Did you ever consider going to Ireland to work but you got troubled about the visa type? This guide will outline Irish Employment Visas, providing the definition, the process of getting them, and the types available for different job types.
What is the Rish Employment Visa?
Also called the Long Term ‘D’ Visa, allows you to live and work in Ireland if you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). This visa opens the door to starting a new career chapter in the Emerald Isle. While getting an Irish Employment Visa may seem challenging, especially for newcomers, it’s a vital step toward achieving your professional goals in Ireland.
Types of Long-Term ‘D’ Visa
Know the different types of Irish employment permits available for specific employment purposes:
- General Employment Permit
- Versatile permit covering a wide range of positions.
- Open to almost all occupations in Ireland.
- Requires the prospective employer to be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and for the applicant to meet skill set, qualifications, and work experience criteria.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Designed for skilled individuals in critical sectors contributing significantly to the Irish economy.
Offers the potential for Irish permanent residency.
Requires a job offer in a highly skilled occupation with a minimum salary of €32,000 or a non-highly skilled role with a minimum salary of €64,000, valid for a minimum of two years.
Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
Allows dependents, partners, or spouses of employment permit holders to work in Ireland.
Reactivation Employment Permit
Available to previous foreign workers in Ireland facing extraordinary circumstances disrupting their employment.
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
Granted to skilled workers employed by multinational companies with a presence in Ireland, often for key personnel, senior managers, or trainees.
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
Exclusive to foreign nationals coming to work in Ireland under prescribed international agreements, such as AIESEC, IAESTE, and the Fulbright Programme.
Internship Employment Visa
Allows full-time students from foreign third-level institutions to gain work experience in Ireland if their course aligns with the Highly Skilled Occupation List.
Sports and Cultural Employment Permit
Designed for international talent in sports and cultural industries contributing to the development of sports and cultural activities in Ireland.
How to Obtain an Irish Employment Visa
Begin by securing a job offer or employment contract from a prospective employer registered with the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland.
Apply for immigration permission based on your chosen employment permit category, ensuring alignment between your permit type and a job offer.
Once permission is granted, apply for your Irish Employment Visa through the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation (DJEI).
Upon arrival in Ireland, proceed through border control at the port of entry with all necessary documents and permissions.
Depending on your circumstances, apply for permission to stay with Irish Immigration after arriving in Ireland.
Understanding Irish Employment Visas can be complex due to the different permit types and their specific requirements. However, with the right information and guidance, you can achieve your goal of working in Ireland. Whether you’re applying for a General Employment Permit, Critical Skills Employment Permit, or another type of permit, it’s important to know the criteria and follow the application process carefully.