Most Advantageous Permit

Critical Skills Employment Permit

The most advantageous work permit in the Irish system. Created to attract highly qualified professionals to strategic sectors of the economy.

21 months

to Stamp 4

No LMT

Labour Market Test

Family

Facilitated reunification

Progression

Accelerated career

Key Characteristics

This permit offers unique benefits that make it the most advantageous option for qualified professionals:

Linked to occupations considered critical by the Irish government
Offers greater immigration stability
Facilitates family reunification
Allows accelerated access to Stamp 4
21

Stamp 4 Access in 21 months

After 21 months of continuous work with the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the holder can apply for Stamp 4, allowing them to work in Ireland without the need for an Employment Permit.

Main Requirements

To be eligible, both the candidate and employer must meet the following criteria:

Candidate Requirements

Both must be registered in the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS)
Valid job offer from an Irish employer, with a minimum 2-year contract
Academic qualification and/or professional experience compatible with the role
The candidate must be legally in Ireland or abroad at the time of application
The role must be included in the Critical Skills Occupations List

Employer Requirements

(50:50 rule) The company must prove that at least 50% of its employees are Irish or EEA citizens
This requirement may be relaxed for start-ups under two years old, supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland
The employer must demonstrate full tax compliance with the Revenue Commissioners

No Labour Market Needs Test

No Labour Market Needs Test is required, making the process faster and more predictable.

Critical Skills Occupations List

The Critical Skills Occupations List defines the eligible professions for the Critical Skills Employment Permit and is published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

View Critical Skills Occupations List - DETE

Minimum Salary Required

The minimum annual salary values vary according to the occupation and the candidate's situation.

€40,904/year

Occupations on Critical Skills List

For highly qualified occupations included in the Critical Skills Occupations List

€68,911/year

All other occupations

For all occupations with salary above this value, provided they are not on the Ineligible Occupations List

€36,848/year

Recent graduates

During the first 12 months under Stamp 1G

Note: In cases where the candidate does not have a higher academic degree, it will be necessary to demonstrate relevant and adequate professional experience for the role.

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