The Work Permit Scheme is restricted to jobs with a salary of €30,000 or more where Green Cards are not available, and only in very limited circumstances to jobs below €30,000, as it is expected that employers will find workers from the enlarged European Union.

Work Permit Application Process
In applying for a Work Permit for the first time, the following rules apply:

Please note that in order to apply for a Work Permit from within Ireland, a person needs to have an up-to-date ‘Stamp 1’ in their passport. Persons on other immigration stamps such as a tourist visa or student visa do not have the appropriate stamp for a successful Work Permit application.

Applications for a Work Permit must be made to the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Davitt House, Adelaide Rd, Dublin 2. It is advisable to send your application by registered post.
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If your application for a Work Permit is successful
If your application is successful, the original version of the Work Permit is sent to the employee and a certified copy to the employer. Work Permits are issued for an initial period of two years and can then be renewed for a further period of three years. The employee should obtain an entry visa from their local Irish embassy or consulate. Contact details for the Irish embassies / consulates can be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs website at www.dfa.ie. You can also apply by post to the Visa Office, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Nationals of certain listed countries must make their visa applications online – click here for more information.

On arrival in Ireland, the employee should register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 for persons living in Dublin or the local immigration office for areas outside of Dublin. They will receive a residence stamp in their passport for one year which can be renewed annually. The worker will also be issued with a Certificate of Registration or 'GNIB card' which shows they have permission to stay in Ireland. The cost of registration is €150.00 and you will be required to pay this fee again when you register every year.

If you are from a non-visa-required country you do not need to obtain a visa but you will still to register with the GNIB on arrival in Ireland with a copy of your Employment Permit or Green Card to show that you have the right to work in Ireland.
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If your application for a Work Permit is not successful
You will receive a letter from the Employment Permits Section outlining the reasons why the application was unsuccessful. You, or your employer, have 21 days to appeal this decision.
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Renewal of Work Permit
An application for renewal can be made by the employer or employee. A labour market needs test is not required for a renewal application. Copies of the P60s of the employee must be submitted for each year of employment in respect of which a Work Permit has previously been granted, and copies of three recent pay slips dated within the last three months. A fee of €1,500 applies and the permit will be for three years. This fee is paid by the applicant. It is recommended to start the renewal process two months in advance to ensure that it is processed before employee’s immigration stamp expires.
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Unlimited Work Permits
An employee can apply for an Unlimited Work Permit after five years in the Work Permit system if they have been with the same employer for five years. An Unlimited Permit has a start date but no expiry date and entitles the employee to continue to work for the same employer for an unlimited period without the need to renew the permit yearly. There is no fee for the Unlimited Work Permit. There is no specific application form for an Unlimited Work Permit - if an employee qualifies for an Unlimited Work Permit then this should be highlighted when submitting the renewal application form.

Please note: the Unlimited Work Permit is for the same job the person has already worked in for the last five years, it does not entitle the worker to change jobs. If an employee changes their job then a new Work Permit application must be made. Please note that the employee is still required to register every year with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and renew their residency stamp, presenting their copy of unlimited Work Permit.
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Moving Jobs
If you have a Work Permit you may change employer, after at least one year with the same employer, provided your new job is within the same economic sector you are already working in. You can also look for a new job within another ‘eligible sector’ (see the list of sectors that are not eligible in Appendix A of the Guide to Work Permits by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment – click here .

Importantly, in both cases there is no longer the need for the labour market test (FÁS requirements). You still need to apply for a new Work Permit, as the permit will still be associated with only one, named employer. The fee of €1,000 still applies. For example, a person who has been working in a restaurant for more than twelve months, who has found work in a different restaurant, or another eligible job, may change employment. They must make a new application, however the labour market test is not necessary. The application fee must still be paid.
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Work Permit Holders and Family Members
Persons on a Work Permit can apply for family reunification after they have been in Ireland for over a year. Applications can be made to the Immigration and Citizenship Division of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Spouses and dependents are free to seek employment and apply for a spousal / dependent Work Permit (see Dependant Work Permit Scheme section).
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Work Permit Holders and Permanent Residency
Persons on a Work Permit can apply for Long term Residency after they have been working for five years in Ireland. The application can be made to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. See www.inis.gov.ie for more information
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