Navigating General Skills Employment Permits in Ireland: A Complete Guide

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Everything You Need to Know About General Skills Employment Permits in Ireland

Are you considering working in Ireland? Understanding the General Skills Employment Permit is crucial for non-EEA nationals seeking employment opportunities in the country. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about General Skills Employment Permits, from eligibility criteria to application processes.

What is a General Skills Employment Permit?

A General Skills Employment Permit is a type of work permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Ireland. It allows non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland for a specific employer in eligible occupations that are not covered by the Critical Skills Employment Permit.

Eligibility for General Skills Employment Permits

Eligible Occupations

Unlike Critical Skills Employment Permits, General Skills Employment Permits assume all occupations to be eligible unless specified in the Ineligible List of Occupations. Some examples of professions that fall under general skills include:

Chefs
Playgroup Leaders (creche teachers)
Healthcare assistants / carers / home carers (with relevant qualifications)
Supply chain specialists
Marketing professionals
HGV drivers

Minimum Salary Requirements

The minimum salary requirements for General Skills Employment Permits are as follows:

Generally, €34,000 per year for 39 hours per week, or €34,882 per year for 40 hours per week
From January 2025, this will increase to €39,000 per year for 39 hours per week or €40,000 per year for 40 hours per week

Some job categories have different minimum salary requirements. For example:

Healthcare Assistants, Care Workers, and Home Carers: €27,000 per year for 39 hours per week
Horticultural Workers and Meat Processing Operatives: €30,000 per year for 39 hours per week
Construction roles have varying minimum salaries based on specific professions

In December 2023, Neale Richmond TD, the Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail at the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, announced significant updates to the employment permit system. These changes included 43 amendments to the list of jobs eligible for employment permits and a roadmap to gradually raise salary thresholds.

One key change is that, starting January 1, 2025, the minimum annual salary for non-EEA healthcare assistants and home care workers will increase from €27,000 to €30,000. This adjustment aligns their pay with the income thresholds required for family reunification.

Originally set to take effect on January 1, 2024, this change was postponed by one year to allow the nursing home sector sufficient time to adjust their financial planning and accommodate the new salary requirements within their funding structures.

Education and Experience Requirements

While a degree is not always mandatory for general skills professions, having one can be beneficial when applying. Some professions require a minimum number of years of experience, such as:

Commis chef and Chef de Partie: 2 years’ experience
Sous Chef, Executive Chef, and Head Chef: 5 years’ experience
Certain managerial roles in hospitality: relevant third-level qualification and 5 years’ experience

mweds-general-skills-employment-permits-in-ireland-a-complete-guide

MWeds: Navigating General Skills Employment Permits in Ireland: A Complete Guide

Everything You Need to Know About General Skills Employment Permits in Ireland

The Application Process

Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)

For most General Skills Employment Permit applications, employers must conduct a Labour Market Needs Test. This involves advertising the position:

On Jobs Ireland for 28 days
In a national newspaper for 3 days
In either a local newspaper OR another website for 3 days

There are some exceptions to the LMNT requirement, such as positions with a minimum salary of €64,000 per year or those recommended by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland.

Duration and Renewal

General Skills Employment Permits are typically granted for up to 24 months initially and can be extended for a further 3 years upon application.

Application Fees

The fees for General Skills Employment Permit applications are:

€500 for permits of 6 months or less duration
€1,000 for permits from 6 months up to 24 months duration
Renewal fees are €750 and €1,500 respectively

After Obtaining Your Permit

Immigration Registration

After receiving your employment permit, you must register with immigration and obtain your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Family Reunification

General Skills Employment Permit holders can bring their spouses and children to live in Ireland after 12 months of employment.

Path to Long-Term Residency

After completing 5 consecutive years with a General Skills Employment Permit and complying with Irish legislation, you may be eligible to apply for a Stamp 4, which allows you to work for any employer without an employment permit.

Why Choose MWeds?

Navigating the application process can be complex, but with MWeds by your side, you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands. Our comprehensive services include analyzing your eligibility, guiding both you and your employer on required documentation, filling out and submitting the application, liaising with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and providing support for reviews and new applications if necessary. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Irish immigration law, MWeds offers expert guidance tailored to your specific situation, comprehensive support throughout the application process, up-to-date knowledge of immigration regulations, and a proven track record of successful applications.

With years of experience and a deep understanding of Irish immigration law, MWeds offers:
A track record of successful applications
Expert guidance tailored to your specific situation
Comprehensive support throughout the application process
Up-to-date knowledge of immigration regulations

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How MWeds Can Help

Navigating the General Skills Employment Permit process can be complex. At MWeds, we specialize in guiding both employers and employees through every step of the application process. Our services include:

Liaising with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on your behalf

Analyzing your situation to determine eligibility

Guiding you on required documentation

Conducting the Labour Market Needs Test if required

Filling out and submitting the application

Ready to Start Your Irish Employment Journey?

Don’t let the complexities of the General Skills Employment Permit process hold you back from your Irish career aspirations. Contact MWeds today to begin your journey towards working in Ireland.

Click the “Contact Us” button on our website or reach out via WhatsApp at +353 83 852 9821 to speak with one of our experienced consultants. Let us help you turn your Irish employment dreams into reality!

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!