Note 01Route summary
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is the strongest entry route in the Irish system, built for shortage occupations that Ireland is actively trying to attract.
Ref CSEP-21, typed for the wall
Employment permitsFor individuals
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Ireland's premier work permit for in-demand talent, with a 21-month route to Stamp 4 and same-day family work rights.
EUR 0
Salary floor
0 months
To Stamp 4
No LMNT
Advertising
0 to 13 wks
Processing
Folder 01. Route file, Critical Skills Employment Permit
0
months
0
months
Two salary doors in
You qualify at EUR 40,904 with a relevant degree for an occupation on the Critical Skills list, or at EUR 68,911 for almost any occupation that is not ineligible.
What we'll do for you
Ireland's premier work permit for in-demand talent, with a 21-month route to Stamp 4 and same-day family work rights.
Ledger · Critical Skills Employment Permit
Entry 01 · registered
Eligibility assessment
We confirm the occupation sits on the Critical Skills list, that the salary clears the correct floor (EUR 40,904 with a relevant degree or EUR 68,911 without) and that your qualifications map to the role.
Allow2 to 3 days
Entry 02 · registered
Document and contract build
We assemble the two-year contract of employment, degree and transcript evidence, passport and employer registration proofs, and pre-empt the questions DETE caseworkers ask most often.
Allow1 to 2 weeks
Entry 03 · registered
EPOS submission
We lodge the application through the Employment Permits Online System, pay the government fee and log the submission date against the department's live processing queue.
Allow1 day
Entry 04 · registered
Caseworker liaison
We monitor the decision, respond to any request for further information within the deadline and keep you informed even while we wait on the department.
Allow8 to 13 weeks
Entry 05 · registered
Entry and IRP registration
On grant we guide the entry visa if you are visa required, then register your Stamp 1 permission with ISD and set the diary for your Stamp 4 window.
Allow1 to 2 weeks
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
80k68k55k43k30k
Critical Skills with relevant degreeEUR 40,904
Critical Skills recent graduateEUR 36,848
General Employment PermitEUR 36,605
Critical Skills without a degreeEUR 68,911
stubs, in the vitrine
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyEF
Employment permit, up to 24 monthsEUR 1,000Single journey entry visaEUR 60IRP registrationEUR 300
Government fees only; professional and translation costs are additional.
receipts, in the vitrine
Employment
EUR 1,000
Single
EUR 60
IRP
EUR 300
EUR 36,848
04 CriticalEUR 36,605
05 GeneralEUR 40,904
06 Critical21months to Stam
No labour market test
08 officialThe Stamp 4 payoff
09 tipThis route
VS
General Employment Permit
0 months sooner on this route
rings, in Folder 01
Critical Skills against the alternatives
| Criteria | Critical Skills Permit | General Employment Permit | Atypical Working Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum annual salary | EUR 40,904 | EUR 36,605 | Prevailing rate |
| Labour market needs test | No | Yes | No |
| Route to Stamp 4 | After 21 months | After 57 months | Not applicable |
| Family reunification | Immediate access | Usually after 12 months | Not included |
| Spouse work rights | Stamp 1G from day one | Own permit needed | Not included |
Plaque 02 The payoff
After 21 months of employment on a Critical Skills permit, counted from the commencement date on your Revenue Employment Detail Summary, you can apply to ISD for Stamp 4 and long-term residence, removing the need for a further permit.
On the record
Immigration Service Delivery, Stamp 4 for employment permit holders.
Offer and documents
2wk
DETE decision via EPOS
10wk
Entry visa if required
5wk
IRP registration
1wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0weeks
Eligibility assessment
Document and contract build
EPOS submission
Caseworker liaison
Entry and IRP registration
A written job offer in an eligible Critical Skills occupationAnnual salary meeting the applicable floor: EUR 40,904 with a relevant degree, or EUR 68,911 for most other occupationsA degree or recognised qualification relevant to the roleA signed two-year contract of employment with an Irish-registered employerA passport valid for the full duration of the permitThe employer registered with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office (CRO)Evidence of any professional registration where the role requires itCertified English translations of any document not issued in English
Plaque 03 The family
Yes. Spouses and de facto partners of Critical Skills holders register on Stamp 1G and can take up employment with any Irish employer without a separate permit or permit fee.
more pieces, in the vitrine
Q01What salary do I need?
Most eligible roles need at least EUR 40,904 with a relevant degree, and almost any occupation not on the ineligible list qualifies from EUR 68,911; the exact floor depends on the role and the skills list.
Q02When can I apply for Stamp 4?
After 21 months of employment on a Critical Skills permit, counted from the commencement date on your Revenue Employment Detail Summary, you can apply to ISD for Stamp 4 and long-term residence, removing the need for a further permit.
Q03Do I need the job advertised first?
No. Unlike the General Employment Permit, the Critical Skills route carries no Labour Market Needs Test, so no 28-day advertising is required and the application can proceed as soon as the two-year offer is signed.
Q04Can my spouse or partner work?
Yes. Spouses and de facto partners of Critical Skills holders register on Stamp 1G and can take up employment with any Irish employer without a separate permit or permit fee.
Q05What happens if the permit is refused?
You have 28 days to request a free review by a different DETE officer, and half the permit fee is refunded on refusal. We assess whether a review or a corrected fresh application is the faster route.
Q06Can I change employer on this permit?
The permit ties you to the named employer, but after the first 12 months you can move to another eligible role by filing a new permit; once on Stamp 4 you can work for any employer with no permit at all.
OfficialEUR 1,000 fee
Critical Skills permit, official page
Check the occupation list, salary rules and documents straight from the department.
enterprise.gov.ie
Portal
EPOS, permit application portal
Create the account, complete the online form and upload the supporting documents.
epos.enterprise.gov.ie
ToolUpdated weekly
Current processing dates
See exactly which application date the department is working on this week.
enterprise.gov.ie
GuideStamp 4 after 21 months
Immigration stamps explained
Understand the Stamp 1 you register on and the Stamp 4 upgrade that follows.
irishimmigration.ie
OfficialEUR 300 per year
Registering the IRP
Register your permission after arrival to receive the residence permit card.
irishimmigration.ie
GuideFree
Citizens Information, employment permits
Read a plain English summary of your rights and obligations as a permit holder.
citizensinformation.ie
Note 02Booking note
The permit ties you to the named employer, but after the first 12 months you can move to another eligible role by filing a new permit; once on Stamp 4 you can work for any employer with no permit at all.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.