In short: The Labour Market Needs Test is a 28-day advertising step required for most General Employment Permit applications — it shows no EEA worker was available before a permit is granted. CA Recruitment runs the entire test for you, in the format DETE requires.
What the Labour Market Needs Test is
The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is a requirement on most General Employment Permit applications. Before the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) will grant the permit, the role has to be advertised in Ireland and across the EEA, to demonstrate that no suitable EEA national was available to fill it.
The current rules
- The role is advertised for at least 28 consecutive days.
- It must appear with the Department of Social Protection Employment Services / EURES network (through Jobs Ireland), plus one additional online platform (a jobs website or similar).
- Every application received and its outcome must be recorded in the format DETE requires.
- The Employment Permits Act 2024 removed the old national-newspaper requirement — advertising is now online.
When it is not required
The Critical Skills Employment Permit does not require an LMNT, and certain roles and situations are exempt. We confirm whether your specific role needs one before any work begins.
What CA Recruitment does
We run the whole test: placing the adverts on Jobs Ireland and the additional platform, maintaining the application log, and documenting every outcome to DETE's standard. You don't post anything or keep any records. And because we source candidates from the Philippines during the same 28-day window, the LMNT period isn't wasted time — it runs in parallel with building your shortlist. For the full step-by-step, see our Labour Market Needs Test employer guide.
Need to run a Labour Market Needs Test?
We handle the entire 28-day process. WhatsApp Monette for a free eligibility check and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is a step in most General Employment Permit applications where the role is advertised in Ireland and the EEA first, to show no suitable EEA worker is available before an employment permit is granted.
The role must be advertised for at least 28 consecutive days. CA Recruitment runs candidate sourcing from the Philippines in parallel with the 28-day window so the LMNT period does not add dead time to your hire.
With the Department of Social Protection Employment Services / EURES network through Jobs Ireland, plus one additional online platform, for at least 28 consecutive days. The Employment Permits Act 2024 removed the old requirement to advertise in a national newspaper.
No. The Critical Skills Employment Permit does not require an LMNT, and certain roles and circumstances are exempt. CA Recruitment confirms whether your role needs one during the free eligibility check.