General Employment Permit

General Employment Permit

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

General Employment Permit

General Employment Permits are the primary vehicle used by the State to attract 3rd country nationals for occupations which are experiencing a labour or skills shortage.

Unlike Critical Skills Employment Permits where the State specifies eligible occupations, General Employment Permits assume all occupations to be eligible unless otherwise specified. Therefore, all occupations are eligible unless excluded under the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits.

Contact us if you need immediate assistance with filling of General Employment Permit Application .

What are the eligibility criteria’s for General 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 an Irish Employer for a minimum of 3 months or a permanent
full time contract.

Minimum annual remuneration-

Generally, a job offer must be for an annual remuneration of €34,000 or
more and employment must not fall under the  ineligible list of Occupation for Employment Permit
(hyperlink to our webpage with this information). For the below employment types, annual
remuneration of €30,000 is accepted-
• In the case of employment as a Horticulture worker, Meat Processor Operative, the minimum
annual remuneration is €30,000 and in respect of which the minimum hourly rate of
remuneration €14.79
• In the case of employment as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) & Home Support Worker, the
minimum annual remuneration is €27,000.

Employee Requirements

• Minimum annual remuneration of €34,000 or above for most employments.
• The employment named is not in an excluded job category under the Ineligible List of Occupation for Employment Permits (hyperlink to our webpage with this information).
• Employee must possess the relevant qualifications, skills or experience that are required for the employment.

Employers 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)

Labour Market Needs Test

Labour market needs test needs to be completed before the application for General Employment Permit can be filed with DETE. However there are certain exceptions whereby LMNT need not to be completed.

Contact us today to receive timely support and professional advice tailored to your specific
circumstances.

How much is the General Employment Permit Application Processing Fee?

The processing fee for a new General Employment Permit is
• €500 for an employment permit of 6 months or less duration or
• €1,000 for an employment permit from 6 months up to 24 months duration.

The processing fee for renewal of a permit is
• €750 – for an employment permit of 6 months or less duration or
• €1,500 – for an employment permit from 6 months, up to 36 months duration.

Contact us today to receive timely support and professional advice tailored to your specific
circumstances.

What is the processing time for a General Employment Permit application?

General Employment Permit Applications are typically processed between 4-8 weeks  however the actually time keeps on changing.

If the employer is registered as a 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.

Contact us today to receive timely support and professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

What is the Application Process for a General 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.

Contact us today to receive timely support and professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

What are the benefits of a General Employment Permit?

General Employment Permit is attractive to both employers and employees for several key reasons:

1. Holders of a General Employment Permit can apply for stamp 4 after completing 5 years on this employment permit.
2. Permit holders can apply for family reunification for their dependent spouse/children after completing 12 months.
3. Spouse/de facto partners of permit holders can work in Ireland without the requirement of an employment 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.

Contact us today to receive timely support and professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

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

Either the prospective employee or the employer can apply for the General Employment Permit. The permit will be issued to the employee, with a certified copy sent to the employer.
The initial permit is granted for up to 2 years, and it can be renewed for up to 3 more years, totaling 5 years. After 5 years, applicants may be eligible to apply for Stamp 4.

Jobs that are not on the Ineligible Occupations List and which meet the salary and contract
requirements are eligible.

General Employment Permit holders can apply to bring family members after they complete 12 months
on an employment permit, but family reunification is not automatic and subject to income and other
conditions.

Yes, you can change your employer to another employer after a period of nine months has passed since commencing their first employment permit in the State.
If the employee don’t have right to work in Ireland than in that case, they must wait until the permit is granted.
If you are on General Employment Permit holder whose employment permit is due to expire than you will need to renew you employment permit and make an application to DETE. If you have completed 5 years on General Employment Permit than you can apply for Stamp 4 and if you are successful in securing a Stamp 4 then you will no longer require an employment permit to be employed in the State.

Talk to our consultants today

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