Note 01Route summary
Most General Employment Permits require a Labour Market Needs Test: a 28 day advertising exercise proving no suitable EEA candidate was found before the role can go to a non-EEA hire.
Ref LMNT-28, typed for the wall
Registrations & permit complianceFor employers
Labour Market Needs Test handling
Run a compliant 28 day advertising campaign that stands up to DETE scrutiny, handled end to end.
0 days
Advertising period
0 places
EURES, national, local
GEP
Applies to
Evidenced
Full audit trail
Folder 01. Route file, Labour Market Needs Test handling
0 day advert
A role must be advertised for at least 28 days before a General Employment Permit application, unless a specific exemption applies.
The advert must run first
The vacancy must be advertised for 28 days before the permit application is made, and the evidence, dates, text and platforms, must accompany the application.
What we'll do for you
Run a compliant 28 day advertising campaign that stands up to DETE scrutiny, handled end to end.
Ledger · Labour Market Needs Test handling
Entry 01 · registered
Scope
We confirm the role actually needs a test, then draft compliant advert wording with the correct salary, duties and location.
Allow3 to 5 days
Entry 02 · registered
Advertise
We place the vacancy on the DSP EURES Employment Services system, a national outlet and a local or trade source, all within the same window.
AllowDay 1
Entry 03 · registered
Record
We run the full 28 day period and keep dated copies of every advert, platform and text as evidence.
Allow28 days
Entry 04 · registered
Support
We package the proof to accompany the General Employment Permit application in EPOS once the window closes.
Allow2 to 3 days
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0
days to a decision
Plaque 01 The wait
For at least 28 days across the required channels, including the DSP EURES Employment Services system. We manage the timing and keep the evidence so the window is unbroken and provable.
Lodged with the fee
EUR 0
Queries handled for youTracked weeklyFigures are indicative
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyEF
DSP EURES Employment Services advertEUR 0National newspaper advertisementEUR 200Additional online or local listingEUR 100
Advertising costs vary; the DSP EURES advert is required and free, and every advert must run within the same 28 day window.
receipts, in the vitrine
DSP EURES
EUR 0
National
EUR 200
Additional
EUR 100
28day advert
Adverts must match the application
05 watchCritical Skills skips the test
06 tipWhen you need the test, and when you do not.
| Criteria | General Employment Permit | Critical Skills Employment Permit |
|---|---|---|
| 28 day advertising | Required for most roles | Not required |
| Salary floor to advertise | EUR 36,605 floor | EUR 40,904 floor |
| Typical use | Roles across the wider economy | Shortage-occupation roles |
| Route to Stamp 4 | After 57 months | After 21 months |
Plaque 02 The payoff
No. The advertising must run and finish before the permit application is made, and the evidence must accompany it. Advertising that begins after filing does not count toward the test.
On the record
Labour Market Needs Test, Employment Permits legislation.
Draft compliant adverts
1wk
Advertise for the full period
4wk
Collate proof and lodge the permit
1wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0weeks
Scope
Advertise
Record
Support
Job title, description and dutiesSalary offered, meeting the route floorLocation and working hoursMinimum qualifications and experienceConfirmation no suitable EEA candidate was foundDated copies of every advert and platform used
Q01How long must the vacancy be advertised?
For at least 28 days across the required channels, including the DSP EURES Employment Services system. We manage the timing and keep the evidence so the window is unbroken and provable.
Q02Do all permits need this test?
No. It mainly applies to the General Employment Permit. Several routes and exemptions do not require it, and Critical Skills roles skip it entirely. We confirm whether it applies before you spend a day advertising.
Q03What is the most common reason an LMNT fails?
A mismatch between the advert and the application. If the salary, job title or duties in the advert differ from what goes into EPOS, DETE can reject the test. We keep the two aligned from the start.
Q04Can we start advertising after we file the permit?
No. The advertising must run and finish before the permit application is made, and the evidence must accompany it. Advertising that begins after filing does not count toward the test.
Official28 days
General Employment Permit, official page
Confirm the exact LMNT advertising requirements for the GEP, the permit that most often needs one.
enterprise.gov.ie
Official
Employment permits hub, DETE
Check which permit types require a Labour Market Needs Test and which are exempt.
enterprise.gov.ie
GuideEUR 1,000 fee
Contract for Services permit, official page
Review LMNT rules where a foreign contractor is placing staff with an Irish client.
enterprise.gov.ie
Guide
Employment permits, Citizens Information
Plain-English explanation of the needs test to share with hiring managers.
citizensinformation.ie
PortalEUR 1,000 fee
EPOS, file after advertising ends
Submit the permit application with your advertising evidence once the 28 day window closes.
epos.enterprise.gov.ie
ToolUpdated weekly
Current permit processing dates
Add the live processing time to your 28 days of advertising when quoting a start date.
enterprise.gov.ie
Note 02Booking note
A mismatch between the advert and the application. If the salary, job title or duties in the advert differ from what goes into EPOS, DETE can reject the test. We keep the two aligned from the start.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.