Non-EU Work Permits & Critical Skills

Key things to know

You need a valid job offer before you can apply for most work permits.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) leads to long-term residency faster than the General permit.
Once in Ireland, you must register with immigration and get an IRP card within 90 days.
Check current processing times at enterprise.gov.ie before planning your timeline.
Your employer must be registered with the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).

The Two Main Work Permit Types

Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

The CSEP is aimed at highly skilled workers in occupations that Ireland needs. It offers the fastest route to long-term residency.

Requires a job offer with a minimum annual salary of €38,000 (or €32,000 for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List).
The occupation must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List OR the salary must be €64,000+.
After 2 years on a CSEP, you can apply for a Stamp 4 — allowing you to work without a permit for any employer.
Your immediate family can join you: spouse gets a Stamp 1G (open work rights); dependants get Stamp 3.

General Employment Permit (GEP)

The GEP covers a wider range of roles but comes with more restrictions.

Minimum annual salary of €34,000.
A labour market needs test is usually required — your employer must advertise the role first.
You are tied to your employer for the first year; after that you can apply to change employer.
After 5 years you can apply for a Stamp 4.

Applying for a Work Permit

Either you or your employer can apply through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). You will need:

A valid job offer (contract or letter of offer)
Copy of your passport
Your employer's tax registration number (TAN)
Relevant qualifications or experience evidence

Check current processing times at enterprise.gov.ie — times vary significantly by permit type.

IRP Registration

Once you arrive in Ireland on a work permit, you must register with your local immigration office within 90 days. You will receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card showing your stamp type:

Stamp 1 — General Employment Permit holders. Tied to your employer and permit.
Stamp 1G — Spouses/partners of CSEP holders. Open work rights.

Path to Long-Term Residency

After 5 years of legal residence (2 years on CSEP + 3 years on Stamp 4, or 5 years on GEP path), you can apply for a Stamp 4, removing the need for a work permit. After a further period you may be eligible for Irish citizenship.

Official Sources