Ireland•Europe12-15 weeks
1,500 EUR
Up to 7 months
Yes
Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
Pilot seasonal work permit for non-EEA horticultural operatives at one of six approved Irish employers, valid 14 April to 13 November.
Ireland's Seasonal Employment Permit (SEP) is a pilot scheme under S.I. 33/2025, commenced 19 February 2025. It lets non-EEA nationals work as horticultural operatives in soft fruit or vegetable growing for up to seven months each year, within a fixed window of 14 April to 13 November. Minimum annualised pay is €30,000 (€14.79/hour, at least 30 hours/week).
Permits go only to workers of a designated Approved Seasonal Employer — capped at six employers per year, each needing €1.5m turnover and arranging accommodation plus health insurance at no cost. The scheme caps issuance at 200 permits/season. Standard DETE fees apply (€500 up to 6 months; €1,000 up to 24 months) and the employer files via Employment Permits Online.
This visa is ideal for non-EEA workers wanting short, lawful seasonal horticulture jobs with a small pool of pre-approved Irish growers. It is unsuitable for anyone seeking residency, family reunification or work outside the horticulture window.
Application Fee (6 months or less) | 500 EUR |
Application Fee (up to 24 months) | 1,000 EUR |
Must be employed by an Approved Seasonal Employer (max 6 employers approved per year)
Role must be horticultural operative in soft fruit or vegetable growing
Minimum annual remuneration €30,000 (€14.79/hour)
Minimum 30 working hours per week
Employment period 14 April to 13 November each year
Employer must provide accommodation, training and health insurance at no cost to the worker
Job Offer
Required
Education
none or higher
Min. Income
30,000 EUR/yr
Signed employment contract with Approved Seasonal Employer
Valid passport
Evidence of employer's Approved Seasonal Employer status
Evidence of accommodation arrangements provided by the employer
Evidence of health insurance arrangements provided by the employer
| Employment Permits Online (EP Online) | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Secure job offer from an Approved Seasonal Employer (annual employer approval by 31 March); Employer… | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Application Steps | Secure job offer from an Approved Seasonal Employer (annual employer approval by 31 March); Employer… | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Application Steps | Secure job offer from an Approved Seasonal Employer (annual employer approval by 31 March); Employer… | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Application Steps | Secure job offer from an Approved Seasonal Employer (annual employer approval by 31 March); Employer… | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Blockers | Not employed by one of the six Approved Seasonal Employers; Role outside soft fruit or vegetable gro… | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Blockers | Not employed by one of the six Approved Seasonal Employers; Role outside soft fruit or vegetable gro… | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Blockers | Not employed by one of the six Approved Seasonal Employers; Role outside soft fruit or vegetable gro… | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Blockers | Not employed by one of the six Approved Seasonal Employers; Role outside soft fruit or vegetable gro… | irishstatutebook.ie |
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