Note 01Route summary
Every sponsored worker sits on two clocks that rarely align, the employment permit and the IRP residence registration, and a lapse on either creates unlawful working or unlawful residence.
Ref RACE-12, typed for the wall
Employment permits & sponsorshipFor employers
Renewals, amendments & change of employer
Keep sponsored staff continuously compliant: renewals, corrections and moves to a new employer, timed right.
0 routes
Renew, amend, move
0 weeks
Renew before expiry
0 months
Before employer change
EUR 0
Renewal fee
Folder 01. Route file, Renewals, amendments & change of employer
No new LMNT
A straightforward renewal does not need a fresh Labour Market Needs Test, but a genuine change of employer requires a brand new permit application, so start well before the current permit expires.
Critical Skills is not renewed
A Critical Skills permit runs for two years and the holder can apply to Immigration Service Delivery for Stamp 4 after 21 months of employment rather than renewing the permit.
What we'll do for you
Keep sponsored staff continuously compliant: renewals, corrections and moves to a new employer, timed right.
Ledger · Renewals, amendments & change of employer
Entry 01 · registered
Assess the route
We identify whether the case is a renewal, an amendment or a change of employer, and confirm the governing rules under the Employment Permits Act 2024.
AllowWeek 1
Entry 02 · registered
Diary the two clocks
We map the permit expiry and the separate IRP expiry so neither is missed, and set the earliest lawful filing date.
AllowWeek 1
Entry 03 · registered
Prepare the file
We update job title, salary, contract and company details and gather the CRO and Revenue records the application needs.
AllowWeeks 1 to 3
Entry 04 · registered
Lodge on EPOS
We submit through the Employment Permits Online System inside the correct window and manage any DETE queries.
AllowWeek 3
Entry 05 · registered
Track to decision
We monitor the current DETE processing dates so the holder stays in continuous lawful employment.
AllowWeeks 4 to 12
Entry 06 · registered
Align the IRP
On grant, we synchronise the IRP and any dependant permissions with the new permit dates.
AllowAfter grant
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
Queries handled for youTracked weeklyFigures are indicative
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyEF
Renewal fee, up to 36 monthsEUR 1,000IRP registrationEUR 300
Amendments to an existing permit are generally processed without a further permit fee.
receipts, in the vitrine
Renewal fee,
EUR 1,000
IRP
EUR 300
Nonew LMNT
Changing employer got easier
04 tipTwo clocks, not one
05 watchRenewal against amendment and change of employer
| Criteria | Renewal | Amendment | Change of employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Labour Market Needs Test | No | No | May apply |
| New permit application | No | No | Yes |
| DETE fee | EUR 1,000 up to 3 years | Usually no fee | EUR 1,000 up to 24 months |
| Continue current job | Yes | Yes | No |
| When to start | Up to 16 weeks before expiry | When details change | After 9 months, before moving |
Plaque 02 The payoff
Start early. A renewal can be filed up to 16 weeks before the permit expires, and filing inside that window keeps the holder in continuous lawful employment while DETE processes the application.
On the record
Reflects DETE renewal and change of employer rules.
Review status and start early
2wk
Prepare and lodge via EPOS
1wk
DETE processing to decision
8wk
Update IRP registration
2wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0weeks
Assess the route
Diary the two clocks
Prepare the file
Lodge on EPOS
Track to decision
Align the IRP
Current employment permit and its expiry dateThe separate IRP registration and its expiry dateUpdated job offer or contract where the role has changedSalary confirmation meeting the applicable floorEmployer CRO registration and Revenue tax recordsFor a move, evidence of prior lawful permit employment and time served with the first employerThe company registered and verified in EPOS
Q01When should we file a renewal?
Start early. A renewal can be filed up to 16 weeks before the permit expires, and filing inside that window keeps the holder in continuous lawful employment while DETE processes the application.
Q02Can a permit holder change employer?
Yes. Under the Employment Permits Act 2024, Critical Skills and General Employment Permit holders can apply to change employer after 9 months with the first employer, rather than the previous 12 month wait, subject to the current conditions.
Q03What is an amendment for?
An amendment corrects an error on the permit or reflects a genuine change such as a role or salary update, without the cost and delay of a full new application. It usually carries no further permit fee.
Q04Does a renewal need a new Labour Market Needs Test?
No. A straightforward renewal does not require a fresh Labour Market Needs Test, but a genuine change of employer requires a brand new permit application, so it should be started well before any move.
Q05Do all permits get renewed indefinitely?
No. A Critical Skills permit runs for two years and the holder can apply to Immigration Service Delivery for Stamp 4 after 21 months of employment instead of renewing. General Employment Permit holders renew until they reach 57 months of employment.
Official
Employment permits hub
Find the renewal, amendment and change of employer guidance for every permit type in one place.
enterprise.gov.ie
Portal
EPOS, renew or amend online
File renewals, correct permit details and submit change of employer applications on the same portal.
epos.enterprise.gov.ie
ToolUpdated weekly
Current processing dates
Check the renewal queue early: you can apply up to 16 weeks before the permit expires.
enterprise.gov.ie
Do firstEUR 300 per year
Renew the IRP too
The residence registration renews separately from the permit, so keep both dates in the diary.
irishimmigration.ie
Guide
Immigration stamps explained
Check whether the employee has reached the stamp that ends the need for renewals altogether.
irishimmigration.ie
GuideFree
Citizens Information on permits
Readable summary of renewal rules and what happens to the permit when someone changes job.
citizensinformation.ie
Note 02Booking note
No. A Critical Skills permit runs for two years and the holder can apply to Immigration Service Delivery for Stamp 4 after 21 months of employment instead of renewing. General Employment Permit holders renew until they reach 57 months of employment.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.