Ireland’s Critical Skills Employment Permit: Your Gateway to Opportunity

What is the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

The Critical Skills Occupations List, published by Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), identifies roles facing chronic skill shortages that are vital for the country’s economic growth.

Jobs on this list are eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which offers:

• 2-Year Work Permit – No renewal required

• Fast-Track to Residency – Pathway to Stamp 4 residency after 21 months

• Family Inclusion – Family members can join and work freely

• Long-Term Opportunities – Routes to permanent residence and citizenship

Benefits of Being on the Critical Skills List

• No Labour Market Needs Test required

• Spouses and dependents can live and work in Ireland without restrictions

• Path to Stamp 4 after just 2 years

• Increased job security and access to public services

Minimum Salary Requirements

• €38,000 per year – For roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List (with relevant degrees)

• €64,000 per year – For other eligible highly skilled roles

Stamp 4 Visa – The Next Step

Benefits

Health

• Access to public healthcare (GP visits, hospital care)

• Medical Card eligibility based on income

Education

• Free public primary and secondary schooling for children

• Access to higher education, scholarships, and grants

Duration & Path to Citizenship

• Initial stay: Up to 5 years

• Renewable after initial period

• Residency requirement: 5 years of legal residence (including time on Stamp 4)

• Must have at least 1 year on Stamp 4 before applying for citizenship

Eligibility Criteria for Critical Skills Employment Permit

1. Salary Requirements

• €38,000/year for jobs on the Critical Skills List

• €64,000/year for other eligible jobs

2. Job & Employer Requirements

• Full-time job offer with minimum 2-year contract

• Employer must be registered in Ireland

3. Applicant Requirements

• Relevant degree or work experience

• Qualifications recognized by Irish regulatory bodies for certain professions (e.g., nursing)

Occupations in Demand (SOC-3 Categories)

• 1. Production Managers & Directors – Site Managers

• 2. ICT Professionals – IT Directors, Developers, Web Designers

• 3. Health & Social Services Managers – Senior Health Managers

• 4. Agriculture Services – Professional Foresters

• 5. Natural & Social Science Professionals – Chemical, Medical Lab, Physical Scientists

• 6. Engineering Professionals – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Design Engineers

• 7. IT & Telecoms Professionals – Specialist Managers, Business Analysts, Programmers

• 8. Health Professionals – Medical Practitioners, Psychologists, Pharmacists

• 9. Therapy Professionals – Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists

• 10. Nursing & Midwifery – Registered Nurses, Midwives

• 11. Teaching Professionals – Academics with relevant experience

• 12. Business & Research – Accountants, Consultants

• 13. Architecture & Surveying – Architects

• 14. Welfare Professionals – Social Workers

• 15. Quality & Regulatory – Quality Control Engineers

• 16. Media – Art Directors in Animation

• 17. Health Associate Professionals – Registered Paramedics

• 18. Artistic & Design – Animation Artists, Designers

• 19. Sports & Fitness – High-Performance Coaches

• 20. Business & Finance – Estimators, Business Sales Executives

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility – Ensure your job is on the Critical Skills Occupations List

2. Employer Application – Usually done on your behalf

3. Apply Online – Use the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS)

4. Prepare Documents – Qualifications, contracts, and recognition letters if needed

5. Pay Fee – €1,000

6. Await Decision – Approval or rejection notice

Applicant Checklist

• Confirm occupation is on the Critical Skills List

• Meet salary requirements (€38,000 / €64,000)

• Secure a 2-year full-time job offer

• Ensure employer is registered with Revenue & CRO

• Prepare qualifications & recognition documents

• Apply via EPOS and pay the €1,000 fee

• Apply for a visa (if needed) before traveling

• Register with immigration & get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP)

Fees

• Retainer Amount: 200 KWD

• Work Permit Application: 200 KWD