Seasonal Employment Permit

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

12-15 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €500–€1,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Up to 7 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Pilot seasonal work permit for non-EEA horticultural operatives at one of six approved Irish employers, valid 14 April to 13 November.

Ireland's Seasonal Employment Permit (SEP) is a pilot scheme under S.I. 33/2025, commenced 19 February 2025. It lets non-EEA nationals work as horticultural operatives in soft fruit or vegetable growing for up to seven months each year, within a fixed window of 14 April to 13 November. Minimum annualised pay is €30,000 (€14.79/hour, at least 30 hours/week).

Permits go only to workers of a designated Approved Seasonal Employer — capped at six employers per year, each needing €1.5m turnover and arranging accommodation plus health insurance at no cost. The scheme caps issuance at 200 permits/season. Standard DETE fees apply (€500 up to 6 months; €1,000 up to 24 months) and the employer files via Employment Permits Online.

This visa is ideal for non-EEA workers wanting short, lawful seasonal horticulture jobs with a small pool of pre-approved Irish growers. It is unsuitable for anyone seeking residency, family reunification or work outside the horticulture window.

Cost Breakdown

Application Fee (6 months or less)EUR €500

Application Fee (up to 24 months)EUR €1,000

TotalEUR €500–€1,000

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be employed by an Approved Seasonal Employer (max 6 employers approved per year)

Role must be horticultural operative in soft fruit or vegetable growing

Minimum annual remuneration €30,000 (€14.79/hour)

Minimum 30 working hours per week

Employment period 14 April to 13 November each year

Employer must provide accommodation, training and health insurance at no cost to the worker

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

30,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Signed employment contract with Approved Seasonal Employer

Valid passport

Evidence of employer's Approved Seasonal Employer status

Evidence of accommodation arrangements provided by the employer

Evidence of health insurance arrangements provided by the employer

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Lawful seasonal work in Ireland for up to 7 months per year
Minimum €30,000 annualised remuneration / €14.79 per hour guaranteed in regulation
Accommodation and health insurance provided by the employer at no cost
Renewable for up to three consecutive seasons
Workers may move between approved seasonal employers (up to 3 transfers)
Employer handles the application through Employment Permits Online