From 1 November 2025:
- Non-Irish/EU/EEA/Swiss/UK circus artistes must hold an employment permit to work in Ireland.
- Employment permits are handled by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and should be applied for at least 12 weeks before the job start date.
- An employment permit does not replace immigration permission. Permit holders may also need a visa and must register for residence permission with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
Until 31 October 2025:
- Existing permissions (e.g. those granted in late 2024) remain valid until expiry (usually 11 months).
- New permissions issued for spring/summer 2025 will expire no later than 31 October 2025 and do not require a permit before then.
- A €300 registration fee applies for new permissions.
Application:
- DETE is now accepting permit applications for work starting after 1 November 2025.
- Applications may be submitted up to 6 months in advance.
- The 50:50 rule applies: at least 50% of circus staff must be from Ireland, the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK for a permit to be approved.
For further information and guidance, https://www.irishimmigration.ie/guidance-regarding-immigration-arrangements-and-employment-permits-for-circus-artistes/
For more information and assistance, please contact, caseworkers.
