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12 Days Until Ireland’s New Salary Thresholds Take Effect 

The countdown is on. From 1 March 2026, the Irish government will implement the next phase of the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) increases for Employment Permits. 

If you are currently negotiating a job offer, preparing a new application, or approaching your employment permit renewal, these figures are no longer future proposals, they are about to become legally applicable requirements. 

Why the Change? 

Following the roadmap announced by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), these increases are designed to align worker salaries with the current cost of living and market conditions in Ireland. Failing to meet these new thresholds will result in a refusal of your permit application. 

The Key Changes (Effective 1 March 2026) 

General Employment Permit (GEP) 
€34,000 → €36,605 

ICT Trainee Employment Permit (under GEP) 
Salary threshold: €36,605 (aligned with GEP) 

Eligible Sectors 

(Meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers) 

€30,000 → €32,691 

Critical Skills Employment Permit (Relevant Degree Route) 
€38,000 → €40,904 

Critical Skills Employment Permit (No Degree Route) 
€64,000 → €68,911 

⚠️ Important: 
Having a degree alone is not enough. The qualification must be relevant to the field of the employment permit application. 

NEW: Lower Salary Thresholds for Recent Graduates 

Ireland has introduced new pathways for recent graduates who completed their studies within the previous 12 months and meet eligibility criteria. These categories create additional opportunities to secure an Employment Permit and provide a competitive advantage in the Irish job market. 

General Employment Permit – Irish Graduate 
€34,009 

Critical Skills Employment Permit – Irish Graduate 
€36,848 

WhThese thresholds apply to gross annual remuneration and exclude bonuses or discretionary payments unless specifically permitted under DETE guidelines; employer-paid health insurance may be included where compliant with DETE rules. 

📌 Important: 39-Hour Working Week Rule 

These thresholds are based on a 39-hour working week. 

For hourly equivalency purposes, DETE calculates the minimum rate using the following formula: 

Annual salary ÷ 52 weeks ÷ 39 hours. 
For example: 

36,605 ÷ 52 ÷ 39 = €18.05 per hour 
 

If the job is LESS than 39 hours per week: 

✔️ The minimum annual salary requirement remains the same 

✔️ The hourly rate must increase to ensure the minimum annual MAR threshold is met. 

For example, in a 30-hour working week: 

To still reach the annual MAR of €36,605: 

€36,605 ÷ 52 ÷ 30 = €23.47 per hour 

This ensures the total annual salary remains at least €36,605. 

 
If the job is MORE than 39 hours per week: 

✔️ Each hour above 39 must be paid at no less than the calculated minimum hourly rate. 

✔️ The additional hours increase the total annual remuneration, the MAR is the minimum floor, not the cap. 

✔️ Employers must also ensure compliance with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, including maximum weekly working hours and rest period requirements. 

Example: 42-hour working week (based on €36,605 MAR) 

Minimum hourly rate: 
€36,605 ÷ 52 ÷ 39 = €18.05 per hour 

If an employee works 42 hours per week: 

€18.05 × 42 × 52 = €39,421.20 per year 

This exceeds the €36,605 MAR and remains compliant, provided all hours are paid at or above the minimum hourly rate. 

What This Means for You 

From 1 March 2026, all new permit applications and renewals must reflect these updated salary levels. 

If you are: 

✔ negotiating a job offer 
✔ preparing an application 
✔ renewing your permit 
✔ hiring international talent 

Employers and applicants should review salary structures now to ensure compliance from 1 March 2026 onwards. 

Final Tip 

Save these figures so you have them ready when negotiating your contract or preparing your application. 

Being informed today can prevent delays, refusals, or unexpected costs tomorrow. 

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Don’t let the complexity of the Irish visas process hold you back from achieving your dream of Irish Citizenship. Let MWeds guide you through every step of the way.

Contact us today! Click on the “Contact Us” button on our website or reach out via WhatsApp at +353 83 852 9821. Our team of experts is standing by to help you unlock your professional potential in Ireland.

Remember, your future in Ireland starts with the right guidance. Choose MWeds and take the first step towards your new life in the Emerald Isle!

#IrelandVisa #WorkInIreland #IrishImmigration #EmploymentVisa #MoveToIreland #IrishWorkPermit #IrelandJobs #ExpatLife

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