Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland: Complete Guide

Ireland Has Issued 151,306 Employment Permits

Ireland's employment permit system processed 151,306 permits since tracking began, making it an increasingly attractive destination for skilled workers. The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is the premium pathway — designed for high-demand occupations, it offers a fast track to permanent residency after just 2 years. Explore Irish sponsorship data on our Ireland visa sponsorship page.

What Makes CSEP Special

The CSEP stands out from other Irish permit types and indeed most global work visas for three reasons:

1. 2-year path to Stamp 4 — after 2 years, you receive unrestricted residency (no employer dependency)
2. Spouse can work immediately — partners receive Stamp 1G, allowing any employment
3. No labour market needs test — the employer doesn't need to prove they advertised locally first

Salary Thresholds

Scenario	Minimum Salary
Occupation on Critical Skills List	EUR 38,000/year
Occupation NOT on list (with relevant degree)	EUR 64,000/year

The EUR 64,000 pathway means that any occupation can qualify for CSEP if the salary is high enough and the applicant holds a relevant degree. This is useful for roles not explicitly on the Critical Skills List.

Eligible Occupations

The Critical Skills Occupations List is updated twice a year. Key sectors include:

• ICT: Software Developer, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Architect
• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Biomedical
• Healthcare: Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, Radiographers, Occupational Therapists
• Finance: Actuaries, Financial Analysts, Risk Analysts
• Science: Bioinformatics, Analytical Chemists, Quality Assurance

Application Process

1. Secure a job offer from an Irish employer for a role on the Critical Skills List (or at EUR 64K+)
2. Employer applies online through EPOS (Employment Permits Online System)
3. Processing: 12-16 weeks standard, 2-4 weeks via Trusted Partner scheme
4. Arrive in Ireland and register with local immigration office (GNIB/IRP)
5. After 2 years: apply for Stamp 4 (unrestricted residency)

Costs

Item	Cost (EUR)
Employment Permit application	EUR 1,000
IRP registration	EUR 300
Stamp 4 application	Free (administrative)

The permit fee can be split 50/50 between employer and employee, or the employer may cover it fully — this is negotiable.

CSEP vs General Employment Permit

Feature	CSEP	General Employment Permit
Minimum salary	EUR 38,000 (list) / EUR 64,000 (non-list)	EUR 34,000
Path to Stamp 4	2 years	5 years
Spouse work rights	Immediate (Stamp 1G)	After 12 months
Labour market test	Not required	Required (advertise locally first)
Change employer	After 12 months (with new permit)	After 12 months (with new permit)

Top CSEP Sponsors

Ireland's top permit sponsors span tech, healthcare, and professional services. Based on our data, leading employers include Google Ireland, Amazon, Accenture, Ernst & Young, and several hospitals. Browse the full list on our Ireland sponsorship page.

Practical Tips

1. Check the Critical Skills List before applying — it's updated twice yearly; confirm your occupation is listed
2. Apply through Trusted Partner employers — processing drops from 16 weeks to 2-4 weeks
3. Consider the EUR 64K pathway — if your role isn't on the list, a higher salary offer qualifies you
4. Plan for housing — Dublin has a severe housing shortage; start searching before arrival
5. Bring your partner — CSEP spouse work rights are among the best globally