Irish Work Permits

Introduction

For jobs in which there are labor shortages, an Irish Green Card can be given to a non-EU citizen for working in Ireland. These do not require a "labor market needs test", which satisfies to Irish authorities that a suitable local or EU/EEA worker could not be found to fill the job. For all other jobs with a salary above 30,000 euros a year (and in some limited circumstances, jobs below 30,000 euros a year), Irish Work Permits are available. The required income level does not include bonuses. However, employers must prove that a suitable local or EU/EEA candidate could not be found by undertaking a labor market needs test.

How it Works

Irish Work Permits allow third country citizens to work for the employer specified in the permit. Work permits are issued for an initial two-year period and can be renewed for a further three years. After five years, the work permit can be renewed indefinitely.

Unlike other EU nations, either the employer or the employee can apply for the work permit. The worker must have the required skills, experience, and qualifications to undertake the work.

There are a list of jobs in which work permits will not be issued, no matter what income level.

Labor Market Needs Test

Employers wishing to hire a non-EU/EEA citizen must have first advertised the vacancy with the FÁS/EURES employment network. The website for FÁS and the website for EURES contain more information on advertising jobs.

The vacancy must be listed for at least three days to ensure that an EU/EEA (including Switzerland) could not be found, and secondly, that a Bulgarian or Romanian national could not be found. While Bulgaria and Romania are in the EU, their citizens' ability to enter the Irish labor market is restricted until 2014 at the latest.

Irish Work Permit - How much does it cost?

The fees for a work permit are as follows:

Family Re-unification

Non-EU nationals working in Ireland under an Irish Work Permit are eligible to apply for immediate family re-unification (spouses and dependants). Once spouses and dependants are legally resident in Ireland, they can apply to work as well (see the Spousal/Dependant work permit section).