Ireland Work Visa Application and Permit Requirements

Ireland Work Visa and Permit is for a non-EU/EEA national who wants to work in Ireland, to be allowed to work and earn in Ireland you will have to get permission to work from the Irish immigration authorities, ie. obtain an Ireland work permit.

Lists of Ireland Work Visas and Permit

Critical Skills Employment Permit
General Employment Permit
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
Internship Employment Permit
Contract for Services Employment Permit
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
Reactivation Employment Permit

How to apply for Ireland Work Permit

If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA member state or Switzerland, then you will most likely have to apply for an Ireland work permit. However, even in this case there are some exemptions.

You are exempt from an Ireland work permit (ie. you can work without an employment permit), if you fall under one of the following categories:

You are an Ireland Student Visa holder.
- International students can only work up to 20 hours a week during the school year, and full time (40 hours) during the holidays.
You are the foreign national spouse, civil partner or parent of an Irish citizen.
You have received refugee status in Ireland.
You have received permission to remain on humanitarian grounds.
You are carrying out scientific research for an approved research organisation.
You are a postgraduate student and the employment is a required part of your course.

Irish Work Permit Requirements

The requirements you have to fulfill to be eligible for an Ireland work permit are:

You must have either a work contract or job offer from an Irish company.
Unless you are applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, your employer has to pass the Labour Markets Needs Test, which is used to ensure that the Irish employer could not find an Irish or EU/EEA/Swiss citizen instead who would be suited for the job.
If you are applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit your minimum annual salary must be at least €30,000 or €80,000, depending on the occupation.
If you are applying for a General Employment Permit, your minimum annual salary must be at least €30,000.
For any other type of Ireland work permit, the annual minimum salary must meet the National Minimum Wage.
At least 50% of the employers in the Irish company that is hiring you must be EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

Your valid passport.
Photos in accordance with the Ireland photo requirements.
Proof of paid work visa fees.
Proof of legal residence in the country from which you are applying.
A letter that explains that your purpose of travel is gaining employment.
Evidence that you have accommodation in Ireland. If your employer is providing you with accommodation, state the accommodation details.
Details of previous visas (if applicable).
Proof of sufficient funds, in the form of bank statements from the previous six months.

The bank statements have to be in headed paper from the bank.
They must show your name, address, account number and account type.
They must show all transactions from the last six months. If there are any large or unusual transactions, provide an explanation.

Proof you will return to your country.

A self-addressed, pre-paid envelope.

Your Employment Permit from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.
Your work contract or details of job offer.
A letter from your employer in Ireland, which:
Confirms they have employed you and states the details of your employment and the work you will do.
States the salary you will receive.

Proof of qualifications (such as educational certificates or other qualifications).
Details of previous work experience.
Proof of medical insurance. You must take out private medical insurance in Ireland covering at least €25,000 for cases of accidents, disease and hospitalization.