General Employment Permit
Who it's for: People from outside the EEA with a job offer in Ireland in an occupation that is not on the excluded list.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 1 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: Yes
- Main fee: €1,000
- Salary threshold: €36,605
- Can lead to permanent residence: Possible
- Decision time: Official processing-time tool
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | €1,000 | — | enterprise.gov.ieOfficial · 1 Nov 2026 |
| Salary threshold | €36,605 | — | enterprise.gov.ieOfficial · 1 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
5 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededYesOfficial wording
“As with most employment permits the issue of a General Employment Permit is contingent on a job offer from a bona fide employer registered with the Revenue Commissioners”
Main fee€1,000Official wording
“€1,000 for an employment permit from 6 months up to 24 months duration.”
Salary threshold€36,605Official wording
“Minimum annual remuneration - is generally €36,605.”
Can lead to permanent residencePossibleOfficial wording
“may be extended upon application by a further 3 years after which it is envisaged that a holder would apply for long-term residency from the Department of Justice.”
Decision timeOfficial processing-time tool ↗Official wording
“applicants can keep track of our current processing dates”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Language; Age limit; Money to show; Family can join; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other work with a sponsor routes in Ireland
- Atypical Working Scheme
- Contract for Services Employment Permit
- Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
- Internship Employment Permit
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
- Reactivation Employment Permit
- Scientific Researcher (Hosting Agreement)
- Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
All visa types in Ireland
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
Ireland visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.