Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit 2026

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to attract highly skilled people into occupations that are in significant shortage in Ireland, with the aim of encouraging them to settle permanently. It replaced the former Green Card permit.

Eligibility depends mainly on the occupation and the salary. Most applicants qualify through the Critical Skills Occupations List, which covers roles such as ICT professionals, engineers and technologists and requires a relevant degree. Nurses and midwives qualify with a qualification accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Almost any other occupation is also eligible above a higher salary threshold, unless it appears on the list of ineligible occupations. The job offer must come from a genuine employer trading in Ireland and must last at least 24 months, and holders are expected to stay with that first employer for an initial period. Employers must also have at least half of their staff from the EEA, with an exception for supported start-ups.

Because these skills are in short supply, no labour market needs test is required. Holders can bring immediate family members, whose spouses and partners may then look for work, and after the permit period they can apply for permission to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit.

Either the employee or the employer can apply online through Employment Permits Online at any time of year, and the application must be received well before the proposed start date.