Republic of Ireland visas
Ireland operates an employment permits system administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), with immigration permissions separately issued by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). The Critical Skills Employment Permit is the headline route for high-skill migration.
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Regulators of immigration advice
- Law Society of Ireland (Law Society) — Regulates solicitors in Ireland who may provide immigration advice.
Visa routes (7)
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Fast-track employment permit for high-skill roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
General Employment Permit
Sponsored employment permit for roles not on the Critical Skills list but above the general salary threshold.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Residence programme for founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up in Ireland.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Stamp 4 permission
Long-term residence permission allowing unrestricted work in Ireland.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Irish Student visa (Stamp 2)
Study permission for international students enrolled at eligible Irish institutions on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)
Family reunification permission for spouses, civil partners, and dependants of Irish or EEA nationals resident in Ireland.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)
Historic golden-visa equivalent; closed to new applications from 15 February 2023.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Recent Republic of Ireland policy changes
·material
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.
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