So you’ve decided to move to Ireland and take the leap into the world of work? That’s great! The Emerald Isle is a great place to live, and plenty of opportunities await you. But before you can start work, you’ll need to get your hands on a general employment permit.
Obtaining a general employment permit can be a bit of a hassle, but with the correct information, it’s doable. In this article, we’ll outline the process for obtaining a general employment permit and provide some tips to help make things go as smoothly as possible.
What Is a General Employment Permit?
A General Employment Permit is a work permit that allows non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland in certain circumstances.
The General Employment Permit system is designed to protect the Irish labor market by ensuring that only highly skilled workers who cannot be recruited locally are employed here.
To get a General Employment Permit, you must first get a job offer from an employer in Ireland. Once you have a job offer, your employer must apply for a labor market needs test from the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation.
If the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation decide that the job could be filled by an Irish worker or an EEA national, your employer will not be able to apply for a General Employment Permit on your behalf.
Who Is Eligible for the Republic of Ireland General Employment Permit?
If you’re looking to move to Ireland to work, you’ll need to get a general employment permit. But who is eligible for one of these? Let’s take a look.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a non-European Economic Area national.
- You must have received a job offer from an Irish company.
- Meet the minimum salary requirements of 30,000 Euros.
- Possess the skills necessary for the position.
- Not be filling a job that could be filled by an Irish national or EEA national.
If you meet the above criteria, you should be eligible for a general employment permit. So if you’ve got your heart set on working in Ireland, start here!
Once you have the required documents, submit them online via the General Employment Permit application portal. You’ll then receive a decision on your application within ten working days.
Documents Required for a General Employment Permit Application
You will need a few documents to apply for a General Employment Permit, which you can find listed on the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation website.
You will need the following:
- A copy of the employment contract or offer of employment must be less than six months old. The contract must be signed by both the employer and employee and include details such as job title, salary, and start date.
- A letter from the employer confirming that the position is still available and that they are willing to employ the foreign national.
- Evidence that the position being offered cannot be filled by an Irish/EU/EEA national, e.g., job advertisement, skills shortage list.
- The application fee of €1,000
What Is the Critical Skills Employment Permit?
The Critical Skills Employment Permit, or CSEP, is a work permit that allows highly skilled non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland. The CSEP is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years.
To be eligible for a CSEP, you must have an offer of employment from an Irish company in an occupation that appears on the Critical Skills Occupations List. You must also have the required level of education and experience for the role.
If you’re approved for a CSEP, you’ll be able to work in Ireland for the duration of your permit. You may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency after five years.
So if you’re looking to work in Ireland, the CSEP is a great option to explore.
Who Is Eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit?
To be eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, you must:
- Possess an employment offer from an Irish business for a position on the Highly Skilled Occupations List
- Have at least 3 years of experience in your chosen occupation
- Meet the minimum salary requirement of €30,000 per year
- Have a relevant degree or professional qualification
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Be registered with the Irish Medical Council, if you’re a doctor or dentist
How to Apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit
If you’re interested in applying for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, you’ll need to meet a few requirements.
First and foremost, you’ll need a job offer from an Irish company in an occupation on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List.
You’ll also need to have a degree recognized by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland or equivalent experience in your field.
Last but not least, you’ll need to be able to show that you have the required English language skills for your occupation.
If you meet all of the above requirements, you can begin the application process by completing the online application form on the INIS website.
The Benefits of Having a Critical Skills Employment Permit
A lot of great benefits come with having a Critical Skills Employment Permit. For one, it allows you to live and work in Ireland for up to five years. And once you have it, you can apply for permanent residency.
Another significant benefit is that it also grants your spouse or partner an employment permit. So if you’re relocating to Ireland with your family, they’ll be able to work too. And that’s a huge plus, especially if you’re moving to a new country.
Finally, having a Critical Skills Employment Permit makes it much easier to transition into Irish life. You won’t have to worry about paperwork or visas, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running and start enjoying all that Ireland has to offer.
