024, up to 6,874 work permits have been issued so far. This includes all working sectors. You can check the Ireland employment permit statistics from here. 

Most work permits are issued to India, Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, Brazil, China, Nigeria, Malaysia, and much more. Ireland welcomes people from all around the world. If you are a non-European national then you will need to obtain an Ireland work permit first. Some nationals are also required to apply for a visa. If you are coming to work in Ireland for more than 90 days then you have to apply for the Ireland Long Stay type D Visa. More details about the Ireland Visa application process are given below.

Types of Ireland Work Visas and Permits

Ireland offers nine different kinds of employment permits. A short description of each permit is given below with the link to the relevant work permit type for more detailed information.

1) Critical Skills Employment Permit

This is the most common and popular type of Ireland employment work permit. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is targeted to highly qualified applicants to encourage them to take up permanent residence in Ireland.

See the list of the Occupations that are eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit. A Labour Market Needs Test is not required.

2) Ireland General Employment Permit

In the General employment permit, all types of occupations are eligible such as seasonal, agriculture, and construction. This General Employement permit is offered to the 3rd country’s nationals for occupations that are experiencing a labor or skills shortage.

3) Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits

These types of permits are issued to the dependents of the Critical Skills Employment Permit holder.

4) Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

This permit is issued to the one who wants to transfer to the Irish branch of a company they are already employed in.

5) Internship Employment Permit

This permit is designed for non-EU nationals who are currently enrolled in a College or university outside Ireland as full-time students, studying in a discipline relevant to the occupations included on the Critical Skills Occupations List to come to Ireland and gain experience

6) Contract for Service Employment Permit

Issued for self-employed individuals or those on short-term, specific service contracts.

7) Sport and Cultural Employment Permit

Facilitates employment for professional athletes, sports coaches, or individuals in the cultural and entertainment industry.

8) Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

Issued for participants in approved exchange programs for work placements.

9) Reactivation Employment Permit

For non-EEA nationals who previously held a valid employment permit and wish to return to the Irish workforce.

Requirements to Get an Ireland Work Permit

• Find an Employer: Secure a job offer in Ireland (Job sites are given below).
• Employer applies for Employment Permit: Your employer will apply for the employment permit on your behalf which is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
• Employment Permit Granted: If successful, you’ll receive an employment permit.

How to Apply for the Ireland Work Visa?

The Ireland Work permit and Ireland work visa, both are different.

• A work visa issued by the Irish government allows you to travel to Ireland and work there.
• A work permit issued by the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) allows you to work in a specific job in Ireland.
• You can apply for an Employment visa after you have obtained your employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
• Depending on the Job situation if it is for up to 90 days you will apply for the Short Stay (C) Visa. If it is longer than 90 days then you will apply for the long stay (D) visa.
• Submit your visa application with the Irish Immigration Service, including your employment permit. From this link, you can check the application process for the Ireland visa.
• Read Employment permits FAQs

Processing Time

On average, it can take up to 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the visa office. You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.

Find Employment, and Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland

• https://Jobs.ie
  • This site lists more than 30,000 Jobs in Ireland. Search for a Job there.
• IrishJobs.ie
• RecruitIreland.com
• EURES Ireland

Skill Shortage List

The Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) identifies occupations in Ireland that are deemed:

• Critically important for growing the Irish economy.
• Highly demanded by employers due to skill shortages.

Helpful Links