How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Ireland (2025)

Ireland’s skilled workforce and vibrant tech scene make it a prime destination for global talent and expansion. Businesses aiming to access Irish markets or hire top professionals know the incredible growth prospects—if only they could bypass Ireland’s complex immigration maze.

But the reality is tricky. Navigating Ireland’s work permit system involves strict sponsorship rules, salary thresholds, and shifting government criteria. One missing document can stall applications for weeks. The risk? Delays in onboarding critical hires, costly compliance errors, and complicated renewal cycles.

All these hurdles can add stress and slow growth, leaving businesses scrambling as project deadlines loom. That’s where Deel Immigration changes the game. With automated eligibility checks, document guidance, and full sponsorship support, Deel streamlines every stage, freeing your team from paperwork bottlenecks and compliance risk.

The result? Your hires land in Ireland quickly, compliantly, and cost-effectively—while you focus on scaling, not red tape.

How easy is it to get a work visa and permit in Ireland?

Obtaining a work permit in Ireland is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as the applicant’s skills and education level, and whether there is high local demand for the applicant’s potential job title and scope.

See also: Moving to Ireland: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Ireland?

Ireland provides multiple types of work permits but does not currently offer a digital-nomad visa option, so all permits are tied directly to employment or dependent status. Each permit type serves a clear need, from attracting highly skilled professionals to enabling family members to join:

• Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland: The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is designed to attract highly skilled workers from non-EEA countries to Ireland, specifically those with expertise in occupations experiencing skills shortages. This permit supports Ireland’s goal of addressing critical gaps in its labor market, particularly in sectors where local talent is limited

• Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) 64K+: The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) 64K+ targets highly skilled, non-EEA professionals offered positions in Ireland with a minimum annual salary of EUR 64,000. This streamlined pathway is designed for senior experts, managers, and specialized professionals across various industries

• General Employment Permit Ireland: The General Employment Permit (GEP) is available to non-EEA nationals who wish to work in Ireland in roles experiencing labor shortages but not classified as critical skills occupations. This permit provides a flexible pathway for foreign professionals and employers to fill a wide range of positions across multiple industries

• Family Dependent Residence Permit: The Family Dependent Residence Permit allows dependents of Critical Skills Employment Permit, CSEP 64K+, or General Employment Permit holders to join them in Ireland. This permit ensures families remain together during the main applicant’s employment period

Ireland visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of Ireland’s key employment and dependent visa options, outlining eligibility criteria, validity, processing times, and requirements to help you choose the most suitable permit for your needs.

Ireland visa comparison table

For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Ireland visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered in Ireland and prove a genuine employment relationship to sponsor a work permit in Ireland, demonstrating compliance with Irish labor laws and providing an authenticated employment contract. The sponsoring entity must hold a valid Irish tax number and operate from a legitimate Irish address.

Engaging an Employer of Record (EOR) shifts sponsorship responsibilities—such as application submission, maintaining legal compliance, and payroll administration—to the EOR. The EOR becomes the legal Employer of Record, handling all interactions with Irish immigration authorities and ensuring ongoing compliance.

Deel Immigration, as a G2 leader in Employer of Record services across 150+ countries, sponsors employees with access to over 200 permit types in 40 countries. We deliver rapid processing, high-volume caseload management, real-time compliance monitoring, and partner discounts for relocation needs.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Ireland’s work-permit application process

Follow this five-step roadmap to obtain an Irish work visa or work permit:

Step one: Prepare the application

Prepare and submit the work permit application with all required documents. Applicants gather passports, contracts, qualifications, and insurance proof while sponsors complete the employer forms. The Deel platform automates document uploads and pre-checks for completeness.

Tip: Use Deel’s document checklist to avoid last-minute errors.

Step two: Await review

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment reviews the application for completeness.
The authority screens forms, verifies employer registration, and checks salary thresholds.

Tip: Use Deel’s in-app visa tracker to alert you if any info is missing.

Step three: Labor market test

For General Employment Permits, a labor market needs test is conducted; Critical Skills Permits are exempt.
Sponsors place job advertisements and submit proof of an EU candidate search.

Tip: Start the labor market test early to stay within your processing window.

Step four: Entry visa application

If approved, the applicant will receive the work permit and can proceed with any necessary visa application.
Deel notifies both parties immediately and prompts the applicant to apply for an entry visa if required.

Tip: Deel’s Compliance Hub will notify you of any workforce compliance risks, such as expiring visas or changes to immigration law.

Step five: Register within 90 days of arrival

The applicant can now enter Ireland and register with local immigration authorities as required.
New arrivals complete registration, collect residence cards, and set up PPS numbers.

Tip: Deel Immigration offers move support and dependent visa assistance to help families settle.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Ireland?

Fees vary by permit type, applicant nationality, and additional dependents. The main drivers include government filing charges, biometric fees, and any premium processing surcharges.

Deel provides transparent, flat pricing on all Irish immigration and sponsorship services, with no hidden fees. Clients receive a detailed, upfront breakdown, so budgeting for talent mobility in Ireland is easy and predictable.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Ireland?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration offers a seamless, compliant, and expert-driven solution tailored to Ireland’s complex work permit landscape. Whether navigating labor-market tests or managing dependent visas, Deel ensures your hiring process is efficient and stress-free.

• End-to-end immigration management covering all Irish work permit types
• Fast, free visa assessments with clear eligibility feedback within 48 hours
• Personalized expert support guiding you through Ireland’s labor market needs test
• Real-time application tracking and automated renewal reminders
• Dependent visa support and exclusive relocation discounts for smooth transitions

With Deel Immigration, your Ireland hiring journey stays on track from application to onboarding—let’s explore how to hire faster.

Hire employees in Ireland faster with Deel Immigration

Speed up your Ireland hiring with Deel’s end-to-end immigration management that handles everything from document collection to permit submission, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Our personalized expert support team helps you navigate Ireland’s specific requirements, including labor market tests and sponsor compliance, so you can focus on growing your team.

Book a free consultation today to get a tailored immigration plan and access our accelerated processing options. With Deel, you benefit from real-time application tracking and self-serve document uploads that keep you informed and in control every step of the way.