Ireland Work Visa and Employment Permits
If you’re from the UAE and want to move to Ireland for work purposes, you will first need to secure an Employment Permit and then apply for an Employment visa.
For help with the application process, including how to apply, the requirements you must meet to be successful, and information on the costs involved, contact Total Law today. We are available on (+353) 061 518 025 or you can contact us online.
What is a Long-Stay Work Visa in Ireland?
A Long-Stay Work Visa in Ireland allows you to live and work in Ireland for over 90 days, provided you have a valid employment permit. If your application is successful and you are granted a Work visa, you will be made aware of its conditions and expiry date.
It is illegal to remain in Ireland after your Work visa expires; however, in exceptional cases where there have been unforeseen circumstances, you may be able to extend your Work visa for a longer period. You must apply for an extension in advance of your expiry date.
Page Contents
- What is a Long-Stay Work Visa in Ireland?
- What Is an Employment Permit?
- Ireland Work Visa Options from the UAE
- Employment Permit Types in Ireland
- Eligibility Requirements and Required Documents
- Application Fees
- How to Apply for an Ireland Work Visa: Application Process
- Application Processing Times
- Application Outcomes
- Arriving In Ireland
- Registering for Residency in Ireland
- Available Resources For Newcomers Coming to Work in Ireland
- How Total Law Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Employment Permit?
To work in Ireland as a non-EEA national, you will first need to secure an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE). It’s a legal document that grants you the right to work in Ireland for a specified period. To get one, you will need a solid job offer from a registered Irish employer and a contract of employment that shows a valid start date. You can apply directly for yourself, or your prospective employer can apply on your behalf.
Ireland Work Visa Options from the UAE
Once you have secured an Employment Permit, as a non-EEA national, you will need to apply for an Irish Work visa. You should ensure that you apply for the most relevant visa to fit your circumstances.
Those with temporary employment contracts, such as those working under the Atypical Working Scheme, will need to apply for a Short-Stay Work visa. Those looking to work in Ireland for 90 days or more will need to apply for a Long-Stay Work visa.
Employment Permit Types in Ireland
Overview
In Ireland, there are several employment permit types. The requirements for each permit vary, and so you should apply for the one that best suits your circumstances and needs. However, there are some general requirements all applicants must meet to be eligible. For example, you must:
- Have a formal job offer from a registered Irish employer.
- Prove you have the necessary skills, qualifications, or experience to do the job.
- Be a non-EEA citizen. (A citizen outside the European Economic Area).
- Have a valid passport.
- Have a satisfactory criminal record.
Some examples of the most common Irish employment permits include:
General Employment Permit
The General Employment Permit is for everyday workers and covers a wide range of occupations. As long as the job role does not feature on the List of Ineligible Occupations, you can apply. However, as of January 2024, your salary must be at least 34,000 euros per year, and you must apply at least 12 weeks before your employment start date.
This permit is initially issued for a maximum of 2 years and is extendable for up to 3 more years. After the 5-year period has passed without issue, you may be able to apply to live and work in Ireland permanently.
There are, however, some restrictions associated with this permit. For example, you are not allowed to switch employers for the first 9 months except in specific circumstances (such as redundancy), and you are also unable to start up your own business or register as self-employed.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
This permit is designed to address skill shortages in Ireland. Those working in high-demand, skilled occupations in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and finance can apply. However, your job role must feature on the Critical Skills Occupation List, and you are required to have a relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
Your salary must be at least 38,000 euros per year, and both you and your employer will need to meet certain criteria. This permit is issued for up to 2 years; however, after 20 months, you can fast-track a renewal application and apply for Stamp 4, which can lead to long-term residency in Ireland.
You must not switch employers within the first 9 months except under specific circumstances, and if you do switch jobs, it must be in a similar profession. You must start work within one month of this permit’s issue date.
Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
This permit allows a dependent, partner, or spouse of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder to work in Ireland. All dependents, partners, or spouses must be recognised as such by the Department of Justice and Equality and meet the general criteria.
Except for domestic operative, all jobs that pay at least the minimum wage are eligible for a Dependent Employment Permit. The employer does need to advertise the job role, and the application is free. This permit can be renewed.
Atypical Working Scheme
As a non-EEA citizen, if you are looking to work in Ireland temporarily, you won’t meet the criteria for a standard employment permit. You may, however, be eligible to apply for immigration permission under the Atypical Working Scheme instead.
This scheme is for professionals who want to work in Ireland on a short-term contract (up to 90 days). It is designed for specialised workers such as locum doctors and midwifery nurses. You must apply from outside of Ireland.
Eligibility Requirements and Required Documents
In addition to meeting the criteria for your Irish employment permit, you will need to prove that you also meet the requirements for a Long-Stay Work visa.
To do so, you will need to send supporting documentation as part of your application to prove your eligibility. It is important to ensure all documents are valid and error-free and that you are not presenting false or misleading information. Failure to send the correct documentation could result in your Employment visa application being refused.
The supporting documents that you are required to send are as follows:
- A valid Employment Permit.
- A valid passport (that remains valid throughout the duration of your intended stay in Ireland).
- A completed and signed application form.
- A letter of application that details your reasons for visiting Ireland.
- Two passport-sized photographs that meet Irish visa standards.
- A contract of employment which shows a start and end date.
- A letter from your employer that confirms your job role and salary.
- Proof of your qualifications or skills.
- Proof of funds (bank statements) – you must be able to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Proof of insurance – you must have travel or medical insurance that covers you for potential illness or injury.
If you have been refused an Irish visa in the past, you must also include the original refusal paperwork that was issued to you by the authorities. In addition, if you have been deported, refused entry, or asked to leave any other country, you must provide details of this and an explanation as to why this happened. Failure to do so will result in this application also being refused.
Application Fees
You are required to pay fees as part of your application. Firstly, you will need to pay the fees for your Irish employment permit. The chargeable amount differs depending on which employment permit you want to apply for and on the length of your intended stay. Some examples of the current fees for the most popular employment permits are shown below:
- General employment permit up to 2 years: €1,000
- Critical Skills employment permit up to 2 years: €1,000
- Dependent/Spouse/Partner employment permit: €0
- Atypical Working Scheme application fee: €250
Once your employment permit is secured, you will have to pay the fees to obtain your Work visa and enter the country. The current fees are as follows:
- Single entry: €60
- Multi entry: €100
- Transit: €25
The fees are to cover the administration costs of applying for an Irish visa. They are non-refundable, so you will not receive any money back should you decide to withdraw your application or should it be refused.
How to Apply for an Ireland Work Visa: Application Process
You must apply for the Long-Stay Work visa from outside of Ireland in your home country. If you are living in a country different to your home country before travelling to Ireland, you must also be able to show the valid visa you acquired to enter that country.
You should apply online via the official website of the Department for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration.
To apply, you should follow these steps:
- Create a visa application
You should apply online via the official website of the Department for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration using the Automatic Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS). You should answer all questions honestly and accurately, providing enough detail. Instructions on how to submit your documentation and pay the fee on the summary form will appear on screen. Print, sign, and date the summary form, ready to submit it alongside your documentation.
- Pay the chargeable fee
You should pay your fee as requested. It is worth noting that payment methods and currency options can differ between offices, and some applications may require extra fees, such as consular fees.
- Submit your application and your supporting documents
You should submit your application and documents as requested. It is highly important to prepare your documents carefully, as errors can lead to delays or refusal.
It is highly advisable not to purchase travel tickets to Ireland before you get the outcome of your application.
Application Processing Times
When your visa has been received, the Irish authorities will check all the information included in your application. The authorities have the right to request further information, officially authenticate your passport, check police records, or contact government departments for information about you.
All applications are processed in date order, and you should receive a decision in approximately 8 weeks. However, timescales can vary between countries and different application types.
It can also take longer to receive a decision if there is a period of high-volume applications during the year, if further information is requested because you are missing documents, or if you have a criminal conviction.
If you have applied to the Dublin Visa Office, you can check their website every Tuesday for updates on your application and current processing times. If you have applied to an international visa office, Irish embassy, or consulate, you should contact them directly.
Application Outcomes
Acceptance
If your employment visa application is accepted, you will receive an Irish visa on a blank page in your passport. All documents will be returned to you by post, and you will be granted permission to travel to Ireland.
Refusal
If your visa employment application is refused, you will receive an official refusal letter detailing the reasons for refusal. All documents will be returned to you by post if your application was from within the UK. If not, you must arrange a courier to collect your documents from Ireland.
If you have been refused an Employment visa, you may have the opportunity to appeal the decision. There is no charge to appeal, but you must do so within 2 months of receiving your refusal letter.
Arriving In Ireland
It is important to note that being granted an Irish visa does not exclusively guarantee entry. The Irish border force can refuse entry if they feel that you are trying to enter the country for unlawful reasons.
If you arrive in Ireland via sea or air, you will be met by an immigration officer who will question your reasons for travel. They will go through your paperwork and discuss this with you.
If you arrive in Ireland via the border, you will need to go to an immigration office within 7 days, where you will meet with an immigration officer and discuss your case.
To satisfy the Irish immigration officer, you will need your passport, visa, and application documents. If they accept your reasons for travel, they will put a stamp in your passport that sets out the duration and conditions of your visa.
If you do not satisfy the immigration officer and are refused entry to Ireland, you will be returned to your point of embarkation.
It is worth noting that the stamp will be valid for no longer than 3 months, and as a non-EEA national on a Long Stay Work visa, you will need to comply with the requirements of registration under section 9 of the Immigration Act (2004).
Registering for Residency in Ireland
As a non-EEA national who is planning to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days, you will need to register your residency to extend your permission to stay. You must do this within the first 3 months (before the stamp expires).
To register, you will need to create an online account with the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). You will then need to make an appointment to register in person at the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin, or at a Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in other locations.
You will need to take your documents, including your passport and visa, with you to your appointment. If your registration is successful, you will be sent an Irish Residence Permit card (IRP) through the post. The card is your proof of legal residency in Ireland, and includes your specific immigration stamp.
Available Resources For Newcomers Coming to Work in Ireland
There are various government resource organisations and independent charities throughout Ireland that cater to newcomers. Some examples include:
- The Immigration Service Delivery – The primary government source for information on Irish visas and residency permissions. This organisation can help with legal matters such as registering your immigration permission in Ireland or applying to renew your visa.
- The Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) – The primary government source for information about employment permits, including how to apply using the online system (EPOS). This organisation are also responsible for maintaining the Critical Skills Occupation List.
- Citizens Information – A useful resource that offers comprehensive guidance on things like employment rights, taxation, accessing healthcare and education, social insurance, the recognition of foreign qualifications, and more.
- Immigration Council of Ireland – A non-profit organisation that provides useful information, support, and guidance to migrants.
Safe Home Ireland – A national charitable organisation that can help with housing and other essential needs.
How Total Law Can Help
As professional immigration lawyers, our dedicated team at Total Law can help with all immigration matters, no matter how big or small. We offer a comprehensive, bespoke service to all our clients, even after you have arrived in Ireland.
Firstly, we will discuss your case with you, explore your circumstances, and create a personal relocation plan that meets your needs.
We offer guidance and support surrounding Irish employment permits and visas, including the eligibility requirements, how to apply, what documentation you need, and what to do if you come across issues during the application process. For example, if your visa application is refused, we can help you appeal the case.
We can provide advice on how to maintain or extend immigration permissions in Ireland, to ensure you can stay in the country legally, and can prepare you for what to expect once you have arrived.
If your Employment Permit and Work visa applications are successful, we can help with the logistics of your move. This could include shipping your belongings and pets, helping you find suitable accommodation, or buying and selling a home, both in Ireland and abroad.
We can help with all legal matters, such as taxation, how to register your residency, and help you gain access to the Irish healthcare and education system. We can also provide information surrounding employment rights in Ireland.
When you enter Ireland, we can advise you on what to expect at the border, and we can signpost you to groups and activities (such as language courses) to help you settle into the community.
We aim to meet all of your immigration needs accurately and with precision to streamline your immigration experience and make it as stress-free as possible.
If you need help with any immigration matter, call Total Law on (+353) 061 518 025 or contact us online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot apply without a secure job offer. You need a contract of employment to be eligible to apply for an Irish Employment Permit and Work visa.
If you’re an EU citizen, you do not need an Employment Permit or Work visa to live and work in Ireland. You will, however, need an ID card or passport to prove your identity and right to work.
Some common reasons for visa refusal include:
- Not having sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Submitting wrong or misleading information.
- Incomplete or incorrect documents.
- A weak or unclear purpose of visiting Ireland.
- Previous immigration violations.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.