12 Days Until Ireland’s New Salary Thresholds Take Effect
12 Days Until Ireland’s New Salary Thresholds Take Effect
Publication note: Updated July 2026. The thresholds discussed in this countdown have been in force since 1 March 2026.
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.
12 Days Until Ireland’s New Salary Thresholds Take Effect
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
12 Days Until Ireland’s New Salary Thresholds Take Effect
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.
Official Guidance and Related Support
For the current official source, see official employment permit salary-threshold roadmap.
For assistance with this process, review MWeds’ employment permit application support.
For related context, read our graduate employment permit thresholds.
How MWeds Can Help
MWeds Global Advisory provides practical support with Irish employment permit and workforce-compliance matters. Contact the MWeds team for guidance based on your circumstances.
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