Critical Skills Employment Permit
Department of Enterprise: processing fee EUR 1,000; 90% is refunded if the application is unsuccessful. Minimum annual pay EUR 40,904 for listed occupations.≈ $1,080
The Department processes in date order and publishes the date it has reached. As of 8 October 2026 it was processing Critical Skills applications received on 1 October 2026. Apply at least 12 weeks before the start date.
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(2)English language
DocumentInformationalNo formal English language requirement for this permit, but the employer may require it.
Verified officialJob qualifications, skills or experience
DocumentMandatoryMeet the qualifications, skills and experience required for the actual job. The Critical Skills Occupations List salary branch requires a relevant degree or higher; the higher-remuneration branch can accept the necessary experience without a degree. Nursing or midwifery uses the qualification accepted by NMBI for registration.
Verified official
Qualification
(2)Labour market needs test
InformationalThe employer must conduct a labour market needs test (advertise the role) before applying, unless exempt.
Verified officialQualifying job offer
MandatoryA job offer from an Irish employer for an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List, with a minimum salary of €32,000–€64,000 depending on the role.
Verified official
Preparation
(1)Employer registration
DocumentMandatoryThe employer must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and trading in Ireland at the time of application.
Verified official
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Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
Employment Permits Fees — DETE
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Official fee schedule for Irish employment permits.
Irish Visa Processing Times
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Irish visa decisions (updated 6 Oct 2026): Dublin is processing applications received before the shown dates: employment 08 Aug 2026, business 27 Aug 2026, study 22 Jun 2026, tourism 07 Oct 2025, join family 04 Jul 2024 (Irish citizen sponsor). Dates, not days; updated every Tuesday.
Irish Immigration Service — ISD
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Official Irish immigration service portal.
Critical Skills Employment Permit — DETE
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Critical Skills Employment Permit requirements and application.
Official links
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