General
Employment Permit
Overview
The General Employment Permit applies to a broad range of eligible occupations in Ireland. Eligibility depends on the proposed role, remuneration, candidate qualifications or experience and employer circumstances.
If you are unsure whether this route fits the role and candidate, begin with an Employment Permit Eligibility Assessment. Roles meeting the relevant occupation and remuneration criteria may instead qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Eligibility depends on
Occupation Eligibility
The occupation must be eligible for an employment permit.
Salary Thresholds
The salary must meet the threshold applying to the role.
Market Test (LMNT)
A Labour Market Needs Test is required in most cases.
When This Permit May Apply
- The role is not on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
- The role is not on the Ineligible List of Occupations.
- The employer is willing to complete the LMNT where required.
Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)
For most General Employment Permits:
- The vacancy must be advertised through DSP Employment Services/EURES for at least 28 consecutive days.
- An additional advertisement must appear on at least one suitable online platform.
- The required advertising period must be completed before a valid employment permit application can be submitted.
MWeds manages the advertising process and LMNT compliance support.
LMNT Requirement by Application Type
| Application type | LMNT required |
|---|---|
| Standard General Employment Permit | Yes |
| Reactivation Employment Permit | No |
| High Salary Exemption | No |
| IDA / Enterprise Ireland Supported Employer | No |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit | No |
| Critical Skills Listed Occupation (applied under GEP) | No |
Need help understanding LMNT requirements?
MWeds guides employers through eligibility, advertising requirements, and permit strategy.
Minimum Salary Threshold
General Employment Permits typically require a minimum annual salary of €36,605 based on a 39-hour working week.
Where higher weekly hours apply, salaries must be adjusted to maintain the required hourly rate. Some occupations are subject to alternative salary thresholds.
Healthcare, Care, Meat & Horticultural Roles
€32,691
GEP Irish Graduate
Roles
€34,009
Construction Craft
Roles
€23.00 per hour
Certain entry-level construction roles may remain subject to the standard minimum salary threshold of €36,605 per year.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must demonstrate the qualifications, skills, or experience required for the position.
While a university degree is not mandatory in many cases, relevant training and professional experience can strengthen the application.
Some occupations may also require:
- minimum years of experience
- industry qualifications
- professional registration
Examples of Experience Requirements by Role
| Role category | Position | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary | Commis Chef / Chef de Partie | 2 years’ experience |
| Culinary | Sous Chef / Head Chef / Executive Chef | 5 years’ experience |
| Hospitality Management | Catering, Bar, Hotel, Accommodation, Restaurant & Public House Managers | Third-level qualification in Hospitality Management + 5 years’ experience |
General Employment Permit Quotas
Certain occupations under the General Employment Permit are subject to quotas set by the Irish government. Once a quota is reached, further applications may not be approved unless additional places become available.
Examples of Quota-Regulated Occupations
- Butchers / Boners
- Dairy Farm Assistants
- Horticultural Workers
- Meat Processing Operatives
- Vehicle Paint Technicians
- Tailors and Dressmakers
- Support Workers
- Bakers
- Motor Mechanics / Auto Electricians
- Motor Vehicle Technicians
- HGV / Bus Mechanics
- Hospitality Managers
- Forestry Workers
- Pig Farm Assistants and Managers
Quota categories may change and the examples above are not exhaustive. Quotas may affect application timing and availability.
Important Note
Quota availability may change throughout the year based on government policy and labour market demand.
Employment Permit Duration
Initial permission:
Up to 24 months
Renewal:
Up to 36 months
Pathway to Stamp 4 Permission
After approximately 5 years of reckonable residence, you may apply for Stamp 4 permission, allowing you to work without an employment permit.
Family Reunification
- Typically available after 12 months.
- Subject to financial and eligibility requirements.
- Spouses may receive Stamp 1G permission.
- Time spent in Ireland as a dependant may count towards naturalisation.
Fees
| Fee type | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Government (DETE) Fee | Up to 6 months | €500 |
| Government (DETE) Fee | More than 6 months (up to 24 months) | €1,000 |
| MWeds Fee | Full support throughout the application process (incl. VAT) | €1,000 |
Start Your Process
1
Click “Start Now” and review the Terms and Conditions.
2
Complete the payment and registration form.
3
Our team reviews the information and contacts you with the next steps.
Consultancy Fee
General Employment
Permit
€1000
(incl. VAT)
Important Information
- All advisory fees are inclusive of VAT.
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