Irish Employment Permits, Explained for Employers

Two main permits cover most overseas hires in Ireland. Here's which one applies to your role — and how we handle the whole DETE process for you.

If you're hiring a worker from outside the EEA, you'll need an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE). The employer applies, not the worker. Most roles use the General Employment Permit; higher-skilled shortage roles use the Critical Skills Employment Permit. CA Recruitment confirms the right one and manages the application end-to-end.

General Employment Permit

The main permit for most roles. Minimum €36,605 (lower for some), Labour Market Needs Test required.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

For higher-skilled shortage roles. No Labour Market Needs Test, faster route to Stamp 4.

Work Permit Guide for Employers

The full end-to-end journey: eligibility, application, visa, arrival and onboarding.

Labour Market Needs Test

The 28-day advertising step required for most General Employment Permits — and how we run it for you.

Stamp 1 Explained

The immigration permission your worker holds on an employment permit, and the path to Stamp 4.

Costs & Timelines

What it costs and how long it takes to hire an overseas worker — honest numbers, no surprises.

Not sure which permit you need?

Send us the role and salary — we'll confirm the correct permit and what it involves, free.