Nigerian applicants · Republic of Ireland
General Employment Permit for Nigerian citizens
Sponsored employment permit for roles not on the Critical Skills list but above the general salary threshold.
This page covers the General Employment Permit specifically for Nigerian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Nigeria. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 6 weeks – 3 months
- Government fees
- €1,000 for 2 years.
- Typical duration
- 2 years initially; renewable; longer-term residence possible after 5 years.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Abuja
Tourist entry vs. this route
Nigerian nationals require a visa for any entry into Republic of Ireland. The General Employment Permit is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Nigerian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
6 weeks – 3 months
DETE typically processes General Employment Permits in 6–13 weeks; non-trusted-partner applications sit at the longer end.
Verified 1 June 2026 · DETE — Employment permits current processing dates →
Time to permanent residence
Arrival → Stamp 4 (2 years on CSEP, 5 on GEP) → citizenship (5 years reckonable, typically year 6–7 from arrival).
Leads to Long-Term Residence / Stamp 4, then Irish citizenship.
Visa overview
The General Employment Permit covers occupations not listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List, provided they are not on the Ineligible List. A Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is normally required unless exempt. Minimum salary was raised to €36,605 on 1 March 2026 (from €34,000).
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Job offer above the minimum salary threshold for the year of application.
- ✓Occupation not on the Ineligible Occupations List.
- ✓Labour Market Needs Test satisfied by the employer, unless exempt.
Common blockers
- !Occupation on the Ineligible Occupations List.
- !Employer does not run or satisfy the LMNT.
Typical evidence
- ·Signed employment contract.
- ·Evidence of LMNT compliance (advertisement in qualifying media).
Application pathway
Confirm occupation eligibility
Check that the role is not on the Ineligible Occupations List.
Employer conducts LMNT
Advertise the role in a national newspaper and on EURES, Jobs Ireland, and one other media source for the required period, unless exempt.
Submit permit application
Employer or employee submits via EPOS.
Obtain visa if required and travel
Non-EEA nationals from visa-required countries apply for an entry visa.
Register with ISD on arrival
Receive Stamp 1 permission.
Recent policy changes affecting this route
What changed most recently on this route — each linked to its primary government source.
- 15 October 2025In force 15 October 2025
Ireland refreshes Critical Skills Occupation List
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment published a refreshed Critical Skills Occupation List, adding several construction and care-related roles and tightening criteria for some ICT roles.
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ireland) →
Other Republic of Ireland routes covered for Nigerian applicants
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Fast-track employment permit for high-skill roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
Stamp 4 permission
Long-term residence permission allowing unrestricted work in Ireland.
Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)
Family reunification permission for spouses, civil partners, and dependants of Irish or EEA nationals resident in Ireland.
Not sure Republic of Ireland is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that Nigerian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nigerian citizens eligible for the General Employment Permit?+
Eligibility for the General Employment Permit is set by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Nigerian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Nigerian applicants typically file the General Employment Permit?+
Abuja. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Nigerian applicants need a tourist visa for Republic of Ireland as well?+
Nigerian nationals require a visa for any entry into Republic of Ireland. The General Employment Permit is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long does the General Employment Permit take to process from Nigeria?+
The typical published decision window is 6 weeks – 3 months. Nigerian applicants usually file via Abuja, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: DETE — Employment permits current processing dates, verified 1 June 2026.
How long until permanent residence in Republic of Ireland?+
Arrival → Stamp 4 (2 years on CSEP, 5 on GEP) → citizenship (5 years reckonable, typically year 6–7 from arrival). The route leads to Long-Term Residence / Stamp 4, then Irish citizenship. See ISD — Irish citizenship by naturalisation for the qualifying-residence rules.
Can spouses work on a General Employment Permit?+
Spouses of General Employment Permit holders receive Stamp 3 permission, which does not permit work. They can apply for their own employment permit if they secure a qualifying offer. This is a key difference from the Critical Skills route.