Ireland is a great place for people from around the world who want to grow their careers in a lively and friendly setting. Known for its strong economy and diverse culture, it draws many skilled workers every year.
If you’re thinking about working in Ireland in 2025, it’s important to understand how to get a work visa.This guide will walk you through the different types of work visas, what you need to apply, and how the process works—so you can take the next step with confidence.
Overview:
- General Employment Permit
This permit is for jobs in Ireland that don’t have enough local workers. It allows people from other countries to work in positions that are hard to fill. - Critical Skills Employment Permit
This permit is designed for highly skilled workers in important fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering. It also offers a faster path to becoming a permanent resident in Ireland. - Intra-Company Transfer Permit
This visa lets employees from international companies move to their company’s Irish branch. It’s mainly for managers, key staff, or employees in training. - Contract for Services Employment Permit
This permit is used when a company outside the EU is hired to provide services to a business in Ireland. It allows the company to send its workers to carry out the job.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from an employer in Ireland.
- Your offered salary should meet the minimum required for the type of work permit you’re applying for, especially if it’s the Critical Skills Permit.
- You need to have the right education and work experience for the job.
- The company hiring you must be officially registered with Ireland’s Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation.
- In certain cases, the employer must show that no suitable Irish or EU candidate was available for the job.
Easy Steps to Apply:
- Get a Job Offer
First, secure a job offer from an Irish employer who is registered and allowed to hire international workers. - Choose the Right Permit
Pick the permit that fits your skills and salary. For example, if you work in IT, healthcare, or another in-demand field, the Critical Skills Permit may be best. - Apply for the Permit
In most cases, your employer will apply for the permit on your behalf. However, you can also apply yourself if needed. - Fill Out the Online Form
Use the Employment Permits Online System to complete the application. Submit the required documents and pay the fee. - Wait for Review
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation will assess your application. This usually takes a few weeks. - Get the Decision
If your application is successful, you’ll receive your work permit with all the job details and conditions included. - Apply for an Entry Visa (If Needed)
If you’re from a visa-required country, apply for a visa through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service before traveling. - Move to Ireland
Once you have your permit and visa (if needed), you’re ready to travel to Ireland and begin working.
Approval Time:
Work permit processing times can differ depending on the type of permit and how many applications are being handled. On average, it takes about 6 to 12 weeks. So, it’s a good idea to apply early—well before your planned start date.
How to Get Permanent Residency:
One big advantage of working in Ireland is the chance to stay permanently. If you work legally in Ireland for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. For people with a Critical Skills Employment Permit, this wait is usually only two years. Once you have permanent residency, you can live and work in Ireland without any limits.Ireland is a great place for people from around the world who want to grow their careers in a lively and friendly setting. Known for its strong economy and diverse culture, it draws many skilled workers every year.
If you’re thinking about working in Ireland in 2025, it’s important to understand how to get a work visa.This guide will walk you through the different types of work visas, what you need to apply, and how the process works—so you can take the next step with confidence.
Overview:
- General Employment Permit
This permit is for jobs in Ireland that don’t have enough local workers. It allows people from other countries to work in positions that are hard to fill. - Critical Skills Employment Permit
This permit is designed for highly skilled workers in important fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering. It also offers a faster path to becoming a permanent resident in Ireland. - Intra-Company Transfer Permit
This visa lets employees from international companies move to their company’s Irish branch. It’s mainly for managers, key staff, or employees in training. - Contract for Services Employment Permit
This permit is used when a company outside the EU is hired to provide services to a business in Ireland. It allows the company to send its workers to carry out the job.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from an employer in Ireland.
- Your offered salary should meet the minimum required for the type of work permit you’re applying for, especially if it’s the Critical Skills Permit.
- You need to have the right education and work experience for the job.
- The company hiring you must be officially registered with Ireland’s Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation.
- In certain cases, the employer must show that no suitable Irish or EU candidate was available for the job.
Easy Steps to Apply:
- Get a Job Offer
First, secure a job offer from an Irish employer who is registered and allowed to hire international workers. - Choose the Right Permit
Pick the permit that fits your skills and salary. For example, if you work in IT, healthcare, or another in-demand field, the Critical Skills Permit may be best. - Apply for the Permit
In most cases, your employer will apply for the permit on your behalf. However, you can also apply yourself if needed. - Fill Out the Online Form
Use the Employment Permits Online System to complete the application. Submit the required documents and pay the fee. - Wait for Review
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation will assess your application. This usually takes a few weeks. - Get the Decision
If your application is successful, you’ll receive your work permit with all the job details and conditions included. - Apply for an Entry Visa (If Needed)
If you’re from a visa-required country, apply for a visa through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service before traveling. - Move to Ireland
Once you have your permit and visa (if needed), you’re ready to travel to Ireland and begin working.
Approval Time:
Work permit processing times can differ depending on the type of permit and how many applications are being handled. On average, it takes about 6 to 12 weeks. So, it’s a good idea to apply early—well before your planned start date.
How to Get Permanent Residency:
One big advantage of working in Ireland is the chance to stay permanently. If you work legally in Ireland for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. For people with a Critical Skills Employment Permit, this wait is usually only two years. Once you have permanent residency, you can live and work in Ireland without any limits.