General Employment Permit
Workers with a job offer across most occupations not on the ineligible list, where the role meets salary rules.
The General Employment Permit is a Irish work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months)) and processing time (~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the General Employment Permit is for
Workers with a job offer across most occupations not on the ineligible list, where the role meets salary rules.
After 5 years of permits you can apply for Stamp 4 long term residence.
General Employment Permit - eligibility criteria
- Job offer paying at least €34,000 per year (most roles)
- Occupation not on the Ineligible List of Occupations
- Usually a Labour Market Needs Test advertising the role
- Employer registered and trading in Ireland
- 50:50 rule on EEA/non-EEA staff met by the employer
General Employment Permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the General Employment Permit (Ireland) is ~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months), with an indicative processing time of ~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Irish Immigration Service.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online via DETE Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Work for the named employer in the named role |
| Study rights | Part-time study permitted |
| Government fee | ~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months) |
| Processing time | ~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE) |
| Route to PR | After 5 years of permits you can apply for Stamp 4 long term residence. |
Pathway & next steps
After 5 years of permits you can apply for Stamp 4 long term residence.
Many applicants also compare CSEP · Critical Skills Employment Permit, Stamp 1 · Stamp 1 Immigration Permission, LTR · Long Term Residence. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Irish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common General Employment Permit pitfalls we fix
General Employment Permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the General Employment Permit cost?
The General Employment Permit government fee is ~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Irish Immigration Service before applying.
How long does the General Employment Permit take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the General Employment Permit lead to permanent residence?
After 5 years of permits you can apply for Stamp 4 long term residence.
Can I work on the General Employment Permit?
Work rights: Work for the named employer in the named role.
Who can apply for the General Employment Permit?
Workers with a job offer across most occupations not on the ineligible list, where the role meets salary rules.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Ireland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Irish Immigration Service - official Ireland immigration authority