Note 01Route summary
The Atypical Working Scheme is the correct route for genuinely short-term, specialist work that falls outside the employment permit system, capped at 90 days.
Ref AWS-90, typed for the wall
Talent mobility & relocationFor employers
Atypical Working Scheme
Short, specialist assignments of up to 90 days, cleared through ISD without a full employment permit.
0 days
Max stay
0 days
Processing
€0
Scheme fee
ISD
Authority
Folder 01. Route file, Atypical Working Scheme
Up to 0 days
Maximum paid work an eligible specialist can carry out in Ireland under the Atypical Working Scheme without a full employment permit.
Strict application window
ISD requires the application no less than 30 days and no more than 3 months before the work starts.
What we'll do for you
Short, specialist assignments of up to 90 days, cleared through ISD without a full employment permit.
Ledger · Atypical Working Scheme
Entry 01 · registered
Assess the fit
We confirm the role is genuinely short-term and specialist, sits outside the permit system, and stays within the 90-day cap before any fee is spent.
Allow2 to 4 days
Entry 02 · registered
Prepare the pack
We assemble the employer or host-company letter, the contract detail, qualification evidence and the applicant's passport and CV.
Allow3 to 5 days
Entry 03 · registered
Submit to ISD
We lodge with Immigration Service Delivery inside the permitted window, no earlier than 30 days and no later than 3 months before the work starts, and pay the €250 fee.
Allow1 to 2 days
Entry 04 · registered
Decision and entry visa
ISD assesses to a target of around 20 working days; for visa-required nationals we lodge the entry visa in parallel.
Allow4 to 5 weeks
Entry 05 · registered
Arrival and start
On the approval letter we brief the specialist on travel, border entry and the fixed end date of the assignment.
Allow1 week
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0
days to a decision
Lodged with the fee
€0
Queries handled for youTracked weeklyFigures are indicative
10080604020
Atypical Working Scheme90 days max
General Employment PermitUp to 2 yrs first grant
Critical Skills Permit2 yr contract
stubs, in the vitrine
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyEF
Atypical Working Scheme fee€250Single journey entry visa€60
The scheme suits short, specialist assignments rather than long term roles.
receipts, in the vitrine
Atypical
€250
Single
€60
Up to 2 yrs first grant
03 General2 yr contract
04 Critical90 days max
05 Atypical90Up to days
No in-country extension
07 watchBuilt for short specialists
08 tipAtypical Working Scheme versus a full employment permit
| Criteria | Atypical Working Scheme | General Employment Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 90 days | Up to 2 years, renewable |
| Extendable in country | No, worker must leave | Yes, renew and extend |
| Government fee | €250 | €1,000 for up to 2 years |
| Best for | Short, specialist, one-off work | Ongoing roles across the economy |
Confirm eligibility and offer
1wk
AWS application to ISD
4wk
Entry visa if required
5wk
Arrival and start
1wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0weeks
Assess the fit
Prepare the pack
Submit to ISD
Decision and entry visa
Arrival and start
A clear, genuinely short-term and specialist business needEmployer or host-company letter setting out the role and datesAssignment dates falling wholly within 90 daysApplicant passport valid for the full periodApplicant CV and evidence of the relevant specialist skill or qualificationFiling inside the 30-day to 3-month pre-start windowEntry visa evidence where the applicant is visa-required
Q01Can the 90 days be extended?
No. The scheme cannot be extended or converted from inside Ireland. When the 90 days end the specialist must leave, so if the engagement might run longer, use a full employment permit from the start.
Q02When exactly must we file?
ISD requires the application no less than 30 days and no more than 3 months before the work begins. Filing outside that window means the application is returned unprocessed, which usually kills a short-notice contract.
Q03Is an entry visa still needed?
Yes for visa-required nationals. The scheme letter authorises the work, but a separate entry visa authorises travel, and we handle both where required.
Q04Who is the scheme actually for?
Locum doctors, paid interns, and specialists covering gaps of under 90 days are the classic fits. If the role appears on a permit-eligible occupation list and runs for months, the permit route is almost always cheaper per week worked.
Q05What does it cost the business?
The scheme fee is €250 per application to ISD, plus €60 for a single-journey entry visa where the national is visa-required. Professional and translation costs are additional.
Official90 days max
Atypical Working Scheme, official page
Read the eligibility rules and application steps for short contract work of up to 90 days.
irishimmigration.ie
Do first
Coming to work in Ireland
Compare the scheme against a full employment permit before you commit to the shorter route.
irishimmigration.ie
Guide
Employment permits hub, DETE
Check whether the role actually needs a permit instead, the scheme only covers work outside the permit system.
enterprise.gov.ie
ToolWeekly updates
Visa decisions, weekly lists
Track the entry visa outcome for visa required nationals after the scheme letter issues.
irishimmigration.ie
Official
ISD, Irish Immigration home
Find contact routes and current notices from the division that runs the scheme.
irishimmigration.ie
Note 02Booking note
The scheme fee is €250 per application to ISD, plus €60 for a single-journey entry visa where the national is visa-required. Professional and translation costs are additional.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.