Critical Skills Employment Permit
🇮🇪 Ireland visas · Work
What it is
A fast-track employment permit for highly skilled non-EEA workers with a job offer in occupations on Ireland's Critical Skills Occupations List. After two years on this permit, holders can apply for Stamp 4 permission to work freely without further permits.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 2 years initially, then eligible for Stamp 4
- Processing time
- 12+ weeks; processed in date order by employer type
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- EUR 1,000
Key requirements
- Job offer of 2+ years from a registered Irish employer
- Occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List
- Minimum annual salary of EUR 40,904 (EUR 36,848 for recent graduates with relevant qualifications)
- Relevant qualifications, skills and experience for the role
- Employer must meet the 50:50 EEA-nationals rule (with start-up exemptions)
Working on this visa
Work for the named employer in the eligible role; immediate family reunification allowed.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 8 August 2026.