Ireland•Europe14-28 days
1,000 EUR
Duration of contract
Yes
Required
Not Specified
Available
Not Required
Ireland's premium 2-year work permit for non-EEA professionals in shortage occupations earning €40,904+, with direct Stamp 4 conversion.
Ireland's premium work permit for highly skilled non-EEA professionals filling shortage roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List — tech, engineering, healthcare and other specialisms. Issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, it skips the Labour Market Needs Test and requires a 2-year job offer from an Ireland-based employer registered with Revenue and the CRO.
Salary floor is €40,904 on the Critical Skills list (€36,848 if the qualifying degree was earned in the prior 12 months), or €68,911 for other eligible roles. The application fee is €1,000, with 90% refunded on refusal. Permits run 2 years, renewable, and convert directly to Stamp 4 without a further permit, leading to long-term residence after 5 years. Spouses can join and work freely.
This visa is ideal for non-EEA degree-holders with a confirmed Irish job offer in a shortage occupation seeking a fast route to long-term residency for themselves and family.
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Job offer from a bona-fide employer based and trading in Ireland, registered with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office.
Minimum annual remuneration of €40,904 for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List (or €36,848 if the qualification was received within the last 12 months).
Minimum annual remuneration of €68,911 for occupations not on the ineligible list.
Possession of relevant degree qualification or higher for roles in the €40,904 range.
Direct employment and payment by the Irish employer (no recruitment agencies).
Job offer must be for a duration of 2 years or more.
Company must have 50% or more EEA employees (unless a start-up supported by Enterprise Ireland/IDA).
Job Offer
Required
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Income
40,904 EUR/yr
Completed employment permit application form.
Copy of passport.
Signed employment contract.
Detailed job description and duties.
Proof of qualifications, skills, and experience.
Employer business details (nature of business, employee numbers).
If resident in Ireland, copy of current immigration stamp and IRP card.
Passport-sized photo.
| Application Steps | Secure 2-year job offer from an Ireland-based employer registered with Revenue and the CRO for a rol… | enterprise.gov.ie |
| Application Steps | Secure 2-year job offer from an Ireland-based employer registered with Revenue and the CRO for a rol… | enterprise.gov.ie |
| Application Steps | Secure 2-year job offer from an Ireland-based employer registered with Revenue and the CRO for a rol… | enterprise.gov.ie |
| Application Steps | Secure 2-year job offer from an Ireland-based employer registered with Revenue and the CRO for a rol… | enterprise.gov.ie |
| Forms · 0 · name | Critical Skills Employment Permit Application (Employment Permits Online) | enterprise.gov.ie |
| Forms · 0 · name | Critical Skills Employment Permit Application (Employment Permits Online) | enterprise.gov.ie |
| Forms · 0 · name | Critical Skills Employment Permit Application (Employment Permits Online) | enterprise.gov.ie |
| Forms · 0 · name | Critical Skills Employment Permit Application (Employment Permits Online) | enterprise.gov.ie |
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