Ireland General Employment Permit for Indians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
The broader work permit for roles not on the Critical Skills list. From 1 March 2026 the minimum salary is €36,605, with a lower €32,691 band for meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants and home carers. Unlike the Critical Skills permit this route normally requires a Labour Market Needs Test — the employer must advertise the role with the Department of Social Protection and in national media before offering it to you — and employers must generally maintain a 50:50 ratio of EEA to non-EEA staff. It is tied to a specific employer for the first twelve months, and long-term residence takes five years rather than two.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | $39,000/year |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 10–20 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $1,000. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Confirm your salary meets the 2026 threshold
- Check your occupation is not on the ineligible list
- Employer completes the Labour Market Needs Test
- Confirm the employer meets the 50:50 EEA ratio
- Secure the job offer and employment contract
- Submit the employment permit application
- Apply for the long stay D employment visa
- Prepare police clearance and supporting documents
- Register with immigration within 90 days of arrival
- Get a PPS number and open a bank account
- Apply for family reunification after twelve months
- Plan your route to Stamp 4 after five years
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Is the General Employment Permit right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Ireland General Employment Permit take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 10–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the General Employment Permit cost?
- The government fee is approximately $1,000. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the General Employment Permit?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Ireland is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the General Employment Permit?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Ireland visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.