Critical Skills Employment Permit (Stamp 1)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 5-6 weeks for employment permit. Additional 6-8 weeks for entry visa if visa-required.
- Fee
- EUR 1,000 employment permit + EUR 60 entry visa (if visa-required)
- Validity
- 2 years initially. After 2 years, eligible for Stamp 4 (open work permission with no permit required).
- Entry
- Single entry
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is for highly skilled occupations deemed critically important to Ireland's economy. From 1 March 2026, the minimum salary threshold increases from EUR 38,000 to EUR 40,904. For occupations with a salary of EUR 64,000+, a degree or equivalent experience is required. For the EUR 38,000-64,000 range, the role must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List AND the applicant must hold a degree or higher qualification. After 2 years, holders can apply for Stamp 4 permission allowing open access to the labour market without a permit. Family reunification is permitted immediately. Applications must be received at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EEA nationals. Must have a job offer from an Irish employer.
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Employment
Job must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List (e.g., ICT professionals, engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals, finance professionals). Minimum salary EUR 38,000 (EUR 40,904 from March 2026) for listed occupations, or EUR 64,000+ for unlisted occupations.
Required status: Critical Skills occupation
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Financial
Minimum annual salary of EUR 38,000 for occupations on the Critical Skills list (increasing to EUR 40,904 from 1 March 2026), or EUR 64,000+ for occupations not on the list.
Minimum funds: EUR 38,000 - EUR 64,000+
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: EUR 1,000 + EUR 60 visa
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Online application
Employer or employee applies online via the DETE Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date.
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Document gathering
Gather employment contract, qualifications/degree certificates, CV, passport copy, and employer registration details.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 1,000 employment permit fee.
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Processing wait
Wait 5-6 weeks for employment permit decision.
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Visa collection
Collect employment permit and visa. Travel to Ireland and register with immigration to obtain IRP card (EUR 300).