General Employment Permits
General Employment Permits are designed for skilled non-EEA nationals who do not qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit and whose role type is not listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations.
The Second Most Common Pathway
General Employment Permits are the second most common type of work permit in Ireland. They allow skilled and semi-skilled non-EEA applicants to take up positions in Irish businesses, subject to the business meeting strict criteria.
General Employment Permits are viewed as necessary by the Irish government when economic factors are tested and vetted via the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT). This permit type is still attractive to prospective candidates, as it allows a pathway to long term residency in Ireland.
Benefits
Here are some of the benefits that come with a successful General Employment Permit application
- Route to Stamp 4 status (Applications can be lodged after 57 months of continuous employment)
- Family Reunification for eligible family members after 1 year of continuous employment
- The opportunity to accept a role in a buoyant and healthy economy
- The opportunity to earn a respectable salary based on the type of role in question
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-EEA nationals may apply for a General Employment Permit if they meet all of the relevant criteria set out by the DETE.
- This permit may be applied for by individuals who are already in the State who hold a valid Permission (Stamp 1, Stamp 1G or Stamp 2), or individuals outside the State who are either visa-required or non visa-required.
- Completion of the mandatory Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)
Role Type
- The job title must not be listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations
Salary
The role must meet the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR), which changed on 01/03/2026. The amounts differ based on role types and are listed below:
- General Employment Permit and ICT Trainees – €36,605 per annum
- Healthcare Assistants, Home Carers and Care Workers – €32,691 per annum
- Meat and Horticultural Operatives – €32,691 per annum
- General Employment Permit (Irish Institution Graduate) – €34,009 per annum
Contract Duration
In order to qualify for a new General Employment Permit, the contract must be for a minimum of 2 years in duration.
Relevant Experience Qualification
The applicant must hold a relevant experience in order to apply. A CV/Resume and other forms of proof may be required to satisfy the DETE.
The Employer Mandate
Employers must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners of Ireland, the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and demonstrate the ability to furnish recent trading and tax related documents to the DETE.
As with all employment permit applications, the 50/50 ratio rule (50% EEA nationals and 50% non-EEA nationals) must be upheld.
Additional Notes on Advertising
Mandatory advertising is an absolute rule for all General Employment Permit Applications. Key information must be included on the Department of Social Protection website (JobsIreland) as well as an additional online job application platform.
The advertisements must contain the employer name, job description, salary, location and weekly working hours. WPS offers this as a service to clients.
Additional Notes on Renewals for General Employment Permits
General Employment Permits are granted for a maximum period of 2 years. Before the expiry of this work permit, applicants must apply for an Employment Permit Renewal, which is generally granted for a period of 3 years.
Deploy non-EEA employees to Ireland under a service contract
Best for:
Overseas companies delivering contracted services to Irish business
Key Benefits:
- Enables cross-border service delivery
- Maintain foreign employers relationship
- Fully compliant with DETE regulations
Important:
- Must meet strict contract and salary conditions
Understand contract eligibility rules
Return to legal employment status in Ireland after permit lapse
Best for:
Non-EEA workers who previously held a valid employment permit
Key Benefits:
- Regain lawful work status
- Avoid restarting the process from zero
- Preserve career continuity in Ireland
Check if you qualify for reactivation
Work in Ireland’s sports, arts, and cultural sectors
Best for:
Athletes, coaches, performers, and cultural professionals
Key Benefits:
- Supports Ireland’s cultural and sporting development
- Tailored for niche and specialist roles
- Enables participations in events and organisations