Work in Ireland with a General Employment Permit

The General Employment Permit (GEP) is a key immigration route for non-EEA nationals who wish to work legally in Ireland. It allows skilled professionals in a wide range of occupations to take up employment where labour shortages exist but are not covered by the Critical Skills list.

This permit provides an excellent pathway not only for professional growth but also towards long-term residence and even Irish citizenship. At SKT CONSULTANTS, we offer expert guidance throughout the application process to help maximise your chances of success.

📞 Call us today on +353-85-115-3430 to get started on your application for a General Employment Permit.

What is a General Employment Permit?

The General Employment Permit is issued to non-EEA nationals who have a job offer in Ireland for a role that is not on the Ineligible Occupations List. It is a work permit issued for an initial period of 2 years, which can be renewed for up to 3 additional years. After 5 years of residence, the holder may apply for Stamp 4 permission, which allows work without a permit.

This permit is open to a wide variety of occupations, making it one of the most flexible employment-based visas in Ireland.

Who Can Apply for a General Employment Permit?

You can apply for a GEP if:

You are a non-EEA, non-Swiss national
You have a job offer from an Irish employer for a full-time, paid position
The position is not listed on the Ineligible Occupations List
The salary offered is at least €30,000 per year (with exceptions for certain roles, such as recent graduates in select sectors)
A Labour Market Needs Test has been carried out by the employer (unless exempt)
The employer is registered with Revenue and Companies Registration Office
The job offer is for a minimum of 2 years

What Occupations Are Eligible?

The General Employment Permit covers a broad range of roles across various sectors including:

ICT and Tech roles not covered by the Critical Skills list
Sales and Marketing professionals
Healthcare workers (in certain roles)
Administrative, Customer Service, and Support roles
Chefs (with specific experience levels)
Engineering and Technical support staff
Supply Chain and Logistics coordinators

Before applying, always verify that the role is not included in the Ineligible List of Occupations, published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

What is the Labour Market Needs Test?

In most cases, employers must carry out a Labour Market Needs Test to show that no EEA national or resident is available to fill the role. This involves advertising the job in:

The Department of Social Protection (Jobs Ireland) for at least 4 weeks
A national newspaper for 3 days
A recruitment website (other than the company’s own) for 3 days

Certain positions and applicants are exempt from this requirement – for example, if the job offers a salary of €64,000 or more.

What Happens After the Permit is Granted?

Once your General Employment Permit is approved:

If you are outside Ireland, you must apply for a Long Stay 'D' Visa before travelling.
On arrival, you must register with immigration (GNIB/INIS) and get your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
You are tied to your employer and role for 12 months, after which job changes may be permitted under specific conditions.

You may bring family members to Ireland after 12 months of working on a GEP, provided you meet the income requirements.

Can a General Employment Permit Lead to Long-Term Residency?

Yes. After 5 years of legal residence under a General Employment Permit, you may be eligible for Stamp 4, allowing you to work without an employment permit. This status can also open the door to naturalisation and Irish citizenship, provided you meet all conditions, including good character and residence requirements.

How Can SKT CONSULTANTS Help?

At SKT CONSULTANTS, we provide expert immigration support tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are an applicant or an employer, we ensure a smooth, accurate and timely process.

Our services include:

Assessing your eligibility and verifying job roles
Assisting employers with Labour Market Needs Test compliance
Gathering and reviewing all required documentation
Submitting your application and monitoring progress
Advising on next steps, from visa applications to family reunification

We aim to simplify the entire process so you can focus on your career with peace of mind.

Ready to start your journey to Ireland with a General Employment Permit?
Call +353-85-115-3430 or book a consultation with our expert team today.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.