Ireland General Employment Permit Checklist
The General Employment Permit (GEP) is Ireland's broad work permit: it assumes all occupations are eligible unless otherwise specified, so it covers roles beyond the Critical Skills list and can rest on a 12-month contract. It is a common route for non-EEA nationals in non-critical-skills work. Based on the official guidance (enterprise.gov.ie), September 2026.
Who it is for
- Non-EEA nationals taking up a job in Ireland that is not on the Ineligible List of Occupations.
- Occupations on the Critical Skills list are also eligible. The GEP replaces the old Work Permit Employment Permit.
- Either the applicant or the employer can submit the application.
Duration and the path to residence
- First permit: up to 2 years.
- Extension: up to a further 3 years.
- After 5 years, apply to the Department of Justice (ISD) for long-term residence.
Minimum annual remuneration
- Generally €36,605.
- Exceptions at €32,691 (minimum hourly €16.12): Horticulture worker, Meat Processor Operative, Health Care Assistant, and Home Support Worker (SOC 6145).
- €34,009 if you gained a relevant degree from an Irish third-level institution in the previous 12 months.
Employer conditions
- Registered with the Revenue Commissioners (and CRO/RFS where applicable) and trading in Ireland.
- An employer-employee relationship — you are directly employed and paid by that employer.
- 50:50 rule: at least 50% of the company's employees are EEA nationals at the time of application. Exceptions: a start-up registered as an employer within the last 2 years with a support letter from Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland, and the sole-employee case.
Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)
Most applications need an LMNT (advertising the role through the DSP/EURES and another online platform). It is exempt in defined cases: occupations on the Critical Skills list; eligible jobs paying €68,911 or more; an Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland recommendation (for their client companies); a carer for someone with special medical needs where the applicant has already been caring and the person is already highly dependent; and someone made redundant within the previous 6 months where the department was notified within 4 weeks.
Staying with your first employer
First-time permit holders are expected to stay with the initial employer for 9 months. Exceptions: doctors on a 6-month rotation, redundancy, and circumstances that were unforeseeable at application and fundamentally change the employment.
Family members
Spouses, dependants and partners of General Employment Permit holders are not eligible for a Dependant Employment Permit and must apply for a separate employment permit in their own right. This is the opposite of the Critical Skills route, where eligible family have an easier path.
Applying and fees
- Apply at least 12 weeks before the intended start date, online through Employment Permits Online.
- Three stages: receipt, processing and review. Further information is requested within 28 days; a review of a refusal must be sought within 28 days.
- Fees: new — €500 (up to 6 months) or €1,000 (6 to 24 months); renewal — €750 (up to 6 months) or €1,500 (6 to 36 months). 90% is refunded if refused.
- The full Ineligible List of Occupations and current processing times are on separate pages and are not reproduced here.
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
What is a General Employment Permit for?
It is for non-EEA nationals who want to work in Ireland in roles that are not on the ineligible list. General Employment Permits assume all occupations are eligible unless otherwise specified, so they cover a wider range of jobs than a Critical Skills Employment Permit, and can be based on a 12-month contract.
How long is a General Employment Permit and can it lead to residence?
A first permit can be issued for up to 2 years and extended by a further 3 years. After 5 years you can apply to the Department of Justice for long-term residence.
What is the minimum salary?
Generally €36,605. Exceptions: Horticulture worker, Meat Processor Operative, Health Care Assistant and Home Support Worker (SOC 6145) use €32,691, with a minimum hourly rate of €16.12. If you gained a relevant degree from an Irish third-level institution in the previous 12 months, the figure is €34,009.
What does my employer have to show?
The employer must be registered with Revenue (and CRO/RFS where applicable) and trading in Ireland, and there must be an employer-employee relationship. A 50:50 rule applies: at least 50% of employees must be EEA nationals, with exceptions for start-ups registered within 2 years with an Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland support letter, and for sole-employee cases.
Can my family get their own permit easily?
No. Spouses, dependants and partners of General Employment Permit holders are not eligible for a Dependant Employment Permit and must apply for a separate employment permit in their own right.
What does it cost?
New applications: €500 for up to 6 months, or €1,000 for 6 to 24 months. Renewals: €750 for up to 6 months, or €1,500 for 6 to 36 months. 90% is refunded if the application is refused.
Source: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (enterprise.gov.ie), "General Employment Permit" — retrieved 2026-09-29. Fees and thresholds change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.