Work Permits

An Employment Permit permits employment for non-nationals who otherwise do not have an entitlement to work in the State under the conditions of their permission. To promote sourcing of labour from within Ireland and the EU where there are gaps, the State can cater for that by Employment Permit policy changes where doing so benefits the State's economic and social development.

The Government's policy is that employment opportunities arising in Ireland should, in the first instance, be offered to suitably skilled Irish and other EEA nationals, and should only be offered to non-EEA nationals where no suitable candidate emerges from within the EEA to fill the vacancy. This policy also fulfils the State's obligations under the Community Preference principles of membership of the EU.

Employment Permit Requirements

Employers must satisfy a Labour Market Needs Test before a General Employment Permit or Contract for Services Employment Permit can be issued to a non-EEA national.
Labour Market Test is not required for certain employment permits such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
General Employment Permit is the most common work permit granted to non-EU citizens.
Occupations listed under the Critical Skills Occupations List are also eligible.

An Employment Permit does not automatically grant permission to reside in Ireland. Separate residence permission is required from the Minister for Justice.

It is important to understand the difference between an Employment Permit and permission to reside in Ireland. A work permit authorises employment only, while residence permission authorises a person to live in the State.

At Leap Liberty Legal Ltd. we assist clients with Employment Permits and permission to stay applications. Please note that you will need a valid job offer before we can apply for a work permit on your behalf.

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