Most nationals arriving in Ireland must have a work permit in order to work in Ireland. If you have moved to Ireland to join a family member, or you have been granted leave to remain in Ireland by the Minister of Justice, you may be allowed to work without a work permit.

Ukrainian citizens can work legally in Ireland once they have received their letter confirming they have been granted Temporary Protection under the EU Directive. They are then also entitled to the full range of statutory employment rights and protections in the same manner as Irish workers.

Work permit

Where do I need to apply for a work permit?

Work permits are issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). You usually apply for a work permit when you are offered a job. In most cases, you will need to obtain a work permit before coming to Ireland. You can apply for a work permit or your employer can apply for you.

What work permits are available?

There are 8 different types of work permits. The most common work permits are the General Work Permit and the Critical Skills Work Permit. For more information about each type, please visit the site.

General work permit

A General Work Permit allows you to work in occupations where there is a shortage of labor in Ireland. You can apply for a work permit for any job that is not on the List of Ineligible Occupations for a work permit and provided you meet other qualification criteria.

When do I need to apply for a permit?

You or your employer must apply for a work permit before you come to Ireland. You may also need to apply for a visa to come to Ireland.

Once you have arrived in the country, you must register and obtain a residence permit in Ireland.

Who is eligible for a general work permit?

If you are already living in Ireland and have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with a Stamp 1, 1G, 2, 2A or 3 permit, you can apply for a permit without leaving Ireland. Stamp 4 holders do not need a work permit to work. If your permit expires and you are unable to extend it, you can apply for a work permit.

You or your employer can apply for a general work permit if you are offered a job that meets the conditions below:

• a salary of at least EUR 30,000 per year (there are exceptions);
• is not included in the list of ineligible professions;
• the employer has conducted a labor market test;
• more than 50% of the workforce in a company or organization is EU citizens (this is called the 50/50 rule).

If you have obtained a General Employment Permit, you can apply for a visa to come to Ireland (if you need a visa). After 5 years, you can apply for a Stamp 4 Irish residence permit, which allows you to work without a work permit.

For more information on the general work permit, please visit the site.

Work permit with critical skills

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is intended for workers who are qualified in occupations where there is a skills shortage in Ireland. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has a list of occupations with critical skills.

When do I need to apply for a permit?

In most cases, you apply for this before you arrive in Ireland. You may also need to apply for a visa to come to Ireland. If you are already living in Ireland and have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with a stamp 1, 1A, 2, 2A or 3, you can apply for a permit if you meet the criteria for a permit.

Once you have arrived in Ireland, you must register and obtain a residence permit in Ireland.

Who is eligible for a work permit with critical skills?

You (or your employer) can apply for a work permit with critical skills if you are offered a job that has them:

• An annual salary of at least 32,000 euros per year in a profession that is included in the list of professions with critical skills.
• An annual salary of 64,000 euros per year in a profession that is not on the list of ineligible professions.

You cannot obtain a work permit for a company where more than 50% of the employees are non-EEA nationals. This requirement may be waived in the case of start-up companies supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland.

Qualifications

You must have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience required for the job.

For suitable vacancies with a salary of 32,000 euros or more, you must have a diploma or higher qualification.

For suitable vacancies with an annual salary of 64,000 euros or more, you must have a diploma or equivalent experience.

For nurses and midwives, you must have an education recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ireland to register to work in Ireland.

Job offer

You must have a job offer from a company or employer that is registered with the Inland Revenue, trades in Ireland and is registered with the Companies House.

Job offers from recruitment agencies and other intermediaries are not accepted for this permit.

The job offer must be for 2 years or more.

For more information on the critical skills work permit, please visit the site.

Do I need a work visa to Ireland?

You only need to apply for an Irish work visa. Check the link.

Long-term work visa

A long-stay work visa allows you to travel to Ireland for a period of more than 90 days for business or work purposes.

When can I apply for a long-term work visa to Ireland?

You can apply for a work visa after you have obtained a work permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

You can apply for a work visa 3 months before the date of your trip to Ireland;

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Where can I apply?

You should apply for such a visa on the website AVATS.

Answer all questions in AVATS completely and honestly. When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions in the summary form generated by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you must submit your supporting documents.

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What to do after filling out the application?

You must print, sign and date the application summary and submit it together with the supporting documentation. During the application process, you may be required to provide your biometric information.

How much does a visa cost?

Please refer to the Fee Schedule for information on the fees you must pay on the website. Some applicants are exempt from paying the visa fee.

You may have to pay additional costs, such as those associated with filing your documents. You may be able to pay the fee in local currency. The website of the visa office, embassy or consulate will have information about additional fees and local payment methods.

What documents are required to apply for such a visa?

You must provide:

1. Resume form (from AVATS);

2. Passport or travel document;

3. 2 photos;

4. Confirmation of payment of the fee/exemption from the fee;

5. All previous passports;

6. Biometric information (where applicable);

7. Work permit;

8. If you live outside the country that issued your passport or travel document, you must submit:

- A copy of your residence permit (if you have a residence card, you must print both sides);

- You must have permission to stay in this country for 3 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.

9. Documents on previous visa refusals, other immigration issues (including deportation, overstaying) and criminal convictions;

10. Insurance policy;

11. An invitation letter from the employer;

12. Evidence of qualification;

13. Employment contract;

14. Proof that you will leave Ireland at the end of your business trip;

15. Proof of residence:

- Printed booking confirmations, which must include the dates;

- If you are staying with family or friends, you must indicate with whom you are staying and provide proof that the person lives at this address (e.g., a rental apartment)

16. Bank statements. You must provide a 6-month bank statement.

Letters from companies, organizations, etc. must be official

and provide such information:

• Full name of the organization;
• Mailing address;
• Phone number;
• Website address;
• Email address (Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses are not accepted);
• Name and position of the contact person;
• Written signature of an authorized representative (electronic signature is not accepted);.

The documents must be translated and certified.

You must provide a complete and certified translation into English or Irish of any document.

How long will it take to process the application?

Processing times may vary from country to country. They can also change during periods of high volume of applications. However, as a general rule, you can expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date your application is submitted to the visa section, embassy or consulate.

For more information on obtaining a work visa, please visit the site.

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Researcher visa

You can apply for a researcher's work visa if you want to come to Ireland to conduct research under a "placement agreement". Certain conditions apply. Please see below for more information and application steps.

When can I apply for such a visa?

You can apply for a work visa 3 months before the date of your trip to Ireland;

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You should familiarize yourself with the immigration conditions that apply to academic researchers wishing to come to Ireland on a hosted agreement before applying for a visa.

Where can I apply?

You should apply for such a visa on the website AVATS.

Answer all questions in AVATS completely and honestly. When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions in the summary form generated by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you must submit your supporting documents.

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What to do after filling out the application?

You must print, sign and date the application summary and submit it together with the supporting documentation. During the application process, you may be required to provide your biometric information.

Once you have received such a visa, you are not allowed to work in Ukraine:

• Perform any other paid or unpaid work other than that for which you have already obtained a permit;
• Access to any public funds.

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What documents are required to apply for such a visa?

You must provide:

1. Resume form (from AVATS);

2. Passport or travel document;

3. 2 photos;

4. Confirmation of payment of the fee/exemption from the fee;

5. All previous passports;

6. Biometric information (where applicable);

7. Work permit;

8. If you live outside the country that issued your passport or travel document, you must submit:

- A copy of your residence permit (if you have a residence card, you must print both sides);

- You must have permission to stay in this country for 3 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.

9. Documents on previous visa refusals, other immigration issues (including deportation, overstaying) and criminal convictions;

10. Insurance policy;

11. Application letter;

12. A copy of the hosting agreement;

13. Proof that you will leave Ireland at the end of your business trip;

14. Proof of residence:

- Printed booking confirmations, which must include the dates;

- If you are staying with family or friends, you must indicate with whom you are staying and provide proof that the person lives at this address (e.g., a rental apartment)

15. Bank statements. You must provide a 6-month bank statement.

16. Letters from companies, organizations, etc. must be official and contain the following information:

• Full name of the organization;
• Mailing address;
• Phone number;
• Website address;
• Email address (Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses are not accepted);
• Name and position of the contact person;
• Written signature of an authorized representative (electronic signature is not accepted);.

The documents must be translated and certified.

You must provide a complete and certified translation into English or Irish of any document.

For more information on obtaining a researcher visa, please visit the site.

Starting a business in Ireland is a simple process for foreigners, and the country welcomes entrepreneurs and foreign investment.

General steps to start a business in Ireland:

Research and planning: Start by researching the market and identifying the business opportunity you want to pursue. Assess the demand for your product or service, understand the competitive environment, and develop a comprehensive business plan.

Business structure: Define the legal structure of your business, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or branch office;

Company registration: If you are setting up a company, register it with the Company Registration Office (CRO). Provide the required documentation, including the company name, legal address, details of directors and shareholders, and the articles of association.

Tax registration: Register your business for tax purposes with the Revenue Commissioners (Ireland's tax authority). You will need to obtain a tax number and comply with tax obligations, such as filing tax returns and paying taxes.

Bank account for business: Open a bank account for business in Ireland to separate your personal finances from the company's finances. It is important to provide the necessary documentation, including company registration details and identification data.

Permits and licenses: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain certain permits, licenses, or certifications. Research the industry rules and requirements that apply to your business and ensure compliance.

Finance and funding: Identify your financial needs and explore your funding options. This can be self-financing, finding investors, obtaining business loans, accessing government grants or support programs available to startups and small businesses.

How to get funding

If you're starting a business, you can apply for funding and grants from a variety of sources:

- Microfinance Ireland provides loans to small businesses with no more than 10 employees, including sole proprietors and startups

Loans of EUR 2,000 to EUR 25,000 are available for commercially viable business proposals. Register your interest in obtaining a small business loan using the online form at microfinancereland.ie

- Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs)

- Enterprise Ireland helps Irish companies start and expand their operations

- SEAI. You can also apply to the SEAI for business grants, including those to reduce your business's carbon footprint

- State funding for employers

Employment obligations: If you plan to hire employees, familiarize yourself with Irish employment laws and obligations. Make sure you comply with the rules related to employment contracts, minimum wage, taxation, and employee rights.

Business premises: Find a suitable business premises, whether it is an office, retail space or manufacturing facility. Lease agreements and property issues should be carefully reviewed before entering into any contracts.

Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing strategy to raise awareness and attract customers. Ensure your online presence through a website and social media, and consider traditional marketing methods to reach your target audience.

If you are a foreign citizen

If you are from Ukraine, you need a business license to open a business in Ireland.

Learn more about starting a business or investing in Ireland.

Budget 2023

In the 2023 budget, it was announced that the tax credit for earned income will increase by 75 euros to 1,775 euros in 2023.