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Working in Ireland: A Pathway for Global Talent

Ireland dynamic economy, diverse industries, and inclusive work culture make it an attractive destination for global professionals. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, IT professional, engineer, or in another skilled trade, Ireland offers a variety of opportunities to grow your career. For non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals, obtaining a work permit is a key step toward securing employment in Ireland.

One of the most common work permits available for foreign workers is the General Employment Permit, which allows you to work in a wide range of industries that may not fall under the critical skills category but still require expertise and manpower.

What Is the General Employment Permit?

The General Employment Permit is a flexible work permit available to non-EEA nationals who have a valid job offer from an Irish employer in eligible sectors. It allows individuals to work in Ireland for up to 2 years, with the option for renewal. This permit opens up opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, construction, and business.

Key Features of the General Employment Permit:

  • It covers jobs that may not be on Ireland Critical Skills Occupations List.
  • It is available to workers across various industries, such as retail, hospitality, administration, healthcare support, and more.
  • The salary offered by the employer must meet specific thresholds to ensure the role qualifies.

Eligibility Requirements for the General Employment Permit

To be eligible for a General Employment Permit, you must have a job offer from an employer in Ireland. The role must meet the following requirements:

  1. Minimum Salary Requirement: The job must offer a minimum salary of €30,000 per year. However, some roles may have higher salary requirements, especially in certain technical fields.
  2. Eligible Occupation: The position you are applying for must not be listed on the Ineligible Categories of Employment for non-EEA nationals. Certain roles, such as clerical work, sales assistants, and lower-skilled positions, do not qualify for this permit.
  3. Job Offer from Irish Employer: You need to secure a job offer before applying. The employment contract must be for a minimum of 12 months.
  4. Labour Market Needs Test: In some cases, employers may need to demonstrate that they were unable to find an EU/EEA candidate for the role before offering it to a non-EEA worker.

How to Apply for the General Employment Permit

The application process for a General Employment Permit is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here are the steps involved:

  1. Secure a Job Offer: The first step is to get a written job offer from a recognised employer in Ireland. This should outline your job role, salary, and contract duration.
  2. Submit Application: Either you or your employer can submit the application online through the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment’s portal.
  3. Documentation: Ensure you submit all necessary documents, including your job offer, passport, educational qualifications, and employment history.
  4. Pay Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is required. Fees vary based on the permit duration.
  5. Wait for Processing: The processing time for a General Employment Permit is typically between 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the department reviews your application and ensures all criteria are met.

Benefits and Conditions of the General Employment Permit

  • Duration: The permit is usually issued for up to 2 years, with the option to renew. After 5 years of residency, you may apply for long-term residence.
  • Spousal/Partner Work Rights: Spouses and dependents of General Employment Permit holders may need to apply separately to work in Ireland.
  • Changing Employers: In your first 12 months, you must work for the employer specified in your permit. After this period, you may change employers by applying for a new permit without needing to meet the Labour Market Needs Test again.

Why Choose Ireland?

Ireland is a thriving hub for innovation, healthcare, engineering, and tech, with many global companies setting up offices across the country. Working in Ireland offers:

  • High Quality of Life: Ireland consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, healthcare, and education.
  • Thriving Job Market: The Irish job market continues to grow, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
  • Cultural Experience: Working in Ireland allows you to experience a rich cultural heritage, a welcoming community, and an exciting expat lifestyle.

How AllSkillRecruitment Can Help You

AllSkillRecruitment, we specialise in helping international professionals navigate the complex processes of securing work permits and finding the right job opportunities in Ireland. Whether you’re applying for a General Employment Permit or a Critical Skills Employment Permit, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

How We Support You:

  • Job Matching: We connect you with top employers across Ireland, matching your skills with open positions in sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and more.
  • Permit Application Assistance: Our experienced consultants help you gather the necessary documents and ensure your work permit application is accurate and complete.
  • Visa and Relocation Guidance: We provide clear guidance on the visa and relocation process, helping you settle in Ireland with ease.
  • Ongoing Support: After you secure employment, we continue to provide support, from helping your family members obtain work permits to advising on residency applications.

Let us help you make your transition to working in Ireland as smooth as possible. Reach out to AllSkillRecruitment today, and we’ll be by your side throughout the entire process.

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“Accountant”

“I was looking to move to Ireland for better career opportunities but was unsure about the work permit process. AllSkillRecruitment made everything so easy!”

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— Martha Nazario

“Hospitality Worker”

As an international hospitality worker, finding a job and navigating the work permit process seemed overwhelming. But AllSkillRecruitment provided expert assistance with my application, ensuring all my documents were in order.!

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— Alex Martinez

“IT Support Specialist”

As an IT professional from abroad, I wanted to move to Ireland for better job prospects but wasn’t sure how to navigate the work permit process. AllSkillRecruitment was amazing in helping me secure my General Employment Permit.

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— Antoine Crawford

Contact Us

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and work in Ireland, or if you need assistance with the work permit process, contact us today:

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