Employment Permits
Change of Employer
The Change of Employer process allows Employment Permit holders to move to a new employer in Ireland without losing their immigration status, in line with the rules updated in 2024.
The minimum time with the first employer depends on the type of Employment Permit. Once the periods and requirements are met, the permit can be transferred to a new eligible employer without leaving the country.
Minimum periods by permit type
General Employment Permit (GEP): you must have completed at least 9 months with the first permit.
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP): also requires a minimum of 9 months with the first employer.
Reactivation Employment Permit: a change of employer is only permitted after 12 full months of authorised employment.
Rules for the new job offer
The new offer must be within the same occupation.
GEP: same occupation, with a 4-digit SOC code.
CSEP: same broad occupational category, with a 3-digit SOC code.
New eligible employer, legally established and compliant with Irish law.
Salary consistent with the type of work permit.
Valid Employment Permit and IRP at the time of application.
A maximum of up to 3 employer changes under this scheme.
You may not start work with the new employer before the change is officially approved by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
Frequently Asked Questions
Change of Employer
Yes, provided the minimum periods and the specific rules for changing employer are met, which vary depending on the type of Employment Permit.
Schedule your consultation
We will assess your permit type and manage the change of employer safely, within the applicable periods and rules.