Irish Green Card
Introduction
The Irish Green Card is an immigration scheme which allows non-European Union citizens to work in Ireland in occupations where labor shortages exist, or for occupations which pay more than 60,000 euros per year (not including bonuses).
Unlike employment permits in other EU countries, either the employee or the employer can apply for an Irish Green Card. On top of that, a labor market needs test -- a test which assures the government that an Irish citizen or an EU national could not be found to fill the job -- is not required.
How it works
The Irish Green Card is valid for two categories of work:
- Any occupation that pays more than 60,000 euros a year (excluding bonuses); or:
- Employment which pays between 30,000 and 49,999 euros per year (excluding bonuses) and are included on a list of occupations which are considered in shortage
Job Offer
The employee must have the required skills, experience, and qualifications to carry out the work. When applying for the Irish Green Card, the employee or employer must submit a valid job-offer on company-headed paper. The offer must contain the following:
- A complete description of the work that will be carried out
- The starting date
- Annual salary, not including bonuses
- Information about the required skill, experience, and qualifications required to carry out the work
Irish Green Card - How much does it cost?
A new Irish Green Card, valid for two years, costs 1,000 euros. Renewal of an Irish Green Card costs 1,500 euros and can be renewed indefinitely.
Family Re-unification
People working in Ireland under Irish Green Card permits are allowed to bring their family to live with them immediately upon being granted the permit.