Ireland has several employment permits, but two come up most often for skilled workers: the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit. They work differently, so it helps to understand which is closer to your profile.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
This permit is aimed at occupations the Irish government considers hard to fill, typically in areas such as technology, engineering, healthcare and finance. It has a higher salary threshold but is designed to be faster and to offer a clearer route to longer-term residence for eligible workers.
General Employment Permit
This permit covers a broader range of occupations that are not on the ineligible list. The salary threshold is lower, but the employer usually has to meet extra conditions, such as showing that the role was advertised first.
Minimum salary thresholds (from 1 March 2026)
| Permit | Minimum annual salary |
|---|---|
| Critical Skills, with a relevant degree | €40,904 |
| Critical Skills, without a relevant degree | €68,911 |
| Critical Skills, graduate | €36,848 |
| General Employment Permit | €36,605 |
| General Employment Permit, graduate | €34,009 |
| Healthcare assistants, home carers and care workers | €32,691 |
These thresholds apply to both new applications and renewals, and the Irish government has published a roadmap of gradual increases up to 2030, so figures will change.
Who applies?
In most cases the employer applies for the permit on your behalf after offering you a job. That is why connecting with the right employers is such an important step, and it is where our work service focuses.
Which permit might suit you?
- If you are a qualified professional in technology, engineering, healthcare or finance, the Critical Skills permit may fit.
- If your occupation is not on the critical list but is eligible, the General permit may apply.
- If you are not sure, a free consultation will help us look at your qualifications and experience honestly.
Please note: this article is general guidance, last reviewed in October 2026. Visa rules, fees and thresholds change often, so always confirm the current requirements on the official government website or with us before you apply.
Last reviewed October 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so we confirm the current position for your case.