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Critical Skills Employment Permit — high-remuneration occupation

IrelandTalent and merit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Official link

Which exceptional-talent, academic, scientific, artistic, technological, cultural or other profiles does the pathway target?

Highly skilled workers in any occupation paid over €68,911 a year, except occupations on the Ineligible List or contrary to the public interest.

See recorded sources

What achievements, recognition, awards, publications, reputation or other evidence establishes the required level?

The high-remuneration Critical Skills Employment Permit route uses the occupation, remuneration and professional qualifications, skills and experience required for the job. The authority lists annual remuneration over EUR 68,911, excluding ineligible occupations and occupations contrary to the public interest; an applicant without a degree or higher qualification must have the necessary experience. A two-year job offer is required.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The authority does not specify a separate awards or publications standard in these criteria; this is not proof of an express waiver of every possible evidentiary requirement.
  • https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/critical-skills-employment-permit
    All occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of over €68,911, other than those on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits or which are contrary to the public interest. A non-EEA national who does not have a degree qualification or higher, must have the necessary level of experience. The prospective employee concerned must have secured a 2-year job offer in respect of the eligible occupation from the prospective employer. Further criteria include: The prospective employee concerned must possess the relevant qualifications, skills and experience that are required for the employment.

Is an employer, nominator, recognised body, peer group or government endorsement required?

An employer is required: the applicant must have a job offer from a bona-fide employer based and trading in Ireland, and the employer must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, where applicable, the Companies Registration Office/Register of Friendly Societies.

See recorded sources
  • Criteria for eligibility section
    The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment examines a number of criteria when assessing Critical Skills Employment Permit applications including a job offer from a bona-fide employer based and trading in Ireland and who is registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, where applicable, the Companies Registration Office/Register of Friendly Societies.

Can the holder change employer, work independently, establish a business or conduct other professional activity? What is the family position?

The permit covers employment with the named employer in the occupation and location stated on the permit, and the holder is expected to stay 9 months with the initial employer. Holders can apply immediately for family reunification, and resident dependants, partners and spouses may seek any employment via a free Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit. The official source does not state whether the holder may work independently or set up a business.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Source does not address self-employment or setting up a business.

What duration, renewal and accelerated or normal longer-term residence pathway is officially stated?

Issued only for a job offer of at least 2 years; on expiry holders apply directly to the Department of Justice for Stamp 4 (no permit renewal), granted for 2 years and renewable; after 60 months’ residence they may apply for long-term residence.

See recorded sources

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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