The General Employment Permit is one of the most common routes for non-EEA nationals to work legally in Ireland. It’s employer-led, meaning your employer applies on your behalf, and it covers a wide range of occupations outside the Critical Skills list. If you’ve secured a job offer in Ireland and need a work permit, understanding this process is essential.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a General Employment Permit in 2026, from eligibility and timelines to what happens once it’s approved.
What Is the General Employment Permit?
The General Employment Permit allows non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland in roles that are not on the Ineligible Categories list and where the employer has demonstrated a labor market need. Unlike the Critical Skills Employment Permit, it doesn’t lead directly to Stamp 4 status, but after two years on a General Employment Permit (or a combination of work permits), you can apply for it.
Key features:
- Your employer must advertise the role for at least 28 days before applying, demonstrating they couldn’t fill it with an EEA worker.
- The permit is tied to a specific employer and role — if you change jobs, you’ll need a new permit.
- It’s valid for up to two years initially and can be renewed.
- Minimum salary requirement: $30,000 per year (around €28,000). For some experienced roles, it may be higher.
Check the official list of ineligible categories on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website — roles like retail assistants, general operatives, and some hospitality positions aren’t eligible.
Who Can Apply and How the Process Works
Your employer applies for the permit, not you. Before they do, they must:
- Advertise the job with the Department of Social Protection’s employment services (Intreo) and in another location (a national newspaper, jobs website, or recruitment agency) for at least 28 consecutive days.
- Provide evidence that no suitable EEA candidate was found.
- Offer you a salary that meets the minimum threshold and is in line with market rates.
Once the labor market test is complete, your employer submits the application online through the Department of Enterprise’s portal. You’ll need to provide:
- Your passport and any previous Irish immigration stamps or IRP cards.
- Proof of qualifications (if relevant to the role).
- Details of your employment contract.
The application fee is around $660 (€600), paid by your employer.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Standard processing time is approximately 8 to 12 weeks, though it can be longer during busy periods. You can check the current processing times on the Department of Enterprise website.
If your application is approved, your employer will receive the permit. They’ll send it to you, and you’ll use it to apply for your entry visa (if you’re outside Ireland) at your nearest Irish embassy or consulate. If you’re already in Ireland on another valid immigration permission (like a Stamp 1G or student visa), you may be able to apply to change your status without leaving the country — check with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) for your specific situation.
Once you arrive in Ireland (or change status), you must register with the ISD and receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. This card will show your Stamp 1 permission, which allows you to live and work in Ireland for the duration of your permit.
After Approval: Your Rights and Next Steps
On a General Employment Permit and Stamp 1, you can:
- Work full-time for your sponsoring employer in the role specified on your permit.
- Live in Ireland for the duration of your permit.
- Apply for family reunification (spouse and dependents under 18) once you’ve been working for 12 months and meet the income threshold.
You cannot change employers without applying for a new permit. If you lose your job, you have a limited time to find new employment and secure a new permit, or you may need to leave Ireland. Always check the terms of your permission with ISD.
After holding work permits for two years (any combination of General or Critical Skills), you can apply for Stamp 4, which gives you much more flexibility — you can work for any employer, start a business, or study.
After five years of legal residency (including time on work permits), you may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship through naturalization, provided you meet the other residency and character requirements.
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Many applications are delayed or refused because the labor market test wasn’t conducted properly or the salary offered was below the threshold. Make sure your employer follows the advertising rules precisely and keeps all documentation.
If you’re switching from a student visa or another permit type, confirm with ISD whether you need to leave Ireland to activate your new permission — rules vary depending on your current status.
Keep copies of everything: your permit, your employment contract, your IRP card, and all correspondence with your employer and the Department. You’ll need these for renewals, IRP registration, and any future immigration applications.
For the most current information, visit the Department of Enterprise, the Immigration Service Delivery, and Citizens Information.
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