Europe visas
Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit
Ireland's fast-track work permit for in-demand skilled jobs, mainly in technology and engineering. No labour market test is needed.
- Salary
- From €36,848 (listed jobs)
- Other jobs
- €68,911 and over
- Offer
- At least 2 years
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- You work in a role on the Critical Skills Occupations List
- You have a job offer of at least two years from an Irish employer
- You want a route to long-term residence
The basics
What the authorities look for
- A job offer from an Irish employer registered with Revenue
- Salary at least €40,904 for listed jobs with a relevant degree (€36,848 if you qualified in the last 12 months)
- Salary at least €68,911 for other eligible jobs
- The qualifications, skills and experience for the role
- Family can apply for reunification
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. Last reviewed October 2026. Department of Enterprise: Critical Skills Employment Permit
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- **Occupation must be on the list.** Otherwise the higher salary applies.
- **Changing employer.** You are expected to stay with the first employer for at least 9 months.
- **Employer rules.** Employers are generally expected to employ at least half EEA nationals.
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
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Ireland Critical Skills permit questions
Can I settle in Ireland on this permit?
Holders can apply for permission (Stamp 4) at expiry, and after 60 months of residency permission can apply for long-term residence.
Can my spouse work?
Once your spouse or partner is resident, they can work, and can apply for a dependant employment permit.
Keep reading
Other Europe visa pages
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