Work in Ireland
Critical Skills and General Employment Permits for in-demand professionals. We help you understand which permit fits and connect you with employers.
Ireland’s employment permit system is designed to bring in skilled people for roles that are hard to fill. In most cases your employer applies for the permit after offering you a job, so finding the right employer is the key first step.
Who this route suits
- Technology, engineering, healthcare and finance professionals (Critical Skills)
- Skilled workers in other eligible occupations (General Employment Permit)
- Healthcare assistants and care workers in eligible roles
- Candidates with a degree and relevant experience
How the Irish permit process works
- Check which permit fits. The occupation and salary decide this.
- Prepare your CV and cover letter for the Irish job market.
- Get a job offer from an employer willing to apply for your permit.
- Your employer applies for the employment permit.
- Apply for your visa and travel, then register with immigration after arrival.
Usual timeline
Permit processing is typically a matter of weeks to a couple of months once the employer applies, but the job search takes longer. Times and thresholds change.
Documents you will usually need
- Passport and photographs
- CV and qualification certificates
- Experience letters and references
- Signed job offer or contract
- Employment permit approval (applied for by the employer)
- Medical and police clearance, where requested
Our free Document Checklist builds a list for your exact situation.
What Nexus Abroad does for you
- An honest check of which permit and route suit you
- CV and cover letter guidance (full support through our job-support package)
- Employer connection where roles are available
- Guidance on where and how to apply
- Help with the permit, visa and documents
- Pre-departure briefing, and family or dependent visas where eligible
Honest note: Ireland has published a roadmap of gradual increases to salary thresholds up to 2030, and the lists of eligible occupations are updated regularly. We check the current thresholds and lists before advising you. We cannot promise a job offer or visa. Employers and immigration authorities make those decisions.
Questions about Ireland
What is the difference between the two permits?
The Critical Skills permit is for occupations the government lists as hard to fill and has a higher salary threshold. The General Employment Permit covers a wider range of eligible jobs with a lower threshold but more employer conditions.
Do I need a degree?
For the Critical Skills permit at the lower threshold, a relevant degree is generally expected. Without one, a much higher salary threshold applies.
Who pays for the permit?
Permit fees and conditions are set by the authorities and employer arrangements. We explain what to expect during your consultation.
Can I get an Irish permit for a waiter, cook, housekeeping or building job?
The government’s Ineligible Occupations List says no employment permits for waiters, bar staff, kitchen and catering assistants, cooks, housekeepers and cleaners. Chefs can qualify only at certain grades with 2 to 5 years of experience, and not in fast-food outlets. Most building trades are on the list too, with a few exceptions such as steel fixers. Some professional construction roles may qualify under the Critical Skills list. We check the current lists for your role.
Official sources
Official pages checked on 24 October 2026.
Last reviewed October 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so we confirm the current position for your case.
Your first consultation is free.
Sit down with us in Narayanganj or talk online. We will look at your profile honestly and explain your real options, with no pressure and no promises we cannot keep.