Non-EU citizens can obtain the Ireland General Work Permit to work in the country. In most cases, you are required to have obtained the General Work Permit before you visit Ireland.

With General Employment Permits, all occupations are presumed eligible to be applied for unless specifically indicated, in contrast to Critical Skills Employment Permits, where the State lists eligible occupations. All professions are, therefore, eligible for employment permits except jobs included in the Ineligible List of Occupations.

What Is the Ireland General Work Permits?

The General Work Permit Ireland is a work permit that allows non-EU citizens to work in Ireland. As the name “General Work Permits,” implies, applicants are allowed to work in any occupation where there is a labour shortage except those included in the ineligible list of occupations for employment permits. This permit is typically valid for 2 years, and you must meet several eligibility criteria to obtain it.

Who Needs the Permit to Work in Ireland?

Before you enter Ireland to work, you or your employer must obtain an employment work permit. However, if you already reside in Ireland and hold a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP), you can apply for an employment permit without leaving the country.

The IRP you hold must have Stamp 1, 1G, 2, 2A or 3 permission for that to be possible. If you are a Stamp 4 holder, you wouldn’t need an employment permit to work in Ireland.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

The Irish Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation (DBEI) issues the Irish employment permit. Therefore, they must assess applicants to know whether they meet the eligibility criteria, which include the following:

  • Your minimum annual salary is up to €30,000. However, this minimum salary amount may be lower depending on individual situation.
  • You possess adequate skills for the job.
  • Your employer is registered with the Companies Registration Office/Registry of Friendly Societies and with the Revenue Commissioners.
  • Your employer does business in Ireland.
  • Your employer has carried out a Labour Market Needs test.
  • The current workforce of the company hiring you consists of at least 50% EU/EEA nationals.

What Is the Application Process?

You or your employer need to apply online for a General Employment Permit through the Employment Permit Online System (EPOS) by following the process below.

File the Application Online

Visit the EPOS page and fill out the appropriate application form to obtain a specific Employment Permit as an employee. Fill out the form with your correct details.

Submit Your Documents

After filling out the application form, gather all the required documents, scan them and upload them appropriately. Also, pay your application fees to proceed.

Apply for an Ireland Work Visa

After receiving your General Employment Permit, you must obtain an Ireland Work visa to be permitted into Ireland to start working. If you have not been issued an Employment Permit, you will not be permitted to apply for an Ireland Work visa, as there is no Ireland Work Permit without a job offer.

Apply online through the visa application facility of Ireland and complete your visa application form following the prompts. Upon your online application submission, you will receive an application summary that you must print, along with an address for submitting the necessary documents. Include all the required documents and submit your file to the specified address.

Applying for Your Ireland Residence Permit

Once you enter Ireland, you must visit the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to obtain your Ireland Residence Permit. You must do this before the allowable stay period affixed to your passport expires.

What Supporting Documents Are Required?

You must include some documents in your application for an Ireland Employment Permit. These documents include:

  • Your passport-sized photographs that conform with the permit application photo guidelines.
  • Your international passport, which includes your picture, signature and personal details.
  • Your work contract copy, duly signed by you and your employer.
  • A copy of your current immigration visa, if you are residing in Ireland when applying. You may also provide a copy of the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) permission letter if you work in Ireland under the AWS.
  • Your employer’s details, such as type of company, trading name, etc.
  • Your employment details, such as title, duties, job duration, qualifications, and so on.
  • A copy of the enterprise Ireland/IDA letter of support for the company, if required.
  • License number or registration pin of the company issued by a relevant Irish Regulatory body.
  • Information on other visas that have previously been granted to you, if required.
  • Information of a contact person, such as phone number, email address, and position in the company.
  • Copy of your CE or C1E License, if you are a HGV Driver.
  • Evidence that your employer ran an ad about the job for a minimum of 2 weeks in the Department of Social Protection Employment Services/EURES Employment Network.
  • Evidence the job was advertised by your employer in a national newspaper for a minimum of 3 days. Get copies of the advertisements for each day.
  • Explain why the Labour Market Needs Test is not necessary, if it is not required.

The Costs of General Work Permit Application?

You will be required to pay application fees to obtain a Work permit in Ireland, and the fee you will pay depends on the duration of your employment in Ireland. They include:

  • €1,000 for 2 years of employment and €1,500 for its renewal.
  • €500 for up to 6 months of employment and €750 for its renewal.

Should you have an unsuccessful application, 90% of the paid fee will be refunded.

Conclusion

The processes involved in obtaining an Irish General Work Permit are rigorous. You will be required to gather all required documents to make a solid application.

The Ireland General Work permit processing time typically aligns with the order of receipt of the completed application form and fee. For this reason, it’s advised to seek legal guidance in submitting your application to avoid errors that can delay your application process