🇮🇪 Ireland General Employment Permit
Also known as: GEP, Ireland work permit
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the Ireland General Employment Permit?
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.
Ireland General Employment Permit requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $1,000 |
| Processing time | 10–20 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | $39,000/year (about $3,250/month) |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians.
Ireland General Employment Permit cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $1,000 | 10–20 weeks | $39,000/year | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Ireland General Employment Permit
- 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
This list is the checklist for Indians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the General Employment Permit right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Ireland General Employment Permit?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in Ireland; income of about $39,000 a year. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Ireland General Employment Permit cost?
- The government fee is about $1,000 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Ireland General Employment Permit processing time?
- Typical processing takes 10–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What is the income requirement for the Ireland General Employment Permit?
- The minimum income is about $39,000 a year (roughly $3,250 a month), expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
- Do I need a job offer for the Ireland General Employment Permit?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Ireland is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the Ireland General Employment Permit?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Ireland General Employment Permit lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the GEP the same as the Ireland General Employment Permit?
- Yes. GEP and Ireland work permit are other names people use for the Ireland General Employment Permit.
Ireland General Employment Permit guides by nationality
Other Ireland visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: enterprise.gov.ie. This guide is general information, not legal advice.