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Contract for Services Employment Permit

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

11-12 weeks

Application Fee

3,750 EUR

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years (granted in 24-month increments)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Lets a foreign contractor transfer non-EEA staff to deliver a one-to-one service contract with an Irish entity for up to five years.

Ireland's Contract for Services Employment Permit lets a foreign contractor that has won a one-to-one services contract with an Irish entity transfer its own non-EEA staff to deliver the work on-site. Issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE), it replaces the former Contract Service Provider class.

Permits are tied to the contract term, granted in up to 24-month increments and extendable to a five-year maximum stay. Minimum remuneration is €49,523; fees are €500 (≤6 months) or €1,000 (up to 24 months) via the Employment Permits Online (EPOS) portal. New-application processing runs roughly 11-12 weeks (May 2026).

This visa is ideal for senior consultants and IT specialists employed by a foreign contractor that has won an Irish service contract, earning at least €49,523 and posted to Ireland for the duration of that engagement.

Fee Breakdown

First application (≤6 months)	500 EUR
First application (up to 24 months)	1,000 EUR
Renewal (≤6 months)	750 EUR
Renewal (up to 36 months)	1,500 EUR

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Proof of a one-to-one service contract between a foreign contractor and an Irish entity

Evidence of at least 6 months of prior employment with the foreign contractor

The position must not be on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits

The foreign contractor must be registered as an employer with Irish Revenue

At least 50% of the employees of the contractor or the Irish entity must be EEA nationals

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

49,523 EUR/yr

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Supports complex on-site service delivery without setting up an Irish subsidiary
Granted in 24-month increments and extendable to a maximum stay of five years
Employee stays on the foreign contractor's payroll, preserving home-country benefits
Conversion to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit possible after 12 months

Worth Knowing

Strictly tied to the underlying contract term; permit ends when the contract does
Spouses and dependants must apply for their own Irish employment permit
Minimum annual remuneration of €49,523 must be paid by the foreign contractor
Permit holder must leave Ireland on contract cessation or permit expiry
Role appears on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits
Employee has less than six months' prior service with the foreign contractor
Work is subcontracted to a third party (not a direct one-to-one contract)
Fewer than 50% of the contractor's or Irish entity's employees are EEA nationals

Application Process

Contractor submits application via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS)

Pay the required processing fee

Await Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) approval

Apply for an entry visa (if visa-required) at an Irish Embassy or Consulate

Register with local immigration authorities for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) upon arrival

Verified Claims (28)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Fee Breakdown	First application (≤6 months): 500 EUR; First application (up to 24 months): 1000 EUR; Renewal (≤6 m…	enterprise.gov.ie
Fee Breakdown	First application (≤6 months): 500 EUR; First application (up to 24 months): 1000 EUR; Renewal (≤6 m…	enterprise.gov.ie
Fee Breakdown	First application (≤6 months): 500 EUR; First application (up to 24 months): 1000 EUR; Renewal (≤6 m…	enterprise.gov.ie
Fee Breakdown	First application (≤6 months): 500 EUR; First application (up to 24 months): 1000 EUR; Renewal (≤6 m…	enterprise.gov.ie
Application Portal	https://employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie/	employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie
Application Portal	https://employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie/	employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie
Application Portal	https://employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie/	employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie
Application Portal	https://employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie/	employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie

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