Most non-EEA hiring in Ireland runs through two permits: the General Employment Permit (GEP) and the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). Which one a job can support decides almost everything else: whether the employer must advertise first, how quickly your family can join you, and your route to long-term residence.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit
The CSEP is for occupations Ireland has decided it is short of, listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List. As of 1 March 2026, it requires at least €40,904 with a relevant degree for a listed occupation, or €68,911 for most other occupations without needing the list. Its big advantages: no Labour Market Needs Test, immediate family reunification, and after two years you can apply to the Department of Justice for long-term residence (Stamp 4).
The General Employment Permit
The GEP covers a much wider range of jobs: anything not on the Ineligible Occupations List. As of 1 March 2026 it requires at least €36,605 for most roles, and the employer usually must complete a Labour Market Needs Test first: advertising the job for 28 days on JobsIreland/EURES plus 28 days on one other online platform, to show no suitable candidate was available in Ireland or the EEA.
Recent graduates get lower thresholds
- GEP graduate rate: €34,009, for graduates of Irish third-level institutions (Level 8 or higher, within 12 months of graduating).
- CSEP graduate rate: €36,848, for a Level 8+ degree relevant to the listed occupation, from any recognised institution worldwide.
What counts towards the salary?
Only basic salary plus health insurance paid by the employer to a registered provider. Bonuses, overtime and allowances do not count, and hours matter: pay is assessed on a 39-hour week basis.
The practical test
- Occupation on the Critical Skills list and salary at or above €40,904? CSEP territory.
- Any eligible occupation at €68,911 or more? CSEP without the list.
- Eligible occupation at €36,605 or more? GEP, usually with the advertising test first.
- Occupation on the Ineligible list? No permit is available at any salary.
JobsMatch runs this check automatically against every listing, with each figure cited to its official source and effective date. You can also check your own position or analyse any job ad.
Figures quoted are effective 1 March 2026 and were verified in September 2026. General information from published official sources, not legal advice.