Before you start

A job offer of at least 2 years from an Irish employer
An occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List, or a salary above the higher general threshold
A relevant degree or equivalent experience for the role
Salary meeting the current threshold on basic pay alone

Step-by-step

1
Check your salary clears the March 2026 threshold
EUR 40,904 for an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List with a relevant degree; EUR 36,848 where the qualification was obtained in the 12 months before applying; EUR 68,911 where the role is not on the list. Only basic annual salary counts.
OnlineWho: You and your employer
2
Employer or employee submits the permit application
Applications go to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through its online system. The fee is EUR 1,000 for a 2-year Critical Skills permit and is non-refundable if refused.
OnlineWho: Usually your employerEUR 1,000
3
Apply for an entry visa if your nationality requires one
Some nationalities need a long-stay 'D' visa to enter even with a permit granted. Check before booking flights — the permit alone is not entry clearance.
OnlineWho: You
4
Arrive and secure a PPS number
Book a PPSN appointment as soon as you have an Irish address and a job. Without it you are taxed on an emergency basis.
In personWho: You
5
Register with immigration and collect your IRP
Non-EEA nationals must register in person within 90 days of arrival and receive an Irish Residence Permit card. Registration costs EUR 300 per person.
In personWho: YouWithin 90 days of arrivalEUR 300
6
Apply for Stamp 4 after two years
Critical Skills holders can apply for Stamp 4 permission after two years, which removes the tie to a specific employer and permit.
OnlineWho: YouAfter 2 years

Documents you’ll need

Passport
Signed employment contract of at least 2 years
Degree certificate or evidence of equivalent experience
Evidence the salary meets the current threshold on basic pay
Proof of Irish address, for PPSN and IRP registration

Things most newcomers don’t know

Every threshold rose on 1 March 2026, and only basic salary counts.

The Critical Skills minimum went from EUR 38,000 to EUR 40,904. Bonuses, overtime, commission, allowances and benefits in kind are all excluded — an offer that looks comfortably over the line on total comp can fall under it on basic pay.

Source: DETE employment permit thresholds, effective 1 March 2026

The Critical Skills permit brings family with you immediately.

Spouses and partners of Critical Skills holders can access the labour market without needing their own employment permit — a materially better deal than the General Employment Permit, and often the deciding factor between two offers.

Source: Citizens Information — Critical Skills Employment Permit

Book the IRP appointment before you need it.

The 90-day registration window is generous; the appointment supply is not. Slots in Dublin get booked out well in advance, and people run down the clock waiting rather than booking on day one.

Source: community-reported, consistently

The permit is not an entry visa.

Depending on nationality you may still need a 'D' visa to travel. Holding an approved permit and turning up at the border without one is a common and entirely avoidable failure.

Source: Irish Immigration Service

Common mistakes to avoid

Using pre-March-2026 salary thresholds — applications below the new figures are refused.
Counting bonus or allowances toward the threshold; only basic salary is assessed.
Leaving the IRP appointment until near the 90-day deadline.
Assuming an employment permit doubles as an entry visa.
Taking a General Employment Permit without checking whether the role qualifies for Critical Skills — the family and Stamp 4 differences are significant.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.