How IDA Ireland can help our clients?
IDA Ireland works closely with the relevant Irish authorities.
- Advise on the most effective ways to navigate the immigration process.
- Liaise with relevant Government Departments.
- Provide IDA support letters where appropriate.
- Organise client seminars on visa and employment permit regulations.
In Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must apply for an employment permit to work. An Employment Permit is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Employment Permit Options
The Employment Permits Act 2024, as amended allows for nine different types of Employment Permits to be granted. The three employment permits that IDA Ireland clients mainly use are;
- Critical Skills Employment Permit
- General Employment Permit
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
For further information , click here
Criteria for Eligibility
| Critical Skills Permit** | General Employment Permit*** | Intra Company Transfer Permit | |
| Minimum salary | €64,000* | €34,000 | €46,000 |
| Employer | Irish entity | Irish entity | Foreign entity - Seconded to Irish entity |
| Labour market needs test | N/A | Yes | N/A |
| Family reunification | Yes - can immediately apply | No - need to wait 1 year before applying | Yes - can immediately apply |
| Can Spouse Work in Ireland | Yes - on stamp G1 | Yes - on stamp G1 | Yes - on stamp G1 |
| Duration of inital permit | 2 years | 3 months to 2 years initially | 3 months to 2 years initially |
| Maximum duration of renewal | N/A | 3 years | 3 years |
Applicants cannot be in the state while the permit is being processed
* Restricted availability at salaries from €38,000 to €64,000
** Partners of Critical Skills Permit holders can work in the state without an employment permit (will get a Stamp 1G)
*** Requires Labour Market Needs Test
General Tips
- An employment permit will not be issued unless at the time of application at least 50% of the employees in a firm are EEA or U.K. nationals (50:50 rule).
- Where appropriate, support letters may be issued to IDA client companies for inclusion with employment permit applications.
- DETE recommend that employment permit applications be submitted at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.
Additional permissions to work
The Department of Justice also issues an Atypical Working Scheme Permission (AWS)*. This is applied for through www.irishimmigration.ie/atypical-working-scheme.
The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) was developed by agreement between the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in order to facilitate specialised, highly-skilled employment of a short term nature (generally less than 90 days) that is not supported by current Employment Permit legislation.
- Non-EEA nationals employed/working in the State for more than 14 calendar days and less than 90 calendar days.
- There is a Fee of €250
- Supported by letter from IDA Ireland
- This can not be extended
- AWS Permissions should only be applied for after all other employment permits issued by DETE have been considered.
Visa Requirement
For certain nationalities, individuals must then apply for an entry visa to enter Ireland to commence work. For more information on visas and how IDA Ireland can assist please click here