Ireland•EuropeContract for Services Employment Permit
At a Glance
11-12 weeks
EUR €1,250–€2,500
Varies by filing options
Up to 5 years (granted in 24-month increments)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Lets a foreign contractor transfer non-EEA staff to deliver a one-to-one service contract with an Irish entity for up to five years.
Ireland's Contract for Services Employment Permit lets a foreign contractor that has won a one-to-one services contract with an Irish entity transfer its own non-EEA staff to deliver the work on-site. Issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE), it replaces the former Contract Service Provider class.
Permits are tied to the contract term, granted in up to 24-month increments and extendable to a five-year maximum stay. Minimum remuneration is €49,523; fees are €500 (≤6 months) or €1,000 (up to 24 months) via the Employment Permits Online (EPOS) portal. New-application processing runs roughly 11-12 weeks (May 2026).
This visa is ideal for senior consultants and IT specialists employed by a foreign contractor that has won an Irish service contract, earning at least €49,523 and posted to Ireland for the duration of that engagement.
Cost Breakdown
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Proof of a one-to-one service contract between a foreign contractor and an Irish entity
Evidence of at least 6 months of prior employment with the foreign contractor
The position must not be on the non-qualifying List of Occupations for Employment Permits
The foreign contractor must be registered as an employer with Irish Revenue
At least 50% of the employees of the contractor or the Irish entity must be EEA nationals
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
Min. Income
49,523 EUR/yr
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Supports complex on-site service delivery without setting up an Irish subsidiary
- Granted in 24-month increments and extendable to a maximum stay of five years
- Employee stays on the foreign contractor's payroll, preserving home-country benefits
- Conversion to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit possible after 12 months
Worth Knowing
- Strictly tied to the underlying contract term; permit ends when the contract does
- Spouses and dependants must apply for their own Irish employment permit
- Minimum annual remuneration of €49,523 must be paid by the foreign contractor
- Permit holder must leave Ireland on contract cessation or permit expiry
- Role appears on the non-qualifying List of Occupations for Employment Permits
- Employee has less than six months' prior service with the foreign contractor
- Work is subcontracted to a third party (not a direct one-to-one contract)
- Fewer than 50% of the contractor's or Irish entity's employees are EEA nationals
Application Process
Contractor submits application via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS)
Pay the required processing fee
Await Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) approval
Apply for an entry visa (if visa-required) at an Irish Embassy or Consulate
Register with local immigration authorities for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) upon arrival
Related visas
More visas in Ireland
Work visas in other countries
Ready to see if the Contract for Services Employment Permit is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery