Permits

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market with the aim of encouraging them to take up permanent residence in the State.

Eligible occupations under this type of permit are important to growing Ireland’s economy, are highly skilled, and in shortage of supply in our labour market.

Occupations such as ICT professionals, professional engineers and technologists are catered for under this type of employment permit. Eligible occupations are determined in line with the regular analyses of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs with regard to strategically important skills. The list of eligible occupations is set out in the Critical Skills Occupations List.

Criteria for Eligibility

Eligibility for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is  determined by the type of occupation, and proposed remuneration level. The following are eligible:

• Occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of €38,000 for a restricted number of strategically important occupations contained in the Critical Skills Occupations List a relevant degree qualification or higher is required.
• In the case of a nurse or midwife, a third level degree or diploma accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as a sufficient qualification for registration to practice as a nurse or midwife in the State.
• All occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of over €64,000, other than those on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits or which are contrary to the public interest. A non-EEA national who does not have a degree qualification or higher, must have the necessary level of experience.
• The prospective employee concerned must have secured a 2-year job offer in respect of the eligible occupation from the prospective employer.