Republic of Ireland · work sponsored

General Employment Permit

Sponsored employment permit for roles not on the Critical Skills list but above the general salary threshold.

Sponsor requiredLeads to settlement2 years initially; renewable; longer-term residence possible after 5 years.

Last reviewed: 18 April 2026

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 €34,000 in January 2024 with further increases signalled.

Processing time

Typically 8–12 weeks.

See source window: 6 weeks – 3 months →

Government fees

€1,000 for 2 years.

Typical duration

2 years initially; renewable; longer-term residence possible after 5 years.

Primary source

DETE — General Employment Permit · Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Link last verified: 18 April 2026

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

Step 1
Confirm occupation eligibility
Check that the role is not on the Ineligible Occupations List.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
Submit permit application
Employer or employee submits via EPOS.
Step 4
Obtain visa if required and travel
Non-EEA nationals from visa-required countries apply for an entry visa.
Step 5
Register with ISD on arrival
Receive Stamp 1 permission.

Matches these professions

Nurse Care worker Researcher Finance professional

Also explored by

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Related routes

Critical Skills Employment Permit
Fast-track employment permit for high-skill roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

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Overview

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

Step 1

Confirm occupation eligibility

Check that the role is not on the Ineligible Occupations List.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Submit permit application

Employer or employee submits via EPOS.

Step 4

Obtain visa if required and travel

Non-EEA nationals from visa-required countries apply for an entry visa.

Step 5

Receive Stamp 1 permission.