Ireland Immigration
Ireland Skilled Migration
Ireland continues to attract international professionals across sectors experiencing skills and labour shortages. For many non-EEA nationals, employment-based migration is primarily available through the Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit.
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Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is designed to attract highly skilled professionals whose expertise is important to Ireland's economy.
Eligible roles are identified through Ireland's official Critical Skills Occupations List, which currently includes qualifying occupations across areas such as:
Information & Communications Technology
Engineering and Technology
Healthcare and Medical Professions
Science and Research
Finance and Business
Construction and Planning
Certain specialist management and professional occupations
The Critical Skills Occupations List effective from 13 May 2026 specifies the occupations and specialist skills eligible under this route.
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Key Requirements
Applicants generally require:
A qualifying job offer from an Irish employer
A contract of employment for at least 2 years
An eligible occupation and relevant qualifications where required
Salary meeting the applicable Critical Skills remuneration threshold
From 1 March 2026, the principal Critical Skills salary threshold is generally €40,904, while separate lower graduate and higher remuneration thresholds apply to certain applications.
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General Employment Permit
The General Employment Permit (GEP) provides a broader employment route for occupations that are not excluded under Ireland's Ineligible List of Occupations.
It can be suitable for professionals and skilled workers whose occupation does not qualify for the Critical Skills route but remains eligible for an employment permit.
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Key Requirements
Applicants generally need:
A genuine job offer from an eligible Irish employer
An occupation eligible for an employment permit
Compliance with the applicable Labour Market Needs Test where required
Salary meeting the relevant minimum remuneration requirement
From 1 March 2026, the standard General Employment Permit salary threshold is generally €36,605 per year, with different thresholds applying to certain occupations and recent graduates.
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Pathway to Long-Term Residence
Eligible employment permit holders who have completed the required period of legal residence and employment may potentially qualify for Long Term Residency, subject to meeting Irish immigration requirements.
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Why Work in Ireland?
Strong demand for international skilled professionals
English-speaking working environment
Major technology, pharmaceutical, finance, healthcare and engineering sectors
Presence of leading international companies
Competitive European business environment
Long-term career and residence opportunities
Build Your Career in Ireland
If your occupation, qualifications and professional experience match Ireland's employment permit requirements, the Critical Skills or General Employment Permit may provide a pathway to develop your career and establish long-term residence in Ireland.
Contact Open Path Immigration for an eligibility assessment, occupation review and professional guidance on your Ireland skilled migration journey.
Check Your EligibilityOccupation lists, salary thresholds and immigration requirements are regularly updated. Eligibility should be assessed according to the official requirements in force at the time of application.
