General Employment Permit Ireland: A Guide for Employers and Applicants (2026)
If you're an employer in Ireland struggling to find the right talent—or a non-EEA professional looking to work here—the General Employment Permit is one of the most accessible and flexible pathways available.
At Ganagan Consultancy, we specialise in simplifying the employment permit process. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the General Employment Permit (GEP), from eligibility to application steps—without the legal jargon.
What is a General Employment Permit?
The General Employment Permit (GEP) allows non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland in a wide range of occupations. Unlike the Critical Skills route, this permit covers most roles unless they are specifically listed as ineligible.
This makes it one of the most popular employment permits in Ireland for:
SMEs hiring internationally
Growing businesses facing skill shortages
Candidates without roles on the Critical Skills list
Typically, a General Employment Permit is granted for up to 2 years initially, with the option to renew and eventually apply for long-term residency.
Who Can Apply for a General Employment Permit?
To qualify for a General Employment Permit in Ireland, a few key requirements must be met:
You must have a job offer in Ireland
The offer must come from a legitimate Irish employer that is:
Registered with Revenue
Actively trading in the State
Salary requirements must be met
Most roles require a minimum salary of €36,605 per year, although some positions may require a different minimum salary.
The role must be eligible
Your job must not appear on Ireland’s Ineligible List of Occupations.
What is the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)?
One of the most important parts of the General Employment Permit application process is the Labour Market Needs Test.
In simple terms, this means:
The employer must prove they couldn’t find a suitable candidate within Ireland or the EEA.
This usually involves:
Advertising the job on EURES
Posting on other national recruitment platforms
Good to know: Some roles are exempt from this requirement, such as:
High-paying jobs (over €64,000) which could qualify for Critical Skills Employment Permit - watch this space for our guide!
Certain state-supported company roles
As part of our employment permit service we advice employers on the LMNT process.
50:50 Rule
Employers must ensure that at least 50% of their workforce are EEA nationals, unless an exemption applies (e.g. start-ups or sole employees). We can advice you in in respect of this requirement and or forming a viable strategy for your business.
Step-by-Step: General Employment Permit Application Process
Here’s how the process works in practice:
1. Prepare Your Application
Applications are submitted online and must include:
Job details and contract information
Candidate qualifications
Employer compliance documents
Tip: Apply at least 12 weeks before the intended start date.
2. Submit the Application
Once submitted, your application enters a processing queue. Trusted Partner employers may benefit from faster processing times.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment updates the processing time and is found here.
3. Application Review
A case officer will assess the application and may request additional documents.
You’ll usually have 28 days to respond, so timing matters.
Our team is prepared to assist should you receive any request from the Department.
4. Decision Issued
If approved—great. If not, you can request a review within 28 days, there is no government fee for an appeal application. Please note that 90% of fees are refunded if the application/appeal is unsuccessful.
How Much Does a General Employment Permit Cost?
€1,000 for permits up to 2 years
€500 for permits up to 6 months
What Happens After Approval?
Getting your employment permit is a big milestone—but it’s not the final step.
Here’s what comes next:
Apply for a visa, if visa-required
Enter Ireland and pass immigration checks
Register for residency permission (within 90 days from arrival)
Important: An employment permit does not automatically grant immigration permission.
Can You Change Jobs on a General Employment Permit?
Yes—but with restrictions.
You’re generally expected to stay with your initial employer for at least 9 months
Changing employer usually requires a new permit application, unless eligible for a transfer employment permit application. Let us know if you have enquiries on transferring your employees.
Long-Term Residency Pathway
One of the biggest advantages of the General Employment Permit is its long-term potential.
After 5 years of legal employment in Ireland, you may be eligible for:
Stamp 4 permission
Long-term residency
Our team have plenty of experience in advising and submitting Stamp 4 and long-term residency applications on behalf of our clients - reach out to us and we can advise as to your eligibility!
Get Expert Help Today
Applying for a General Employment Permit in Ireland can feel overwhelming—especially with changing rules and strict compliance requirements.
Whether you're:
An employer hiring international talent
A candidate planning your move to Ireland
Ganagan Consultancy is here to help you navigate the General Employment Permit Ireland process with confidence.
That’s where we come in.
At Ganagan Consultancy, we offer:
Full application management from start to finish
Employer eligibility and compliance checks
Strategic advice to maximise approval chances
Ongoing support for renewals and long-term planning
We don’t just process applications—we help you get it right the first time.
Contact us today to get started or to discuss your business needs or specific individual situation.