Work Permits

Non-EEA nationals must have a permit to work in Ireland. EEA and Swiss nationals do not need an employment permit, except for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals.

Work Permits for European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals

Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), are entitled to come to Ireland to take up employment or self-employment. An employment permit is not required. The EEA comprises of the Member States of the European Union together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. 

Restrictions
It should be noted that there are continuing restrictions on access to the Irish labour market for nationals of Bulgaria and Romania.  Further details on these restrictions can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation website .

Work Permit Requirements for a non-EEA national

A non-EEA national, with exceptions in some cases, requires an employment permit to take up employment in Ireland.   Work permits are granted initially for two years, and then for a further three years. After five years, the work permit can be renewed indefinitely.

Either the employer or employee can apply for the employment permit, based on an offer of employment, to the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation.

It is an offence under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 for both an employer and an employee if a non-EEA national is in employment without an appropriate employment permit.

A number of changes were introduced on the 1st June 2009 and apply to new work permit applications, these include:

• Some additional excluded categories of employment (see the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation website for guidelines of occupations ineligible for work permits)
• No work permits granted for jobs with a salary of under €30,000 a year, (may be considered in exceptional cases)
• Labour market needs test changed to advertising with FÁS/EURES for 8 weeks and in national media for 6 days
• Spouses and dependants of new employment permit holders no longer exempt from labour markets needs test and fee
• Increased renewal fees for new work permit holders

Green Card Permits

The Green Card permit is an employment permit for most occupations with annual salaries of over €60,000 or certain occupations where there are skill shortages.  In some instances it is available for a restricted list of occupations with annual salaries of €30,000 to €59,999.  There is no requirement for a labour market needs test. 

The Green Card is issued for 2 years and a renewal permit is not required as it is intended to lead to the granting of long-term residence.  The fee for a Green Card permit must be paid by the applicant and it is €1,000 for duration of up to 2 years. 
(See the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation website for guidelines on Green Card permits)

Work Permit Fees

Fees in respect of Work Permits where the application for the foreign national’s first Employment Permit in the State was received before 1 June 2009

First Application Fee
€500 - six months or less
€1,000 – up to 24 months
Renewal Fee
€500 - six months or less
€1,000 -up to 24 months
€1,500 –up to 36 months

Fees in respect of Work Permits where the application for the foreign national’s first Employment Permit in the State was received on or after 1 June 2009

First Application Fee
€500 - six months or less
€1,000 up to 24 months

Renewal Fee
€750 - six months or less
€1,500 - up to 24 months
€2,250 - up to 36 months

Redundancy

You should notify the Employment Permits Section of the Department when you are informed of your redundancy. If your permission to remain in Ireland allows, you will have up to three months from the date of your redundancy to seek alternative employment. A labour market needs test will be required in respect of any subsequent work permit application you make. If the job from which you were made redundant was among the list of ineligible job categories, you will be entitled to apply for a new work permit for a position from that ineligible list.  You may also use certain services for jobseekers in FÁS offices, such as an interview with an employment services officer.

Short-time working

If you have been put on short-time working while on a work permit you may apply to have your work permit renewed.

Protection for migrant workers

Foreign nationals who are legally working in Ireland have exactly the same rights under employment legislation as Irish working here. 

Please note that information provided here is only of a general nature and may not address your particular circumstances; you may need more detailed information and/or legal advice.

The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland website provides further information on:

• Workplace Rights
• Work Permits and Green Cards
• Immigration Status
• Accessing Social Welfare/Emergency Supports
• Irish Social Welfare System
• Family Reunification