How do you get an employment permit in Ireland in 2026?

Critical Skills targets shortage occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List, or higher-salary eligible roles off the ineligible list. Citizens Information describes floors from 1 March 2026 of about €40,904 a year for listed occupations, €36,848 for recent qualifying graduates on listed roles, and €68,911 for other eligible employments. The job offer must usually last two years or more with an Irish employer registered with Revenue and, where relevant, the Companies Registration Office.

General Employment Permits and other DETE products cover different shortages and conditions, often with labour-market tests the Critical Skills route skips. Confirm the live occupation lists and fee sheet before you pay the typical €1,000 Critical Skills application fee (90% refunded on many refusals). Visa-required nationals still need an entry visa after the permit issues.

Present the permit at the Irish border if required, then book first-time registration for an IRP at Burgh Quay. Get a PPSN, open banking, and register the job in Revenue myAccount. Authenticate foreign degree papers early if DETE or professional bodies ask: Apostille documents.

Spouses and partners of Critical Skills holders often follow separate family registration rules, including Stamp 1G work access for eligible partners. After roughly 21 months of Critical Skills work, many holders apply toward Stamp 4 without a new DETE permit; confirm live Justice guidance. Sequence the wider file: Paperwork after moving.