Ireland Reactivation Employment Permit Checklist

The Reactivation Employment Permit (the ninth DETE permit type) is for people who previously held a valid Irish employment permit and fell out of the system through no fault of their own, or after workplace mistreatment. It has a mandatory ISD step before you can apply. Based on the official guidance (enterprise.gov.ie), September 2026.

Who it is for

People who previously entered Ireland lawfully on a valid employment permit but left the system through no fault of their own, or after mistreatment or exploitation at work, and are now unlawfully resident.
Certain current Spousal/Dependant or DPSEP holders whose circumstances have changed (for example a separation) and where the Minister considers the case individually.

The mandatory ISD step

You must first apply to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) to get temporary Stamp 1 and a letter from the Department of Justice for the Reactivation Employment Permit. Only then can you apply for the permit.

Who is not eligible

People who have already used the scheme (except in wholly exceptional circumstances).
People who entered as a student or visitor and never held an employment permit.
ICT, Contract for Services or Internship permit holders who stayed after their permit expired (these are temporary and must be left at expiry).
People who held a permit but have left Ireland.
People who held a permit and Stamp 1 but have changed to another Stamp.

Employer requirements

Registered with Revenue (and, where applicable, the CRO or the Registrar of Friendly Societies) and currently trading.
An employer-employee relationship must exist (directly employed and paid by the employer).
At least 50% of employees must be EEA nationals at application. Exception: where the employer has no employees at the application date and the foreign national will be the only employee, and the Minister agrees (also on renewal).
No Labour Market Needs Test is required.

Employee requirements

Previously entered the labour market lawfully under a permit and are currently unemployed in Ireland.
A genuine offer of employment.
Pay at or above the National Minimum Wage; all occupations are eligible (including home carers), except other domestic-employer occupations.
You hold temporary Stamp 1 and the Department of Justice letter.

Duration, renewal and residence

First permit up to 24 months, renewable by up to 3 years (after which long-term residence with the Minister is expected).
After 5 years you may not need a permit (possible move to temporary Stamp 4).
You are expected to stay with the initial employer for 12 months; section 12(1)(e) blocks a change of employer before 12 months, except for redundancy or a fundamental unforeseeable change.
The permit is not a residence permission; register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), and renew residence permission at least 1 month ahead.

Fees and returns

New: €500 (up to 6 months) or €1,000 (up to 24 months). Renewal: €750 (up to 6 months) or €1,500 (6–36 months). 90% refunded if refused. If employment ends, return the permit to DETE within 4 weeks (section 24(1)); otherwise it is an offence. Apply through Employment Permits Online at least 12 weeks before the intended start date.

Not published

A specific processing-time figure, the ISD-stage time limits and the online system's field details are not published here, so none is asserted here.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Reactivation Employment Permit for?
Foreign nationals who previously entered Ireland lawfully on a valid employment permit, but left the system through no fault of their own (or after mistreatment or exploitation in the workplace) and are now unlawfully resident, and certain current Spousal/Dependant or DPSEP holders whose circumstances have changed.

What do I need before applying?
You must first apply to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) for temporary Stamp 1 and a letter from the Department of Justice for the Reactivation Employment Permit.

Who is not eligible?
People who have already used the scheme (except in wholly exceptional circumstances), those who entered as a student or visitor and never held an employment permit, ICT/Contract for Services/Internship permit holders who stayed after their permit expired, people who held a permit but have left Ireland, and those who held a permit and Stamp 1 but changed to another Stamp.

What are the employer requirements?
The employer must be registered with Revenue (and, where applicable, the CRO or the Registrar of Friendly Societies), currently trading, and there must be an employer-employee relationship. At least 50% of employees must be EEA nationals at application, with an exception where the employer has no employees at that date and the foreign national will be the only employee, and the Minister agrees.

How long is it valid and can I change employer?
A first permit is up to 24 months and can be renewed by up to 3 years. You are expected to stay with the initial employer for 12 months; under section 12(1)(e) you cannot change employer before 12 months, except for redundancy or a fundamental change unforeseeable at application.

What does it cost?
New: €500 (up to 6 months) or €1,000 (up to 24 months). Renewal: €750 (up to 6 months) or €1,500 (6–36 months). 90% is refunded if refused.

Source: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (enterprise.gov.ie), "Reactivation Employment Permit" — retrieved 2026-09-29. Requirements change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.