Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland: Complete Guide (2025)

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is Ireland’s premium work permit for highly skilled workers. It offers the fastest route to permanent residence, allowing you to apply for Stamp 4 (full work rights) after just two years instead of five. If you’re a skilled professional moving to Ireland, this is likely the permit you want.

This guide explains exactly what the Critical Skills permit is, who qualifies, which jobs are eligible, salary requirements, the application process, and how it leads to permanent residence. Whether you’re applying yourself or your employer is sponsoring you, you’ll understand everything needed to successfully obtain this permit.

What is a Critical Skills Employment Permit?

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is a two-year work permit for highly skilled workers in occupations where Ireland has skills shortages.

Key benefits:

• Valid for 2 years initially
• After 2 years, eligible for Stamp 4 (permanent residence pathway)
• Can bring family immediately (they get Stamp 3)
• Time counts toward citizenship
• Faster route to settlement than General Employment Permit

Who it’s for:

• Skilled workers in eligible occupations
• Earning above salary threshold (€32,000-€64,000 depending on job)
• Jobs on Critical Skills Occupations List
• Or jobs paying €64,000+ (any occupation)

Not available for:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (don’t need it)
• UK citizens with CTA rights (don’t need it)
• Jobs not on eligible list below salary threshold
• Occupations on ineligible list

Critical Skills Occupations List

The Department of Enterprise maintains a list of occupations eligible for Critical Skills permits.

Technology and IT (Most Common)

Software Development:

• Software engineers (all levels)
• Software developers
• Full-stack developers
• Backend/frontend developers
• Mobile developers (iOS, Android)
• DevOps engineers
• Software architects
• Technical leads

Minimum salary: €32,000

Reality: Most Irish tech companies pay €40,000-€80,000+ for these roles

Data and AI:

• Data scientists
• Data engineers
• Machine learning engineers
• AI specialists
• Data analysts (if degree + €32,000+)

Minimum salary: €32,000

IT Infrastructure:

• Cloud architects
• Systems architects
• Network engineers
• Security engineers
• Infrastructure engineers

Minimum salary: €32,000

Other IT roles:

• Product managers (tech)
• IT project managers
• Business analysts (IT)
• Database administrators

Minimum salary: €32,000

Engineering

All engineering disciplines eligible:

• Civil engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical engineers
• Electronic engineers
• Chemical engineers
• Process engineers
• Structural engineers
• Aerospace engineers
• Biomedical engineers

Minimum salary: €32,000

Requirements: Usually degree in engineering required

Healthcare

Medical professionals:

• Doctors (all specialties)
• Surgeons
• Consultants
• Medical specialists

Minimum salary: €32,000 (but doctors typically earn €60,000+)

Nursing:

• Registered nurses (critical shortage)
• Specialist nurses
• Nurse managers

Minimum salary: €32,000

Requirements: Irish registration required (NMBI for nurses, Medical Council for doctors)

Other healthcare:

• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Medical scientists
• Radiographers

Minimum salary: €32,000

Science and Research

Scientists:

• Research scientists
• Laboratory scientists
• Clinical scientists
• Environmental scientists
• Materials scientists

Minimum salary: €32,000

Academia:

• University lecturers
• Researchers
• Post-doctoral researchers

Minimum salary: €32,000

Finance and Business

Finance professionals:

• Financial analysts
• Actuaries
• Investment analysts
• Risk analysts
• Chartered accountants
• Management accountants

Minimum salary: €40,000 typically required

Management:

• Engineering managers
• IT managers
• Operations managers
• R&D managers

Minimum salary: €40,000+

Architecture and Construction

Professionals:

• Architects
• Quantity surveyors
• Building surveyors
• Construction project managers

Minimum salary: €32,000

Manufacturing

Specialists:

• Manufacturing engineers
• Production managers
• Quality managers
• Supply chain managers

Minimum salary: €32,000

Any occupation at €64,000+

High earners: If your job pays €64,000 or more annually, you qualify for Critical Skills permit regardless of occupation.

This opens it to:

• Sales directors
• Marketing directors
• Senior executives
• Specialized consultants
• Any high-paying role

Exception: Excluded occupations still excluded even at €64,000+

Ineligible occupations

Some occupations are specifically excluded from Critical Skills permits:

Excluded:

• Retail managers
• Hotel managers
• Restaurant managers
• Care workers
• Hospitality roles (chefs, waiters, bartenders)
• Sales representatives (unless very senior)
• Most administrative roles
• Most customer service roles

These occupations require General Employment Permit instead (if eligible).

Salary requirements

Salary is crucial for Critical Skills permits.

Minimum thresholds

Standard minimum: €32,000 gross annual salary

Applies to:

• All occupations on Critical Skills list
• Must be stated in contract
• Must be actually paid (payslips checked)

High earner threshold: €64,000 gross annual salary

Applies to:

• Any occupation not on ineligible list
• Opens Critical Skills to more roles
• Senior positions typically

What counts as salary

Included:

• Basic salary
• Guaranteed bonuses (contractual)
• Regular allowances (if guaranteed)

Not included:

• Performance bonuses (uncertain)
• Commission (variable)
• Overtime
• Benefits in kind (company car, etc.)
• Stock options
• One-time signing bonuses

Example:

• Base salary: €30,000
• Guaranteed annual bonus: €3,000
• Performance bonus: €5,000 (maybe)
• Counts as: €33,000 ✅ (eligible)

Example 2:

• Base salary: €30,000
• Commission (variable): €10,000 average
• Counts as: €30,000 ❌ (not eligible - commission doesn’t count)

Annual salary increases

At renewal (after 2 years):

• Salary must still meet threshold
• Ideally should have increased
• Department checks salary progression
• Stagnant salary can raise questions

Typical progression:

• Year 1: €35,000
• Year 2: €38,000-€40,000
• Shows genuine skilled role
• Strengthens Stamp 4 application

Eligibility requirements

Beyond occupation and salary, you must meet these requirements:

Education and qualifications

Minimum requirement:

• Degree (Level 7+ on NFQ)
• Or equivalent foreign qualification
• Or demonstrated expertise in field

Most common:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Master’s degree (stronger application)
• Professional qualifications (engineering, accounting, etc.)

If no degree:

• Must demonstrate exceptional skill
• Significant experience required (5-10+ years)
• Harder to approve
• Provide detailed evidence

Work experience

No minimum required but helps application:

• Recent experience in field
• Progressive responsibilities
• Relevant to role offered

Typical:

• 2-5 years for mid-level roles
• 5-10 years for senior roles
• Fresh graduates accepted if qualified

Job offer requirements

Must have:

• Genuine job offer from Irish employer
• Contract specifying salary, duties, duration
• Job must match permit application exactly
• Employer must be registered in Ireland

Contract must include:

• Job title
• Duties and responsibilities
• Salary (€32,000+)
• Hours (typically 39 hours/week)
• Duration (usually permanent or 2+ years)
• Notice periods

English language

No formal requirement but:

• Application in English
• Interview likely in English
• Job requires English proficiency
• Helps demonstrate you can work effectively

If English not strong:

• Consider improving before applying
• Some employers require English test
• IELTS 6.0+ typically sufficient if required

Application process

Who applies?

Employer applies on your behalf:

• Not you directly
• Employer submits application
• Employer pays fees
• You provide documents

Your role:

• Provide all required documents
• Ensure accuracy
• Respond to queries
• Stay in communication with employer

Required documents

From you:

1. Passport

   • Valid for 6+ months
   • Biographical pages (photo page)
   • All stamps/visas pages
   • Color copies

2. Educational qualifications

   • Degree certificate
   • Academic transcripts
   • If foreign: Assessment from QQI or NARIC
   • Professional qualifications if relevant

3. CV/Resume

   • Detailed work history
   • Education
   • Skills
   • References

4. References

   • Employment references
   • Confirming experience
   • On company letterhead
   • Contact details for referee

5. Passport photos

   • Recent (within 6 months)
   • Passport standard
   • 2-4 photos usually needed

From employer:

1. Employment contract

   • Signed offer letter
   • Full contract of employment
   • Salary clearly stated
   • Job description detailed

2. Company information

   • Certificate of incorporation
   • Tax clearance certificate
   • Revenue compliance
   • Company accounts (sometimes)

3. Recruitment evidence

   • Where job was advertised
   • How long advertised
   • Why foreign worker chosen
   • Evidence of skills shortage

4. Application form

   • Completed by employer
   • Signed and dated
   • All sections completed

Application submission

Process:

1. Employer prepares application

   • Gathers all documents
   • Completes application form
   • Pays fee online

2. Submit online

   • Via enterprise.gov.ie
   • Upload all documents (PDFs)
   • Submit payment
   • Receive application reference number

3. Processing

   • Department reviews application
   • May request additional information
   • Employer must respond within deadline
   • Decision made

4. Decision

   • Approval: Permit issued
   • Rejection: Reason given, can reapply
   • Request for information: Employer responds

Fees

Application fee: €1,000

Paid by: Employer (not you)

When: At time of application submission

Non-refundable: Even if rejected

Renewal fee: €1,000 (when renewing after 2 years)

Processing time

Current timeline: 6-12 weeks typically

Breakdown:

• Submit application: Day 0
• Acknowledgment: 1-2 weeks
• Processing: 4-10 weeks
• Decision: 6-12 weeks total

Can be faster:

• Straightforward cases: 4-6 weeks
• All documents perfect: Faster
• Tech companies with history: Often quicker

Can be slower:

• Missing information: Delays
• Complex cases: 12-16 weeks
• High volume periods: Slower

Track application: Online portal with reference number

After permit approval

Receiving your permit

Employer receives:

• Approval notification
• Permit certificate (PDF)
• Instructions for employee

You receive:

• Copy of permit from employer
• Permit valid for 2 years
• Can now apply for entry visa (if needed)

Entry visa (if required)

Some nationalities need entry visa to enter Ireland:

Process:

1. Get permit approval first
2. Apply for ‘D’ visa at Irish embassy
3. Show permit certificate
4. Pay visa fee (€60-€100)
5. Receive visa
6. Travel to Ireland

Check: dfa.ie/travel/visas for your nationality

UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: No entry visa needed

Arriving in Ireland

Within 90 days of arrival:

1. Register with immigration

   • Dublin: Burgh Quay registration office
   • Outside Dublin: Local Garda station
   • Book appointment online (Dublin)

2. Bring to registration:

   • Passport
   • Employment permit certificate
   • Contract of employment
   • Proof of address in Ireland
   • Employment letter confirming start date
   • €300 registration fee

3. Receive:

   • IRP card (Irish Residence Permit)
   • Stamp 1 in passport
   • Valid for duration of permit

4. Start work

   • Cannot start before registration
   • Employer needs IRP number
   • Set up PAYE, PRSI with Revenue
   • Apply for PPS number if needed

For complete information on PPS numbers, see our PPS number guide.

Working on Critical Skills permit

What you can do

Work rights:

• Work for sponsoring employer only
• In the job role specified
• At the salary stated
• Full-time employment

Cannot:

• Work for different employer (without new permit)
• Change job role significantly
• Accept lower salary
• Work part-time (unless contract specifies)

Study:

• Can study part-time while working
• Can do evening/weekend courses
• Master’s/professional qualifications common
• Full-time study not allowed

Family:

• Can bring spouse/partner and children
• They receive Stamp 3 (can study, cannot work)
• Apply through Stamp 3 family reunification

Changing jobs

If you want to change employer:

Before 2 years:

• New employer must apply for new permit
• You must qualify for permit with new job
• Cannot start new job until approved
• Risk period if between jobs

After 2 years:

• Apply for Stamp 4 first (recommended)
• Then work for anyone
• No new permit needed
• Complete freedom

If you lose your job:

• Permit becomes technically invalid
• Grace period: Not officially stated
• Practically: Few weeks to find new role
• New employer applies for permit
• Contact DBEI immediately: employment.permits@enterprise.gov.ie

Salary and conditions

Salary must be maintained:

• Cannot reduce below threshold
• Should increase over time
• Department can check payslips
• Employer must honor contract

Working conditions:

• Standard Irish employment law applies
• Minimum wage: €12.70/hour (but you’ll earn more)
• Annual leave: 20-25 days typical
• Sick pay: Varies by employer
• Notice periods: As per contract

Tax and PRSI:

• Pay Irish income tax (PAYE)
• Pay PRSI (social insurance)
• Tax rates: 20% up to €42,000, 40% above
• USC (Universal Social Charge) additional 0.5-8%

For complete cost of living information including taxes, see our cost of living guide.

Bringing your family

Who can come

Eligible dependants:

• Spouse or civil partner
• De facto partner (together 2+ years, evidence required)
• Children under 18
• Children 18-23 if in full-time education
• Financially dependent on you

Stamp 3 for family

They receive Stamp 3:

• Can live in Ireland with you
• Can study at any level
• Cannot work (any paid employment)
• Dependent on your permission

Application:

• After you arrive and register
• Apply online via INIS
• Each family member pays €300
• Processing: 6-12 weeks

Required documents:

• Marriage certificate/relationship proof
• Birth certificates (children)
• Your IRP card copy
• Your employment details
• Proof of accommodation
• €300 per person

Family work rights

Spouse/partner cannot work initially:

• Stamp 3 doesn’t allow employment
• Must apply for own work permit if qualified
• Or wait until you get Stamp 4 (then they get it too)

After you get Stamp 4:

• Family automatically eligible for Stamp 4
• Then can work freely
• Apply at same time as your Stamp 4 application
• Usually approved together

Children:

• Can attend school (free)
• Can go to university (international fees unless you’re Stamp 4)
• Cannot work (under 18 anyway)

Path to Stamp 4 (permanent residence)

This is the most important benefit of Critical Skills permit.

After 2 years

Eligible for Stamp 4:

• After 2 years on Critical Skills permit (Stamp 1)
• No need to renew permit
• Apply directly for Stamp 4
• Don’t need to still be employed (though helps)

Stamp 4 benefits:

• Work for any employer
• Change jobs freely
• Set up business
• No permit needed
• Full work rights
• Family gets Stamp 4 too (can work)

Application requirements

To apply for Stamp 4:

1. Time requirement:

   • 2 years legally in Ireland on Stamp 1 (Critical Skills)
   • Continuous residence
   • Permission never expired

2. Current permission:

   • Still valid when applying
   • Not expired
   • In good standing

3. Employment:

   • Preferably still employed
   • Or can show employability
   • Strong employment history

4. Good character:

   • No criminal convictions
   • Tax compliant
   • No social welfare claimed
   • No immigration violations

5. Proof:

   • Employment references
   • Payslips (24 months)
   • Tax returns
   • Bank statements
   • Current employment letter

Application process

Applying:

1. Gather documents:

   • Original IRP card
   • Employment evidence (2 years)
   • Current contract
   • Bank statements
   • Tax clearance

2. Book appointment:

   • Dublin: Burgh Quay
   • Elsewhere: Garda station
   • Online booking required

3. Attend appointment:

   • Bring all documents
   • Pay €300 fee
   • Interview may be conducted
   • Decision usually same day (if in person)

4. Receive Stamp 4:

   • New IRP card issued
   • Stamp 4 endorsement
   • Valid for 2-5 years initially
   • Renewable indefinitely

Timeline:

• In-person decision: Same day usually
• Postal application: 8-12 weeks

Approval rate: Very high for Critical Skills permit holders with clean record

Stamp 4 to citizenship

With Stamp 4, you’re on the path to citizenship.

Timeline to citizenship

Total time needed: 5 years legal residence

Common path:

• 2 years: Critical Skills permit (Stamp 1)
• 3 years: Stamp 4
• = 5 years total
• Then apply for citizenship

Requirements:

• 5 years (1,825 days) in Ireland in last 9 years
• Including 1 continuous year immediately before application
• Good character
• Intention to remain in Ireland
• Pass citizenship ceremony

After citizenship:

• Irish passport
• EU citizenship rights
• Can live/work anywhere in EU
• Visa-free travel to 185+ countries
• Vote in elections
• All rights of Irish citizens

For complete citizenship information, see guides on path to citizenship.

Renewal after 2 years

Most people don’t renew the Critical Skills permit—they apply for Stamp 4 instead.

If you do renew

Reasons to renew:

• Not ready for Stamp 4 yet
• Want to stay with permit system
• Employer preference
• Planning to leave Ireland soon

Process:

• Employer applies for renewal
• Same process as original
• Fee: €1,000
• Usually approved if circumstances unchanged

Duration: Additional 3 years typically

After 5 years total: Still eligible for Stamp 4

Comparison: Critical Skills vs General Employment Permit

Understanding the difference helps you see why Critical Skills is better.

Feature	Critical Skills	General Employment Permit
Duration	2 years	2 years
Eligible occupations	Critical Skills list + €64k jobs	Wider range
Minimum salary	€32,000 (most roles)	€30,000 (varies)
Path to Stamp 4	After 2 years	After 5 years
Family rights	Immediate (Stamp 3)	After 1 year
Cost	€1,000	€1,500
Labour Market Test	Not required	Sometimes required
Job flexibility	Better long-term	More restrictive

Clear winner: Critical Skills for long-term settlement

General EP better if: Your job doesn’t qualify for Critical Skills

Common problems and solutions

Application rejected

Common reasons:

• Salary below threshold
• Occupation not eligible
• Incomplete documentation
• Employer not compliant
• Qualifications don’t match

Solutions:

• Review rejection reason carefully
• Fix issue
• Reapply (pay new fee)
• Or apply for different permit type
• Seek professional advice if complex

Delayed processing

If taking too long:

• Contact DBEI: employment.permits@enterprise.gov.ie
• Quote reference number
• Ask for update
• Employer can also contact
• Usually just backlog

Job offer withdrawn

If job offer falls through before permit approved:

• Application becomes void
• Can’t use permit
• Find new job
• New employer applies
• Start process again

Avoid: Don’t quit current job until permit approved

Can’t register in Ireland

If registration office says no appointments:

• Keep checking daily (Dublin)
• Appointments released regularly
• Try early morning
• Outside Dublin usually easier
• Cannot work until registered

Tips for successful application

Before applying

Ensure job genuinely qualifies:

• Check Critical Skills list carefully
• Verify salary meets threshold
• Confirm occupation not excluded
• Get professional opinion if unsure

Choose right employer:

• Established company better
• Previous permit experience helpful
• Tech companies usually smooth process
• Startups can be trickier (but possible)

Negotiate salary:

• Aim above minimum threshold
• €35,000-€40,000 safer than €32,000
• Higher salary = stronger application
• Shows genuine skilled role

During application

Document quality:

• All documents in English (or translated)
• Clear, readable scans
• Official versions
• Nothing hand-written

Be thorough:

• Answer all questions fully
• Provide more detail rather than less
• Include explanatory cover letter
• Anticipate questions

Stay in contact:

• Check email regularly
• Respond immediately to requests
• Employer should follow up
• Track application status online

After approval

Register immediately:

• Book appointment ASAP
• Don’t delay
• Cannot work until registered
• Needed for PPS number, bank account, etc.

Keep records:

• All payslips
• Tax documents
• Employment contracts
• For Stamp 4 application in 2 years

Plan ahead:

• Mark 2-year date in calendar
• Start Stamp 4 prep 3 months before
• Gather documents early
• Don’t let permit expire

Costs summary

Total costs to employer:

• Initial application: €1,000
• Renewal (if applicable): €1,000

Total costs to you:

• Entry visa (if needed): €60-€100
• Immigration registration: €300
• Family registration: €300 each
• Stamp 4 application: €300
• Total: €660-€1,300 (depending on circumstances)

Employer pays permit fees, you pay registration/visa fees.

For complete budget planning including all relocation costs, see our cost of living guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a Critical Skills permit?

Typically 6-12 weeks from application submission to decision. Straightforward cases with perfect documentation can be faster (4-6 weeks). Complex cases or missing information can take 12-16 weeks. Your employer submits the application and tracks progress. Once approved, if you need an entry visa, add another 4-6 weeks for that process.

Can I apply for Critical Skills permit myself?

No, the employer must apply on your behalf. You cannot self-sponsor for a Critical Skills permit. You provide all your personal documents (passport, qualifications, CV), but the employer completes and submits the application through the online system. The employer pays the €1,000 fee and is the official applicant.

What if my job isn’t on the Critical Skills list?

If your job isn’t on the list but pays €64,000 or more annually, you still qualify for Critical Skills permit (unless it’s on the ineligible list). If your job pays less than €64,000 and isn’t on the list, you’ll need a General Employment Permit instead, which has a 5-year path to Stamp 4 rather than 2 years.

Can I bring my partner if we’re not married?

Yes, but you need to prove you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years and are committed partners (de facto partnership). Evidence includes: joint bank accounts, shared lease, photos together over time, letters addressed to both at same address, travel together, statutory declarations. Married couples and civil partners have an easier time, but unmarried partners are accepted with sufficient proof.

What happens if I lose my job on Critical Skills permit?

Your permit becomes technically invalid when employment ends. There’s no official grace period, but in practice you have a few weeks to find a new job. Contact the Department immediately (employment.permits@enterprise.gov.ie) to explain the situation. A new employer must apply for a new permit for you. If you’ve already been on Critical Skills for 2 years, consider applying for Stamp 4 first instead—then you can work for anyone.

Can my spouse work in Ireland?

Not initially. They’ll receive Stamp 3 which doesn’t allow employment. They can study at any level, but cannot work. However, once you qualify for Stamp 4 (after 2 years on Critical Skills), your spouse also gets Stamp 4 and can then work freely for any employer. Alternatively, they can apply for their own work permit if they qualify independently.

Do I need my degree assessed?

If your degree is from a non-Irish university, yes. You need to get it assessed by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) or UK NARIC to show it’s equivalent to an Irish degree. This costs €170-€200 and takes 6-8 weeks. Submit the assessment with your permit application. Degrees from UK, US, Canadian, Australian, or EU universities are usually straightforward to assess.

Can I start my own business on Critical Skills permit?

Not while on Stamp 1 (the immigration stamp that comes with Critical Skills permit). You must work for your sponsoring employer. However, after 2 years when you get Stamp 4, you can start a business, work for anyone, or be self-employed. This is one of the major benefits of the quick path to Stamp 4 that Critical Skills provides.

Useful contacts and resources

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment:

• Website: enterprise.gov.ie/workpermits
• Email: employment.permits@enterprise.gov.ie
• Phone: +353 1 631 2121
• Online application portal

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service:

• Website: inis.gov.ie
• Email: inisonline@justice.ie
• Phone: +353 1 616 7700
• For Stamp 4 and registration queries

Registration offices:

• Dublin: burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie
• Outside Dublin: Local Garda station

Qualification recognition:

• QQI: qqi.ie
• UK NARIC: naric.com
• For degree assessment

Additional information:

• Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie
• Immigrant Council of Ireland: immigrantcouncil.ie

Summary

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is Ireland’s best work permit for skilled professionals, offering a fast track to permanent residence and eventual citizenship.

Key points to remember:

Eligibility:

• Job on Critical Skills Occupations List (mainly tech, engineering, healthcare, science)
• Or any job paying €64,000+
• Minimum salary €32,000 for listed occupations
• Degree or equivalent qualification usually required

Application:

• Employer applies (not you)
• €1,000 fee (employer pays)
• 6-12 weeks processing
• All documents must be perfect

Benefits:

• 2-year work permit
• After 2 years, eligible for Stamp 4 (permanent residence pathway)
• Bring family immediately (Stamp 3)
• Time counts toward citizenship
• Fastest route to settlement

Path forward:

• Year 0-2: Critical Skills permit (Stamp 1)
• Year 2: Apply for Stamp 4 (full work rights)
• Year 5: Eligible for citizenship
• Then Irish/EU citizenship

If you’re a skilled worker moving to Ireland, pursue Critical Skills permit rather than General Employment Permit. The 2-year path to Stamp 4 vs 5-year path makes a huge difference to your settlement timeline and flexibility. Work with your employer to ensure the application is strong, complete, and accurate.

For complete information about moving to Ireland including all visa types, see our work permits and visas guide. If you’re planning your move, check our guides for Americans, British citizens, or other nationalities for comprehensive relocation advice.