The Critical Skills Employment Permit attracts highly skilled workers to Ireland. Learn 2025 salary thresholds, eligible occupations and step-by-step application process.
Ireland • Critical Skills Permit • Salary Thresholds • 2025
Ireland’s Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract workers in occupations where there is a shortage. In 2025, eligible occupations on the Critical Skills list must pay at least €38,000 per year, while other ineligible occupations require a minimum salary of €64,000【893403898246636†L166-L175】. A two-year job offer is mandatory and leads to Stamp 4 residency.
Salary Thresholds
| Occupation type | Minimum salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Occupation on Critical Skills List | 38,000 |
| Other eligible occupations | 64,000 |
The Critical Skills Occupations List includes roles in ICT, engineering, health, finance and sciences. Employers must offer a contract of at least two years and cannot require a labour-market needs test for Critical Skills roles【893403898246636†L166-L175】.
Eligibility & Benefits
Applicants must:
- Secure a job offer of at least two years from an Irish employer.
- Earn a salary meeting the thresholds above.
- Possess the relevant qualifications and experience for the occupation.
- Have a clean criminal record and valid passport.
Benefits include Stamp 1 permission leading to Stamp 4 residence permit after completion, family reunification after the permit is issued, and exemption from the labour-market needs test for Critical Skills occupations.
How to Apply
- Check occupation: Verify that your job is on the Critical Skills Occupations List or meets the €64,000 salary threshold.
- Employer applies: The employer submits an online application via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS), paying the fee (€1,000 for a two-year permit).
- Provide documents: Passport, CV, copies of qualifications, employment contract and job description.
- Await decision: Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks. Critical Skills permits are prioritized.
- Register with immigration: After arriving in Ireland, register with the local immigration office and obtain a Stamp 1 permission. After two years of employment you may apply for a Stamp 4 residence permit.
FAQs
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can apply to join you and may receive Stamp 1G or Stamp 3 depending on circumstances.
What is Stamp 4?
Stamp 4 grants you the right to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit. Critical Skills permit holders can apply for Stamp 4 after completing their two-year contract.
Do I need a labour-market test?
No. Critical Skills roles are exempt from the labour-market needs test. However, roles with salaries over €64k but not on the list still require the test.
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