Learn how to apply for an Ireland General Employment Permit, eligibility requirements, application process, and much more in this comprehensive guide.
Get all the information you need to successfully apply for an Ireland General Employment Permit – from eligibility to document requirements.
Introduction: Ireland General Employment Permit – Everything You Need to Know.
For non-EU/EEA nationals looking to work in Ireland, obtaining a work permit is essential. Ireland offers several types of employment permits, but the two most common are the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit.
The General Employment Permit is for foreign nationals who may not qualify for the Critical Skills permit but still wish to work legally in Ireland.
This guide covers the process, requirements, and steps for obtaining the Ireland General Employment Permit.
What is the Ireland General Employment Permit?
The Ireland General Employment Permit is issued to non-EU/EEA nationals who seek employment in Ireland but do not qualify for the Critical Skills permit.
Unlike the Critical Skills permit, this permit covers a wider range of occupations unless they fall under the Ineligible Categories of Employment as defined by the Irish Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation (DBEI).
Types of Employment Permits in Ireland
Ireland offers around nine types of employment permits. Still, the General Employment Permit is one of the most accessible for foreign nationals who may not fit into the highly skilled category.
Eligibility Criteria for the Ireland General Employment Permit
No Occupation List for General Employment Permit
Unlike the Critical Skills permit, there is no predefined list of eligible occupations for the General Employment Permit. This flexibility allows many foreign nationals to apply, as long as their job is not on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List.
In addition, when the DBEI reviews your application, they look at other factors to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria, such as:
- Your salary. The minimum annual salary for a General Employment Permit is €30,000. However, there are exceptions:
- If you are a non-EEA student who has graduated from an Irish higher education institution and you were offered a graduate position in an occupation included on the “Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List,” the minimum annual salary should be €27,000. After the renewal of the employment permit, the salary should be €30,000.
- If you are a non-EU/EEA student who graduated from a foreign higher education institution and you were offered a graduate position as an ICT professional from the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List, the minimum annual salary should be €27,000. After the renewal of the employment permit, the salary should be €30,000.
- If you are filling a position where you’re required to know the official language of a non-EU/EEA country, and you will be working in a company/business that’s supported by an enterprise development agency, the minimum annual salary should be €27,000. This includes work:
- In customer service and sales
- In online digital marketing and sales
- As a specialist in language support and technical sales support
- If you are working as a Meat Deboner, the minimum annual salary should be €27,500.
- Whether your employer is registered with the Revenue Commissioners and with the Companies Registration Office/Registry of Friendly Societies.
- Whether your employer is trading in Ireland.
- The existing workforce of the company hiring you. At least 50% of the workforce should be EU/EEA citizens, except in the following cases:
- If you will work in a startup company. The employer must have registered with Revenue in the last two years and have a letter of support from either Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland. When you renew your Employment Permit, your employer should have met the 50% rule.
- If, at the time you apply, you are the only employee.
- Whether your employer has passed the Labour Market Needs Test. This test is used to ensure that no EU/EEA national could have been suitable for the position you are filling. Your employer must prove that they advertised the job to Irish or other EU/EEA nationals before giving it to you.
- If your occupation is included on the “Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List” or you have an annual salary of €80,000, the need for a Labour Market Needs Test is waived.
- Whether you have the qualifications, skills, and experience required for the job,
Requirements for the Ireland General Employment Permit
Documents Required for Application
When applying for the General Employment Permit, you need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your passport, which shows your picture, signature, and personal details.
- The passport-size picture is in line with Ireland’s photo requirements.
- A copy of the work contract signed by you and the employer.
- If you are a resident in Ireland at the time of application, a copy of your current immigration stamp/visa.
- If you are employed in Ireland under the Atypical Working Scheme, please provide a copy of the AWS permission letter.
- Details of a contact person: name, position in the company, phone number and email address.
- Relevant Registration/PIN or License number of the company issued by the appropriate Irish Regulatory body.
- A copy of the company’s letter of support from IDA/Enterprise Ireland, if applicable.
- Details of any previous visas you have received/been rejected, if applicable.
- Proof your employer has advertised the job in the Department of Social Protection Employment Services/EURES Employment Network.
- The ad is required to run for at least two weeks.
- Proof your employer advertised the job in a national newspaper for at least three days. Provide copies of the advertisements for each of the days.
- If your employer advertised the job on a job’s website, provide a copy of that as well.
- If the Labour Market Needs Test is not required, an explanation of why.
- Details of your employer:
- Registered and trading name of their company/business.
- Details on the type and nature of their company/business.
- Details on the number of their employers (both EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals).
- Registration number of the employer and the company name and address.
- Proof of Monthly P30 Return from the last three months or
- P30 SEPA monthly payments from the last 3 months or
- A receipt for the P30 return was issued through Revenue Online Service.
- Details of your employment:
- Your title, duties and responsibilities.
- The location of your employment.
- Duration of your employment.
- What qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience do you have, and what are the ones required for the job?
- Complete details of your salary (the annual salary, the weekly/hourly rates, and any deductions).
- If you are an HGV Driver: A copy of your CE or C1E License
Special Requirements for Certain Jobs
Some occupations have specific requirements. For instance, if you are working as a Meat Deboner, the minimum salary requirement is €27,500. At the same time, other professions may require proficiency in non-EU/EEA languages, particularly in sales and customer service roles.
How to Apply for the Ireland General Employment Permit
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the General Employment Permit is primarily online through the Employment Permit Online System (EPOS). You or your employer can submit the application.
- Select the Correct Application Form: Choose the appropriate application form based on whether you are applying as an employee or employer.
- Provide Personal Information: Enter details such as your passport number and expiry date. You will receive a MyWork-ID number, which allows you to track and resume your application later.
- Submit the Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents electronically.
- Pay the Fees: The application fee is €1,000 for permits up to two years and €500 for contracts lasting less than six months. In case of rejection, 90% of the fee is refundable.
Ireland Work Visa After Permit Approval
Application for Ireland Work Visa
Once your General Employment Permit is approved, the next step is to apply for an Ireland work visa. This is a Long-Stay (D) Visa, which allows you to travel to Ireland but does not automatically grant entry. Upon arrival, you must seek permission from immigration officers at Border Control to enter.
- Processing Time: The processing time for an Ireland work visa is generally 8 weeks.
- Document Submission: After applying online via AVATS, submit the required documents to the specified address for verification.
Duration and Renewal of the General Employment Permit
Initial Duration and Extensions
The Ireland General Employment Permit is initially granted for 24 months. After the first two years, you can renew it for an additional three years. Renewals must be completed through the EPOS system within 16 weeks of your permit’s expiry date.
Once you have worked in Ireland for five years, you may no longer need a General Employment Permit and can apply for Stamp 4 with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. Stamp 4 permits allow you to work in Ireland without the need for an employment permit.
Changing Employers Under the General Employment Permit
If you wish to change employers, you can do so after working for at least 12 months with your current employer. However, the new job must be in the same field or an eligible sector.
Can I Bring My Family to Ireland?
You can apply for a Family Reunification Visa to bring your spouse/partner and dependents to Ireland after living there legally for one year. However, your family members will need to apply for their own General Employment Permits if they wish to work, as they are not eligible for Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits.
FAQs
1. What is the processing time for a General Employment Permit?
The processing time is typically 12 weeks from the date of application.
2. Can I apply for a permit without a job offer?
No, you need to have a work contract or job offer from an Irish employer before applying.
3. What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a refund of 90% of the application fee.
4. Can I switch employers after receiving a General Employment Permit?
Yes, but you must work with your initial employer for at least 12 months before switching jobs.
5. What is the salary threshold for the General Employment Permit?
The minimum salary threshold is €30,000, though some exceptions exist for specific professions.
6. How long is the General Employment Permit valid?
It is valid for 24 months initially and can be renewed for up to three additional years.
Conclusion
Securing an Ireland General Employment Permit opens up opportunities for non-EU/EEA nationals to work legally in Ireland. By understanding the eligibility criteria, document requirements, and application process, you can ensure a smooth and successful application. Remember, this permit serves as a pathway not only to employment but also to future opportunities for residence and family reunification in Ireland.