General Employment Permit
Ireland's General Employment Permit lets a non-EEA national work for an employer in Ireland in any occupation not on the Ineligible List of Occupations. The job must meet a minimum annual pay threshold, usually pass a Labour Market Needs Test, and the employer must meet the 50:50 rule. The permit is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; residence is then registered with immigration (Stamp 1).
Life in Ireland
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
102
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–40%
Income tax (national)
VAT 23% · social security 4.2%
40% above EUR 44,000 (single); plus USC of 0.5-8% and PRSI. Tax credits apply.
Living
1
Happiness
#13 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-EEA workers with a job offer from an Irish-registered employer in an eligible occupation, including roles that do not qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Eligibility
Job offer from a bona fide Irish employer
The employer must be registered with Revenue (and the CRO or Registry of Friendly Societies if applicable) and trading in Ireland.
Direct employment
You must be employed, salaried and paid directly by the employer that applies for the permit.
Eligible occupation
Your job must not be on the Ineligible List of Occupations; Critical Skills Occupations List roles are all eligible.
- Some roles are subject to quotas
Official wording
Any occupation not on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits; all Critical Skills Occupations List roles are eligible. Some roles are subject to quotas.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementMinimum annual remuneration (general)
- Document checklistEmployment permit application via Employment Permits Online (EPOS)
- FeesNew permit, up to 6 months
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 6 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Ireland
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Ireland
- Visit & tourismShort stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa
- StudyStudent permission (Stamp 2) for full-time degree programmes
- FamilyJoin Family: spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen
- Asylum & protectionInternational protection in Ireland
- CitizenshipIrish citizenship by naturalisation
- Work permitsCritical Skills Employment Permit
Work permits in other countries
- IsraelB/1 Work Visa – Foreign Expert
- Isle of ManIsle of Man Worker Migrant visa with Confirmation of Employment and work permit
- IndiaEmployment Visa
- IraqWork permit (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) followed by visa and residence for foreign workers
- IranTemporary Work visa (Type F) with Labour Ministry-approved labour certificate
- IcelandResidence permit based on work
