Ireland General Employment Permit in 2026

The General Employment Permit (GEP) covers a broader range of employments than the Critical Skills route, but it does not mean every job is eligible.

2026 remuneration

The standard minimum annual remuneration from 1 March 2026 is €36,605.

Current DETE guidance also publishes lower thresholds in specified cases:

  • €32,691 for certain healthcare assistant, home-support, horticulture and meat-processing roles.
  • €34,009 for qualifying applicants with a relevant Irish third-level degree awarded in the previous 12 months.

The role must also be outside the Ineligible List of Occupations and the worker must meet the qualifications, skills or experience required for the employment.

Labour Market Needs Test

A General Employment Permit usually requires the employer to complete a Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT).

Current rules require the vacancy to be advertised through the Department of Social Protection/EURES network for at least 28 consecutive days and on an additional eligible online platform for at least 28 continuous days. The application must then be made within the applicable filing window.

Exemptions exist in defined cases, so do not assume every GEP application requires the same advertising process.

Employer change

The current change-of-employer framework permits eligible GEP holders to apply to change employer after nine months from the start of their first permitted employment in Ireland. For GEP holders the new employment must remain within the relevant occupation type/SOC framework. Redundancy and other exceptional circumstances can allow earlier treatment.

This is different from unrestricted job mobility: an employment permit remains tied to the permitted employment until a valid change is approved.

Immigration permission

The employment permit is distinct from:

  1. an entry visa, where required;
  2. immigration permission to stay in Ireland;
  3. registration and the Irish Residence Permit card.

A worker normally registers on Stamp 1 while relying on an employment permit.

Stamp 4 timing

Current ISD guidance provides eligibility for a Stamp 4 upgrade after 57 months from commencement of employment in Ireland on the basis of General Employment Permits. This is not automatic permanent residence.

Family sponsorship

GEP holders fall within Category C of the revised Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy. For nuclear family, the general waiting period is one year, and current rules include financial and accommodation evidence requirements. Students and Stamp 1G graduates are not Category C sponsors merely because they live in Ireland.

Related: Critical Skills permit, family reunification, Long Term Residency, Europe, and legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Ireland