How can a skilled worker move to Ireland for a job?

For a skilled professional, the Critical Skills Employment Permit is typically the best way into Ireland. It requires a job offer in an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List, a salary meeting the permit threshold, a minimum two-year contract with a registered Irish employer, and relevant qualifications or experience, with the application made to DETE. Its advantages are significant: no labour-market needs test, immediate family reunification, and a move to Stamp 4 — full work and self-employment rights — after just two years.

If your role is eligible but not on the Critical Skills list, the General Employment Permit is the alternative, though it usually involves a labour-market needs test and the role must not appear on the Ineligible List of Occupations. Staff being transferred within a multinational group may instead use the Intra-Company Transfer permit.

The occupation lists and salary thresholds are reviewed regularly, so confirm the current figures on enterprise.gov.ie before proceeding. ACME can review your offer and qualifications against the Critical Skills and General Employment Permit criteria and recommend the route most likely to be approved.