Work permits

Ireland Jobs for Foreigners 2026: Employment Permit Guide

How Ireland jobs for foreigners work under the Critical Skills and General Employment Permits, with the salary thresholds that applied from 1 March 2026.

EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026

Introduction

Ireland jobs for foreigners from outside the EEA usually need an employment permit. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment runs the system. Salary thresholds changed on 1 March 2026.

This guide compares the two main permits. It uses the department’s own pages and news release. Check the department site before you apply, because thresholds are reviewed.

Quick Information

Main permits	Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit
Critical Skills threshold	€40,904 for listed occupations with a relevant degree
Critical Skills, other jobs	€68,911 for occupations not on the ineligible list
Recent graduates	€36,848 for a relevant degree earned in the last 12 months
General permit threshold	€36,605 from 1 March 2026
Authority	Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Two Main Permits

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is for roles the State treats as strategically important. The General Employment Permit covers a broader range of jobs. Both need a job offer from an employer in Ireland.

Start by finding out which permit fits your role. The choice depends on the occupation and the salary.

Critical Skills Thresholds

The department sets two salary routes for the Critical Skills permit. The first applies to occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List.

• €40,904 a year for listed occupations, with a relevant degree or higher.
• €36,848 a year if your relevant qualification was earned within 12 months of applying.
• €68,911 a year for other occupations, if they are not on the ineligible list and not contrary to the public interest.

The relevant qualification and skills must match the job.

Ireland Jobs for Foreigners and the March 2026 Change

On 1 March 2026 the thresholds rose. The General Employment Permit minimum went from €34,000 to €36,605. The Critical Skills minimum went from €38,000 to €40,904.

The department said the rise was phased. A gradual roadmap replaced larger planned increases. Always check the figure current on the day you apply.

The Ineligible List of Occupations

Some jobs cannot get a permit at any salary. They appear on the Ineligible List of Occupations. Check this list before you pursue a role.

A high salary does not remove a job from the list. If your occupation is on it, look at other roles that fit your skills.

What Counts as Remuneration

The department explains which pay components count toward the threshold. Basic salary must reach at least the national minimum wage or a legal rate. Other components are listed on the permit page.

Ask your employer to state clearly what part of your pay is basic salary. This avoids problems at the application stage.

Rules for the Employer

The department states that permits are not granted to companies unless at least 50 percent of employees are EEA nationals at the time of application. Ask the employer whether the company meets this.

If you stop working for the employer during the permit period, the permit must be returned to the department. Plan for this before you resign.

Preparing Your Application

Collect your degree, your CV and your signed contract. Make sure the contract states the job title, salary and start date. Keep the wording consistent with the permit application.

Match your experience to the job advert. Use plain, specific examples.

Finding an Employer

Search company career pages and EURES. Target occupations on the Critical Skills list if you qualify. Mention in your first message that you need an employment permit.

Employers often decide quickly. A clear note about the permit route shows you understand the process.

Common Mistakes

Do not rely on old salary figures. Do not assume a job is eligible without checking the list. Do not accept a contract below the threshold and hope to fix it later.

Application Checklist

1. Choose the permit that fits your role.
2. Check the occupation against the ineligible list.
3. Compare your salary offer to the current threshold.
4. Confirm the employer meets the 50 percent rule.
5. Gather degree, CV and contract.
6. Submit through the department process.
7. Plan for changes if your job ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Critical Skills minimum in 2026? €40,904 for listed occupations with a relevant degree, from 1 March 2026.

What is the General Employment Permit minimum? €36,605 from 1 March 2026, according to the department.

Can any job get a permit at €68,911? Only if the job is not on the ineligible list and not contrary to the public interest.

Does a recent graduate pay less? The department gives a €36,848 threshold for a relevant degree earned within 12 months.

Next Steps

Check your occupation first. Then compare the salary offer with the current threshold. Confirm every figure on the department site before you sign a contract.

Official Sources to Check

Use official platforms and national authorities to verify current rules before applying or travelling.

• Department of Enterprise — Critical Skills Employment Permit
• Department of Enterprise — Salary threshold roadmap
• EURES — Find a job

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Disclaimer: EU Job Hub provides general editorial information for jobseekers. It does not guarantee employment, sponsorship, work-permit approval or visa approval. Employment and immigration rules vary by country and by personal circumstances. Verify important information with employers and official authorities before making decisions. Never pay an individual or recruiter solely because they promise a job, placement or visa.