Ireland - Highly-qualified worker

Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a highly-skilled employee in Ireland? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

To work as a highly-skilled worker, you must, in general, have:

  • a valid entry visa (if necessary);
  • a valid Critical Skills Employment Permits; and
  • a certificate of registration called an Irish Residence Permit issued by the GNIB/local Immigration Officer after you arrive in Ireland.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

To obtain a Critical Skills Employment permit, you must have a job offer for at least two years duration and an annual salary of above € 60,000 per year other than those on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment PermitsSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• or which are contrary to the public interest.

For strategically important occupationsSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• listed on the Critical Skills list, the minimum remuneration is €30,000 plus the requirement for the non-EEA national to hold a qualification at degree level relevant to the occupation.

You must possess the relevant qualifications, skills and experience that are required for the employment.

An employment permit will not be granted to companies unless 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 (i.e. registered as an employer with Revenue) and which are supported by the enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland.

You or your future employer must complete the employment permit application form.

Documents requiredIn addition to the completed employment permit form and paying the required fee, you must have a job offer and provide:
  • a signed copy of the contract of employment;
  • information on the relevant Degree qualifications, skills and experience that you have for the position;
  • details of your immigration history, if any;
  • employer details of registration with Revenue Commissioners/Companies Registration Office as appropriate.
You must be directly paid and employed by your employer.

Your employer must be registered with the Office of the Revenue CommissionersSearch for available translations of the preceding link and with the Companies Registration Office and must operate his/her trading in Ireland.
Long-term residenceAfter five years of legal residence in Ireland, you may apply for long-term residence and/or citizenship, subject to conditions being fulfilled.

The status is granted at the discretion of the Minister for Justice and Equality .

After eight years of legal residence in Ireland, you may apply for leave to remain Without Condition As To Time (WCATTSearch for available translations of the preceding link).

Until either long-term residence or citizenship is granted, you are required to maintain a residence permit.

More on long-term residenceSearch for available translations of the preceding link

More on citizenshipSearch for available translations of the preceding link

Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits

Employments in respect of which an employment permit shall not be granted

This list is set out in Schedule 4 of the Regulations.

This list is effective from 27 October 2021, when the Employment Permits (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2021 came into effect.

The Ineligible List of Occupations is organised using the Standard Occupational Classification system (SOC 2010), a system which classifies workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. The list indicates the broad employment category, but not all employments which come into these categories are necessarily ineligible for Employment Permits. Specific employments within the broader occupation group that are ineligible are listed under ‘Ineligible Employments’ – in most cases, applicants may not apply for employment permits in respect of these employments (other than the exceptions listed).

In respect of the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit Scheme and the Reactivation Employment Permit Scheme, foreign nationals are eligible to undertake any employment on this list, provided it does not take place in a domestic setting (other than certain carers) or is contrary to public interest.     

 

SOC-3

Categories of employment

SOC-4

Employment

122

Managers in Hospitality and Leisure Services

1225

Leisure and sports facilities managers

1226

Travel agency managers

124

Managers in Health and Care Services

1242

Residential, day and domiciliary care managers

125

Managers in Other Services

1251

Property, housing and estate managers

1252

Garage managers

1253

Hairdressing and beauty salon managers

1254

Shopkeepers – wholesale and retail

1255

Waste disposal and environmental services managers

1259

Other managers in other services not elsewhere classified (includes Betting shop manager, Graphic design manager, Library manager, Plant hire manager, Production manager)

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

222

Therapy Professionals

2229

Other therapy professionals not elsewhere classified

(with the exception of orthoptists, and chiropractors who are members of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland)

244

Welfare Professionals

2443

Probation officers

2449

Other welfare professionals not elsewhere classified

312

Draughtspersons and Related Architectural Technicians

3121

Town planning technicians

321

Health Associate Professionals

3217

Pharmaceutical technicians

3218

Dental technicians only

3219

Other health associate professionals not elsewhere classified (includes Acupuncturists, Homeopaths, Hypnotherapists, Massage therapists, Reflexologists, Sports therapists)

323

Welfare and Housing Associate Professionals

3231

Youth and community workers

3233

Child and early years officers

3234

Housing officers

3235

Counsellors

3239

Other welfare and housing associate professionals not elsewhere classified

331

Protective Service Occupations

3311

NCOs and other ranks

3312

Police officers (sergeant and below)

3313

Fire service officers (watch manager and below)

3314

Prison service officers (below principal officer)

3315

Police community support officers

3319

Other protective service associate professionals not elsewhere classified

344

Sports and Fitness Occupations

3443

Fitness instructors

352

Legal Associate Professionals

3520

Legal associate professionals

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a State which is not a member of the EEA and who has market knowledge of that non-EEA state)

354

Sales, Marketing and Related Associate Professionals

3544

Estate agents and auctioneers

3546

Conference and exhibition managers and organisers

356

Public Services and Other Associate Professionals

3561

Public services associate professionals

3563

Vocational and industrial trainers and instructors

(with the exception of mobility instructors for the visually impaired)

3564

Careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists

(with the exception of career guidance teachers in secondary schools)

3565

Inspectors of standards and regulations

3567

Health and safety officers

(with the exception of Construction Safety Officers)

411

Administrative Occupations: Government and Related Organisations

4112

National government administrative occupations

4113

Local government administrative occupations

412

Administrative Occupations: Finance

4121

Credit controllers

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, in a role in credit control where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

4122

Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA in a role in accounts payable where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

4123

Bank and post office clerks

4124

Finance officers

4129

Other financial administrative occupations not elsewhere classified

413

Administrative Occupations: Records

4131

Records clerks and assistants

4132

Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants

4133

Stock control clerks and assistants

4135

Library clerks and assistants

4138

Human resources administrative occupations

415

Other Administrative Occupations

4151

Sales administrators

4159

Other administrative occupations not elsewhere classified

416

Administrative Occupations: Office Managers and Supervisors

4161

Office managers

4162

Office supervisors

421

Secretarial and Related Occupations

4211

Medical secretaries

4212

Legal secretaries

4213

School secretaries

4214

Company secretaries

4215

Personal assistants and other secretaries

4216

Receptionists

4217

Typists and related keyboard occupations

511

Agricultural and Related Trades

5111

Farmers

5112

Horticultural trades

5113

Gardeners and landscape gardeners

5114

Groundsmen and greenkeepers

5119

Other agricultural and fishing trades not elsewhere classified

521

Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades

5211

Smiths and forge workers

5212

Moulders, core makers and die casters

5214

Metal plate workers, and riveters

523

Vehicle Trades

5231

Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians

(with the exception of  –

  • vehicle technicians and mechanics affiliated to a particular sporting organisation applying for a Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
  • Vehicle Roadworthiness Tester – conducting the National Car Testing Service)

5232

Vehicle body builders and repairers

5234

Vehicle paint technicians

5236

Boat and ship builders and repairers

5237

Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers

524

Electrical and Electronic Trades

5241

Electrical fitters

5244

TV, video and audio engineers

5249

Other electrical and electronic trades not elsewhere classified

525

Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Supervisors

5250

Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors

531

Construction and building trades

5319

Other construction and building trades not elsewhere classified

541

Textiles and Garments Trades

5411

Weavers and knitters

5412

Upholsterers

5413

Footwear and leather working trades

5414

Tailors and dressmakers

5419

Other textiles, garments and related trades not elsewhere classified

542

Printing Trades

5421

Pre-press technicians

5422

Printers

5423

Print finishing and binding workers

543

Food Preparation and Hospitality Trades

5431

Butchers

(with the exception of boners (meat))

5432

Bakers and flour confectioners

5433

Fishmongers and poultry dressers

5434

Chefs

(with the exception of –

  • Executive Chef with minimum of 5 years’ experience
  • Head Chef with minimum of 5 years’ experience
  • Sous Chef with minimum of 5 years’ experience
  • Chef de Partie with minimum of 2 years’ experience
  • Commis Chef with minimum of 2 years’ experience

who will be employed in establishments other than fast food outlets)

5435

Cooks

544

Other Skilled Trades

5441

Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers

5442

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers

5443

Florists

5449

All other skilled trades not elsewhere classified

612

Childcare and Related Personal Services

6121

Nursery nurses and assistants

6122

Childminders and related occupations

6125

Teaching assistants

6126

Educational support assistants

613

Animal Care and Control Services

6131

Veterinary nurses

6132

Pest control officers

6139

Other animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified (with the exception of work riders)

614

Caring Personal Services

6142

Ambulance staff

(with the exception of paramedics)

6143

Dental nurses

6144

Houseparents and residential wardens

6145

Care workers and home carers

(with the exception of a carer in a private home)

6146

Senior care workers

6147

Care escorts

6148

Undertakers, mortuary and crematorium assistants

621

Leisure and Travel Services

6211

Sports and leisure assistants

6212

Travel agents

6214

Air travel assistants

6215

Rail travel assistants

6219

Other leisure and travel service occupations not elsewhere classified

(with the exception of tourist guides fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA)

622

Hairdressers and Related Services

6221

Hairdressers, barbers, and related occupations

6222

Beauticians and related occupations

623

Housekeeping and Related Services

6231

Housekeepers and related occupations

6232

Caretakers

624

Cleaning and Housekeeping Managers and Supervisors

6240

Cleaning and housekeeping managers and supervisors

711

Sales Assistants and Retail Cashiers

7111

Sales and retail assistants

7112

Retail cashiers and check-out operators

7113

Telephone salespersons

7114

Pharmacy and other dispensing assistants

7115

Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers

712

Sales Related Occupations

7121

Collector salespersons and credit agents

7122

Debt, rent and other cash collectors

7123

Roundspersons and van salespersons

7124

Market and street traders and assistants

7125

Merchandisers and window dressers

7129

Other sales related occupations not elsewhere classified

713

Sales Supervisors

7130

Sales supervisors

721

Customer Service Occupations

7211

Call and contact centre occupations

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency and is in—

  • a customer service and sales role with relevant product knowledge,
  • a specialist online digital marketing and sales role, or
  • a specialist language support and technical sales support role)

7213

Telephonists

7214

Communication operators

7215

Market research interviewers

7219

Other customer service occupations not elsewhere classified

722

Customer Service Managers and Supervisors

7220

Customer service managers and supervisors

811

Process Operatives

8111

Food, drink and tobacco process operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative and

Meat processor operative)

8112

Glass and ceramics process operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8113

Textile process operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8114

Chemical and related process operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8115

Rubber process operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8116

Plastics process operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8117

Metal making and treating process operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8118

Electroplaters

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8119

Other process operatives not elsewhere classified

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

812

Plant and Machine Operatives

8121

Paper and wood machine operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8122

Coal mine operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8123

Quarry workers and related operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8124

Energy plant operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8125

Metal working machine operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8126

Water and sewerage plant operatives

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8127

Printing machine assistants

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

8129

Other plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

813

Assemblers and Routine Operatives

8131

Assemblers (electrical and electronic products)

8132

Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)

8133

Routine inspectors and testers

8134

Weighers, graders and sorters

8135

Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters

8137

Sewing machinists

8139

Other assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified

814

Construction Operatives

8142

Road construction operatives

8143

Rail construction and maintenance operatives

8149

Other construction operatives not elsewhere classified

821

Road Transport Drivers

8211

Large goods vehicle drivers

(with the exception of heavy goods vehicle drivers who have-

  • a category CE or C1E driving licence, or
  • an equivalent category to a category CE or C1E driving licence identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction)

8212

Van drivers

8213

Bus and coach drivers

8214

Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs

8215

Driving instructors

822

Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives

8222

Fork-lift truck drivers

8223

Agricultural machinery drivers

8229

Other mobile machine drivers and operatives not elsewhere classified

823

Other Drivers and Transport Operatives

8231

Train and tram drivers

8232

Marine and waterways transport operatives

8233

Air transport operatives

8234

Rail transport operatives

8239

Other drivers and transport operatives not elsewhere classified

911

Elementary Agricultural Occupations

9111

Farm workers

(with the exception of dairy farm assistants)

9112

Forestry workers

9119

Other fishing and other general agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified

(with the exception of horticulture worker)

912

Elementary Construction Occupations

9120

Elementary construction occupations

913

Elementary Process Plant Occupations

9132

Industrial cleaning process occupations

9134

Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers

9139

Other elementary process plant occupations not elsewhere classified

921

Elementary Administration Occupations

9211

Postal workers, mail sorters, messengers and couriers

9219

Other elementary administration occupations not elsewhere classified

923

Elementary Cleaning Occupations

9231

Window cleaners

9232

Street cleaners

9233

Cleaners and domestics

9234

Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers

9235

Refuse and salvage occupations

9236

Vehicle valeters and cleaners

9239

Other elementary cleaning occupations not elsewhere classified

924

Elementary Security Occupations

9241

Security guards and related occupations

9242

Parking and civil enforcement occupations

9244

School midday and crossing patrol occupations

9249

Other elementary security occupations not elsewhere classified

925

Elementary Sales Occupations

9251

Shelf fillers

9259

Other elementary sales occupations not elsewhere classified

926

Elementary Storage Occupations

9260

Elementary storage occupations

927

Other Elementary Services Occupations

9271

Hospital porters

9272

Kitchen and catering assistants

9273

Waiters and waitresses

9274

Bar staff

9275

Leisure and theme park attendants

9279

Other elementary services occupations not elsewhere classified

All

Work in the private home

All

Domestic operatives