EU citizens, EEA Nationals and Swiss Nationals are generally entitled to live and work in Ireland. However, non EU or EEA Nations are required to have the relevant employment permit and visa.
There are currently 9 different types of employment permits available in Ireland, each with its own unique application form and process.
The most widely availed of work permits include;
The General Employment Permit
All occupations are eligible to apply for a general employment permit unless specifically excluded. A General Employment Permit may also be obtained with respect to a 12-month contract. It is granted for 24 months and can be renewed for a further 3 years.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Department of Business and Enterprise maintains a list of critical skills which includes occupations such as ICT professionals, professional engineers and technologists. If you are qualified to perform one of the jobs on the critical skills list, you may be able to get a visa to work in Ireland, provided that you meet the relevant criteria.
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
Eligible dependents such as unmarried children, civil partners, and spouses, who have been admitted to the State as family members of holders of these categories of Employment Permits and Researchers may apply for an employment permit.
Changing Employment
If you have been granted an employment permit and wish to change jobs, you will need to get a valid offer of employment from your new employer. A fresh employment permit will need to be made and you will need to furnish all of your original documentation to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Do you Require an Employment Permit?
If you fall into one of the following categories, then you will not require a permit:
- A citizen of the EEA or Switzerland plus spouses, civil partners and dependants of these individuals.
- Those granted refugee status in Ireland;
- Those given permission to remain on humanitarian grounds;
- If you’re a spouse, civil partner or child of an Irish citizen;
- Postgraduate students where the work is crucial to their study;
- Non-EEA nationals carrying out scientific research for an approved research organisations;
- Individuals on the Van der Elst process
- People on the Atypical Working Scheme (short-term contract)
Visas
People from certain countries need a visa in order to enter Ireland and should obtain one before they travel. You do not need a visa to visit Ireland if you are a citizen of the EEA or one of the countries which has been exempted.
If you are granted an employment permit, you may need to apply for a visa.
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