Question 1

What is a Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is designed to attract highly skilled workers to Ireland in occupations where there are strategic skills shortages. It is one of the most soughtafter employment permits as it provides a fast track to longterm residency in Ireland.

To qualify, the job must be in an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List maintained by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The minimum annual remuneration is generally EUR 38,000 for occupations

Question 2

What is a General Employment Permit in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The General Employment Permit (GEP) allows nonEEA nationals to work in Ireland in occupations that are not on the Ineligible Categories of Employment list. Unlike the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the GEP covers a broader range of occupations, but the role must not appear on the ineligible list, which includes occupations such as general labourers, retail assistants, and certain hospitality roles.

The minimum annual remuneration for a GEP is generally EUR 34,000. For certain occupations an

Question 3

What is an Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The IntraCompany Transfer (ICT) Employment Permit allows multinational companies to transfer senior management, key personnel, or trainees from an overseas branch to an Irish branch of the same company or a connected company. This permit facilitates the movement of skilled workers within global organisations and supports Ireland's position as a hub for multinational investment.

To qualify, the employee must have been employed by the overseas entity for at least six months (or twelve months for

Question 4

What is Stamp 1 permission in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Stamp 1 is an immigration permission granted to nonEEA nationals who have been issued an employment permit to work in Ireland. It is the standard immigration stamp for those holding a Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, or other workrelated permits. Stamp 1 permission is specific and restrictive: it allows the holder to work only for the employer named on the employment permit and only in the role specified.

If a Stamp 1 holder wishes to change employer, they must obta

Question 5

What is the Atypical Working Scheme in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is an immigration permission managed by the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department of Justice. It is designed to cover shortterm or atypical employment situations that are not covered by the standard employment permit system operated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The AWS applies to situations such as shortterm contracts of less than 90 days for nonvisarequired nationals, locum doctors, paid internships in certain

Question 6

How do I apply for an employment permit in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Employment permit applications in Ireland are submitted through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS), which is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Either the employer or the prospective employee can submit the application, though in practice it is often the employer who applies.

Before applying, the employer must generally conduct a labour market needs test by advertising the position for at least 28 days on the DSP Employment Services and EURES jobs portal, as

Question 7

What is the Stamp 1G Third Level Graduate permission in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Stamp 1G is an immigration permission granted under the Third Level Graduate Programme to nonEEA nationals who have graduated from an Irish higher education institution with a qualification at Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree) or above on the National Framework of Qualifications. It allows graduates to remain in Ireland to seek employment without requiring an employment permit.

Holders of a Level 8 qualification are granted Stamp 1G for 12 months, while holders of a Level 9 (Master's) or Level

Question 8

What is the Critical Skills Occupations List in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The Critical Skills Occupations List is maintained by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and identifies occupations in Ireland where there are strategic skills shortages. Roles on this list are eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which offers significant advantages including a fast track to Stamp 4 permission after two years.

The list is reviewed and updated twice per year following a public consultation process. It is divided into occupations with a minim

Question 9

Can I change employer while on a work permit in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

In Ireland, an employment permit is issued for a specific employer and a specific role. If you wish to change employer, you must apply for a new employment permit with the new employer before you commence work with them. You cannot simply transfer your existing permit to a new employer.

The new employer must submit a fresh application through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) on your behalf, or you may apply yourself with the new employer's consent. The application process is the same

Question 10

What is the labour market needs test for work permits in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The labour market needs test is a mandatory requirement for most General Employment Permit applications in Ireland. Its purpose is to demonstrate that the employer has made a genuine effort to fill the position with an Irish or EEA national before offering it to a nonEEA worker.

To satisfy the test, the employer must advertise the vacancy in the following way: the position must be advertised with the Department of Social Protection's Employment Services and on the EURES (European Employment Ser

Question 11

What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The Startup Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) allows nonEEA nationals with an innovative business idea and funding of at least EUR 50,000 to establish a business in Ireland. The programme is designed to attract entrepreneurs from around the world and is managed by the Immigration Service Delivery in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland.

To qualify, applicants must have a viable and innovative business proposal that has the potential to create at least 10 jobs within three to four years and generate

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Work Permits