Ireland Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit Checklist
The Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit (DPSEP) lets the family of a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holder, or of a researcher under a Hosting Agreement, work in Ireland. It is deliberately low-friction: it is free, the remuneration floor is the National Minimum Wage, and it needs no Labour Market Needs Test. Based on the official guidance (enterprise.gov.ie), September 2026.
What this permit offers
- The application is free of charge.
- All jobs are eligible except that of domestic operative.
- Remuneration must be at, or above, the National Minimum Wage.
- The prospective employer is not required to carry out a Labour Market Needs Test.
Spouse direct work right vs dependants
Since 6 March 2019, the spouse or de facto partner of a CSEP holder or a researcher is granted Stamp 1 by the Department of Justice and has direct access to the labour market — no employment permit needed. But the dependants of CSEP holders and Hosting Agreement researchers still require an Employment Permit. Read that distinction carefully, as it decides whether you apply at all.
What counts as a dependant
- Recognised by the Department of Justice as the dependant of a primary permit holder or researcher.
- Continuously resident in Ireland after entry.
- Not in full-time study.
- Living with the primary permit holder or researcher.
A dependant who lives outside Ireland is not accepted for this permit and should apply for another class instead.
The primary permit holder's conditions
The primary permit holder or researcher must still be working under the permit or Hosting Agreement and hold either a valid CSEP or a Hosting Agreement (under the Third Country Researcher scheme); or previously held a Green Card, CSEP or Hosting Agreement and is now allowed to work without a permit. An employer letter is needed, issued within the 3 months before receipt, confirming you are still employed and your role.
Who cannot apply
- Non-EEA dependants/partners of Irish nationals.
- Non-EEA dependants/partners of EU nationals.
- Non-EEA dependants/partners of non-EEA nationals holding other classes of employment permits.
In those cases the position should be determined by the Department of Justice.
Duration and residence
- Duration is tied to the primary permit holder or researcher, capped at 2 years (renewals capped at 3 years).
- After 5 years of continuous DPSEP employment, or working without a permit, you may apply to the Department of Justice for temporary Stamp 4.
- If you separate from the primary permit holder you are no longer eligible to renew; if you hold your own residence permission you may change to another class of permit.
See the full checklists hub, the Ireland short-stay visa documents checklist, and prepare your photo with the passport photo checker or the photo size chart.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit?
The dependants, partners and spouses of Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders, or of researchers under a Hosting Agreement, who are in Ireland on Stamp 3 and want to work.
Is there a fee?
No. The application is free of charge.
Which jobs are eligible?
All jobs are eligible except that of domestic operative. The remuneration must be at or above the National Minimum Wage, and the prospective employer does not have to carry out a Labour Market Needs Test.
Does a spouse need a permit to work now?
The spouse or de facto partner of a CSEP holder or a researcher does not need an employment permit — since 6 March 2019 they are granted Stamp 1 and have direct access to the labour market. However, the dependants of CSEP holders and Hosting Agreement researchers still require an Employment Permit.
Who cannot apply?
Dependants of Irish nationals, EU nationals, and non-EEA nationals who hold other classes of employment permits cannot apply for this permit; they should have their position determined by the Department of Justice.
How long does the permit last?
It is tied to the primary permit holder or researcher and is capped at 2 years, with renewals capped at 3 years. After 5 years of continuous employment, or if working without a permit, you may apply to the Department of Justice for temporary Stamp 4.
Source: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (enterprise.gov.ie), "Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit" — retrieved 2026-09-29. Requirements change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.