Ireland•EuropeCSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit
At a Glance
2–4 weeks
EUR €1,000
Duration of contract
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Ireland's premium 2-year work permit for non-EEA professionals in shortage occupations earning €40,904+, with direct Stamp 4 conversion.
Ireland's premium work permit for highly skilled non-EEA professionals filling shortage roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List — tech, engineering, healthcare and other specialisms. Issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, it skips the Labour Market Needs Test and requires a 2-year job offer from an Ireland-based employer registered with Revenue and the CRO.
Salary floor is €40,904 on the Critical Skills list (€36,848 if the qualifying degree was earned in the prior 12 months), or €68,911 for other qualifying roles. The application fee is €1,000, with 90% refunded on refusal. Permits run 2 years, renewable, and convert directly to Stamp 4 without a further permit, leading to long-term residence after 5 years. Spouses can join and work freely.
This visa is ideal for non-EEA degree-holders with a confirmed Irish job offer in a shortage occupation seeking a fast route to long-term residency for themselves and family.
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
IrelandRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Job offer from a bona-fide employer based and trading in Ireland, registered with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office.
Minimum annual remuneration of €40,904 for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List (or €36,848 if the qualification was received within the last 12 months).
Minimum annual remuneration of €68,911 for occupations not on the non-qualifying list.
Possession of relevant degree qualification or higher for roles in the €40,904 range.
Direct employment and payment by the Irish employer (no recruitment agencies).
Job offer must be for a duration of 2 years or more.
Company must have 50% or more EEA employees (unless a start-up supported by Enterprise Ireland/IDA).
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Income
40,904 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed employment permit application form.
Copy of passport.
Signed employment contract.
Detailed job description and duties.
Proof of qualifications, skills, and experience.
Employer business details (nature of business, employee numbers).
If resident in Ireland, copy of current immigration stamp and IRP card.
Passport-sized photo.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No Labour Market Needs Test required — employer skips the advertising step
- Direct conversion to Stamp 4 after 2 years without a further permit
- Long-term residence available after 5 years on permit/Stamp 4
- Immediate family reunification through Immigration Service Delivery
- Spouse/partner can work any job under a free Dependant Permit
- 90% of the €1,000 fee refunded if the application is refused
- Fast current processing — around 2 weeks for CSEP applications in 2026
Worth Knowing
- Requires a 2-year job offer from a Revenue- and CRO-registered Irish employer
- Minimum €40,904 salary on Critical Skills list, or €68,911 for other roles
- Employer must have 50%+ EEA staff unless an Enterprise Ireland/IDA-backed start-up under 2 years old
- Cannot change employer in the first 9 months except on redundancy
- Applicants from visa-required countries also need a separate entry visa via AVATS
- Job must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List or pay over €68,911
- Relevant degree (or equivalent experience for the €68,911 track) is required
Application Process
Secure 2-year job offer from an Ireland-based employer registered with Revenue and the CRO for a role on the Critical Skills Occupations List or paying over €68,911
Employer and employee create accounts on Employment Permits Online (EPOS) at employmentpermits.enterprise.gov.ie
Submit the joint online application with €1,000 fee at least 12 weeks before proposed start date
Respond to any DETE requests for additional information within 28 days
On approval, apply to local Irish Embassy/Consulate for an entry visa if visa-required
After arrival, register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB/ISD) to receive Stamp 1 IRP card
After permit expiry (typically 2 years), apply directly to Department of Justice for Stamp 4 — no further permit required
Related visas
More visas in Ireland
Work visas in other countries
Ready to see if the CSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery