General Employment Permit

The General Employment Permit replaces the old Work Permit Employment Permit. General Employment Permits are the primary vehicle used by the State to attract 3rd country nationals for occupations which are experiencing a labour or skills shortage.

A General Employment Permit can be issued for an initial period of two years and can then be renewed for up to a further three years. After five years, the applicant may apply to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) for long term residency.

Holders of Work Permit Employment Permits or General Employment Permits for 5 years or more

This policy applies to the holders of General Employment Permits and holders of current Work Permit Employment Permits which issued before the 1 October 2014.

Non-EEA nationals who have held valid Work Permit Employment Permits or General Employment Permits for 5 years or more consecutively and have been working lawfully during that time may not require an Employment Permit to work in the State. In these circumstances the proposed employee may not be required to apply for a new General Employment Permit or a renewal of their existing employment permit and should contact the Department of Justice and Equality to apply for a temporary Stamp 4.

If an applicant does not satisfy the qualifying criteria they are still required to hold an employment permit to work in the State. If he/she have been in continuous employment with his/her current employer for 5 years or more he/she may apply for a Renewal Employment Permit for an unlimited duration, in this case no fee will apply. If, however, he/she has not been with the same employer for 5 years or more he/she may apply for a Renewal Employment Permit for a maximum duration of 3 years and the applicable fee for the specific permit type applies.