Critical Skills Employment Permit

We provide expert end-to-end support for Critical Skills Employment Permit applications. We ensure in navigating this process smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with Irish immigration laws.

Contact us if you need immediate assistance with filling of the Critical Skills Employment Permit Application.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

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 deemed to be critically important to growing Ireland’s economy, are highly demanded and highly skilled, and in significant shortage of supply in our labour market. The list of eligible occupations is set out in the Critical Skills Occupation List.

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is attractive for a number of reasons:
– Labour Market Needs test is not required for this employment permit

What are the eligibility criteria for the Critical Skills Employment Permit Application?

Who Needs this Work Permit-

In order to work in the State all non-EEA nationals require a valid employment permit or relevant immigration permission from the Minister for Justice which allows them to reside and work in the State without the requirement for an employment permit.

Job offer & term of contract-

Job offer from Irish Employer for a minimum of 2 years or a permanent full-time contract.

Job offer with minimum annual remuneration of €38,000 or more-

Job offered must fall in the list of occupations contained in the Critical Skills Occupations List (hyperlink to our webpage with this information) and a relevant degree qualification or higher is required.

Job offer with minimum annual remuneration of €64,000 or more-

The job offered must not fall in the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permit (hyperlink to our webpage with this information) and must have a third-level degree or higher or must have a necessary level of experience.

Employer Requirements

The employer must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, where applicable, the Companies Registration Office or the Registry of Friendly Societies. Additionally, the business must be actively trading in Ireland.

At least 50% or more of the employees in the firm are EEA nationals at the time of application. However, this restriction may be waived in respect of start-up companies within 2 years of their establishment (that is, registered as an employer with Revenue) and which are supported by the enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland, or IDA Ireland (this applies to client companies of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland only).

How much is the Critical Skills Employment Permit Application Processing Fee?

The processing fee for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is €1,000. If an application is unsuccessful then 90% of the fee will be refunded.

What is the processing time for the Critical Skills Employment Permit application?

Critical Skills Employment Permit Application are typically processed between 4-8 weeks time however the actually time keeps on changing.

If the employer is registered as Trusted Partner with the Department of Employment, Trade and Enterprise, the applications are turned around faster compared to other applications.

We are committed in following up regularly with the Department of Employment, Trade and Enterprise on the applications looked after by us.

What is the Application Process for the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

An application for any employment permit must be submitted at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date. There are up to three stages in the passage of an employment permit application:

1. Submission of application and associate fee
2. Processing of application by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and request of further documents where required
3. Application approval or refusal. Where an application is refused, a review application can be made within 28 days of the refusal.

What are the benefits of the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is attractive to both employers and employees for several key reasons:

1. Holder of Critical Skills Employment Permit can apply for stamp 4 after completing 21 months on this work permit.
2. Permit holders can apply for immediate family reunification for their dependent spouse/children.
3. Spouse/de facto partners of permit holder can work in Ireland without requirement of a work permit.
4. Because the skills are identified as being in short supply, a Labour Market Needs Test is not required which speeds up the hiring process.

Where can I find the list of Occupations that are eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

This list is set out in Schedule 3 of the Regulations.

This list is effective from 02 September 2024, when SI 444 of 2024 came into effect.

To view the full list, please visit Critical Skills Occupation List

Why Choose Global Edge?

At Global Edge we are committed to provide trusted expertise, personalised guidance,
and a seamless, efficient process tailored to your needs

Expert Guidance

With extensive experience spanning decades in immigration and citizenship applications, we expertly guide you through every step of the process.

Streamlined Process

We help you navigate the complexities of work permit applications and make them simple for you.

Success Rate

Our tailored approach and strategic planning maximises the chances of success and saves your valuable time and money.

Frequent Asked Questions

I am on a Critical Skills Employment Permit and got a new job offer. Can I change my employer?

Yes, you can change your employer to another employer after nine months have passed since commencing your first employment permit in the State.

Who can apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit—the employer or the employee?

Either the prospective employee or the employer can apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit. The permit will be issued to the employee, with a certified copy sent to the employer.

Can a Critical Skills Employment Permit be issued for a job offer of less than 2 years duration?

No, Critical Skills Employment Permit is only available for roles with a minimum 2-year duration.

Can permit holders start work before the permit is issued?

If the employee don’t have right to work in Ireland than in that case, they must wait until the permit is granted.

How do I know if my qualification is equivalent to an Irish degree?

Qualification levels in Ireland are determined by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) and that body is the appropriate authority to confirm whether the level of a qualification achieves the NFQ level 7 or above (ISCED level 6 or above) which is required for Critical Skills Employment Permit eligibility. Information on the recognition of foreign qualifications can be found at NARIC Website.

What do I do when my Critical Skills Employment Permit is due to expire?

Critical Skills Employment Permit holders whose work permit is due to expire will not be required to apply for a new permit through this Department. If you are successful in securing a Stamp 4 then you will no longer require an employment permit to be employed in the State.

Critical Skills Employment Permit