Country guideProfessional roles
Many ICT, engineering, science and finance roles are on the Critical Skills Occupations List. Check your exact occupation in the list.
Official source
Country guide
Build your career in Ireland
In Ireland the employer, or you with a job offer, applies for an employment permit. Which permit fits depends on whether your occupation is on the Critical Skills list, allowed under a General Employment Permit, or on the Ineligible list.
At a glance
A clearer view of working in Ireland
- Jobs in our database
- Counting…
- Employer data
- Employers granted at least one Irish employment permit, from the Department of Enterprise records.
- Routes covered
- Critical Skills Employment Permit · General Employment Permit
- Language
- English
- Last reviewed
- Reviewed by HULA on 11 Oct 2026Sources checked 11 Oct 2026
- Official guidance
- Open the official government guidance
For your profession
Make this guide relevant to your work
Choose a profession above to highlight the path that fits you. This is general guidance, not a visa decision.
Healthcare
Nurses must register with NMBI and doctors with the Medical Council. Some care roles may qualify for a General Employment Permit under specific conditions.
Official sourceSkilled trades
Some trades are eligible for a General Employment Permit. Check that your role is not on the Ineligible Occupations List.
Official sourceFrontline roles
Many general service roles are on the Ineligible Occupations List. The list is reviewed, so check the current version.
Official sourceSeasonal work
Check the Department of Enterprise for whether a seasonal permit is currently open for your sector.
Official sourceCurrent jobs
See where employers are hiring now
A sample from different employers, taken from our own jobs database.
Work routes
Understand the routes before you apply
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Job offer neededFor occupations on the Critical Skills list.
General Employment Permit
Job offer neededFor occupations not on the Ineligible list.
Employer research
Choose where to apply with better evidence
Employers granted at least one Irish employment permit, from the Department of Enterprise records.
Explore Ireland employersResearch first. Apply with confidence.
- Employer evidence
- Current vacancies
- Original career pages
Your next steps
Move forward, one stage at a time
1
Before a job offer
- Check your occupation against the Critical Skills and Ineligible lists
- Look for employers with past permit history
- Start professional registration early if your job is regulated
2
After an offer
- Agree who will submit the permit application
- Check the salary on your contract meets the permit rules
- Apply for your entry visa if your nationality needs one
3
Preparing to move
- Register your immigration permission after arrival
- Get a PPS number
- Arrange accommodation early, especially in Dublin
Practical questions
The questions people ask before applying
Who applies for the permit?+
Either the employer or the employee with a job offer can apply.
Official sourceDoes past permit history mean an employer will hire me?+
No. It shows the employer has used permits before, not that they will sponsor this job.
Official sourceCompare and plan
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