General Employment Permit (Stamp 1)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks for employment permit
- Fee
- EUR 500 (6 months or less) or EUR 1,000 (6-24 months) + EUR 60 visa (if visa-required)
- Validity
- Up to 2 years, renewable. After 57 months (approx. 5 years), eligible for Stamp 4.
- Entry
- Single entry
The General Employment Permit covers most occupations not on the Ineligible List of Occupations. From 1 March 2026, the minimum annual salary increases from EUR 34,000 to EUR 36,605. The job must be advertised in Ireland/EEA for at least 28 days before applying (with DEASP/EURES and in national newspapers/online). After 57 months of continuous employment, holders can apply for Stamp 4. Family reunification is available after 12 months. The 50:50 rule applies: at least 50% of the employer's workforce must be EEA nationals at the time of application (exemptions may apply for start-ups).
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EEA nationals with a qualifying job offer.
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Employment
Job must NOT be on the Ineligible List of Occupations. Minimum annual salary of EUR 34,000 (EUR 36,605 from March 2026). Job must have been advertised for at least 28 days. At least 50% of employer's workforce must be EEA nationals.
Required status: Non-ineligible occupation
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Financial
Minimum annual remuneration of EUR 34,000 (increasing to EUR 36,605 from 1 March 2026).
Minimum funds: EUR 34,000 (EUR 36,605 from March 2026)
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 500 / 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 advertises the position for at least 28 days. Then apply via DETE EPOS online system.
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Document gathering
Gather employment contract, CV, passport copy, proof of job advertisements, employer registration details.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 500 (6 months or less) or EUR 1,000 (6-24 months).
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Processing wait
Wait 4-8 weeks for employment permit decision.
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Visa collection
Travel to Ireland and register with immigration to obtain IRP card (EUR 300).