➢ To be able to hire foreign workers in Ireland, the position must meet the following requirements:

◦ The job is not on the list of ineligible occupations

◦ The annual salary for the role is at least € 30,000, with certain exceptions 

◦ The number of non-EU workers at your company is below 50% (this is known as the 50/50 rule)

➢ A Labor Market Test requires you to show evidence of a lack of sufficient, available, and qualified Irish or EU workers to perform the job. However, there are a few situations when market testing is not required. The most common examples include:

◦ The position is included on the Critical Skills Occupations List 

◦ The annual remuneration for the position is at least € 64,000, as long as the position is not on the list of ineligible occupations

◦ The job involves caring for someone with serious medical needs. This applies if the foreigner has been their primary caregiver for a specific period, and now the person relies heavily on them

➢ Irish regulations mandate market testing through the following methods:

◦ Advertising the position through the Department of Social Protection Employment Services and EURES for at least 28 days 

◦ Publishing the job ad in a national newspaper for at least 3 days 

◦ Displaying the job ad in either a local newspaper or jobs website for at least 3 days

➢ Post a job ad on VideoWorkers and select from the candidates who applied or search the database directly

➢ Ensure that the candidates you interview have the qualifications required for the job

➢ After finding a good match, make a job offer, then sign an employment contract 

➢ The contract must state that the offer is contingent on the candidate’s legal eligibility to work in Ireland

➢ In Ireland, the most common type of work permit is the General Employment Permit

➢ Either you or your future employee can apply for a work permit online using the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS)

➢ Required documents: 

◦ Worker’s passport valid for at least 12 months after the proposed date of arrival in Ireland  

◦ A passport-type photo of the worker 

◦ Employment contract 

◦ Evidence that the Labor Market Test has been conducted (this includes copies of job advertisements)

◦ A statement from the Revenue Commissioners that displays the employer’s monthly statutory return. Alternatively, you can submit a receipt for this return issued via the ROS (Revenue Online Service) or evidence of payments made to the Revenue Commissioners through SEPA monthly direct debit payments. 

◦ If the position must be registered with regulatory bodies: registration or license number 

◦ For applications for HGV drivers: copy of a CE or C1E License 

◦ Additionally, you will need to provide specific details about the company, position, and prospective employee

➢ Application fee:  € 1,000 (if your application is refused, you will get 90% of the fee back)

➢ Processing time: Between 1 and 3 months

➢ Your future employee must complete the visa application online via AVATS

➢ After completing the online application, they will receive instructions on where and how to submit the supporting documents

➢ Required documents: 

◦ Two passport-size photographs not older than 6 months 

◦ Passport valid for at least 12 months after the date of arrival in Ireland 

◦ Fully completed and signed application letter 

◦ Employment permit from DETE

◦ Employment contract 

◦ Letter from employer 

◦ Proof of qualifications and work experience (e.g., professional certificates, most recent payslips, personal tax statements)

◦ Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., most recent bank statements)

◦ Medical or travel insurance

◦ Previous visa refusals 

➢ Application fee: € 60 for a single-entry visa and € 100 for a multi-entry visa

➢ Processing time: 8 weeks

➢ Within 90 days of entering Ireland, your employee must register with the local registration office. This will allow them to get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP)

➢ Required documents: 

◦ Valid passport

◦ Proof of accommodation

◦ Proof of employment

➢ Application fee: € 300