The broad route into work across the wider Irish economy, with the labour market test handled for you.
EUR 0
Salary from
0 days
Advertising
0 months
To Stamp 4
0 to 13 wks
Processing
The General Employment Permit opens almost any occupation that is not on the ineligible list, making it the workhorse permit for roles outside the Critical Skills categories. Most applications require a 28-day Labour Market Needs Test, and it is here that avoidable refusals happen.
Ref GEP-28, typed for the wall
0 day market test
A Labour Market Needs Test advertises the role for 28 days before a General Employment Permit can be decided.
The Labour Market Needs Test requires the job to be advertised for 28 days, including on the EURES network, before the application is filed.
The broad route into work across the wider Irish economy, with the labour market test handled for you.
Entry 01 · registered
We confirm the occupation is not on the ineligible list, that the offer clears the EUR 36,605 floor (or EUR 34,009 for eligible graduates) and whether a Labour Market Needs Test is required.
Entry 02 · registered
We draft and place the advertising across the Department of Social Protection Jobs Ireland service, a national newspaper and an additional medium, then run it for the full 28 days and capture the evidence.
Entry 03 · registered
We assemble the signed contract, advertising proofs, passport and employer registration papers, and confirm the role details match across every document.
Entry 04 · registered
We lodge the application through the Employment Permits Online System, pay the fee and record the submission date against the live processing queue.
Entry 05 · registered
We manage any request for further information, and on grant brief you on the entry visa, IRP registration and the renewal and Stamp 4 timeline.
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0to0
weeks to a decision
Lodged with the fee
EUR 0
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyGovernment fees only; professional, advertising and translation costs are additional.
EUR 1,000
EUR 60
EUR 300
General Permit against the alternatives
| Criteria | General Employment Permit | Critical Skills Permit | Graduate General Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum annual salary | EUR 36,605 | EUR 40,904 | EUR 34,009 |
| Labour market needs test | Yes | No | Yes |
| Route to Stamp 4 | After 57 months | After 21 months | After 57 months |
| Occupation restriction | Not on ineligible list | On the critical skills list | Recent graduate roles |
| Family work rights | Own permit needed | Stamp 1G from day one | Own permit needed |
Labour Market Needs Test
4wk
DETE decision via EPOS
10wk
Entry visa if required
5wk
IRP registration
1wk
Eligibility and salary check
Labour Market Needs Test
Document build
EPOS submission
Decision and registration
Plaque 03 The family
Family reunification for General permit holders is typically available after 12 months of residence, and spouses usually need their own permission or permit to work rather than automatic Stamp 1G access.
It is a 28-day advertising process showing the role was offered to the local and EEA market first; some roles are exempt.
After 57 months of employment on this route, counted from the commencement date on your Revenue Employment Detail Summary, you can generally apply to ISD for Stamp 4 and long-term status.
Critical Skills covers listed shortage roles at EUR 40,904, needs no advertising and reaches Stamp 4 in 21 months; the General permit covers the wider economy from EUR 36,605, usually needs the 28-day test and reaches Stamp 4 in 57 months.
Family reunification for General permit holders is typically available after 12 months of residence, and spouses usually need their own permission or permit to work rather than automatic Stamp 1G access.
You cannot switch employer for the first 12 months except in limited circumstances; after that you can move to another eligible role by filing a new General Employment Permit.
Occupations on the ineligible list cannot be filled through this permit at all. We check the list first and, where relevant, advise on the Critical Skills or other routes.
General Employment Permit, official page
Check the salary threshold, eligible occupations and the Labour Market Needs Test rules.
enterprise.gov.ie
EPOS, permit application portal
Submit the online application once the advertising period is complete.
epos.enterprise.gov.ie
Current processing dates
Check which submission date the department is deciding now before you chase anyone.
enterprise.gov.ie
Employment permits hub, DETE
Compare the General permit against Critical Skills and other permit types before applying.
enterprise.gov.ie
Coming to work in Ireland, ISD
Plan the entry visa and registration steps that follow the permit grant.
irishimmigration.ie
Citizens Information, employment permits
Read your rights as a permit holder, including how to change employer later.
citizensinformation.ie
Occupations on the ineligible list cannot be filled through this permit at all. We check the list first and, where relevant, advise on the Critical Skills or other routes.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.
