Employment in Ireland for Ukrainians

Ukrainian citizens who want to work in Ireland must obtain a work permit. Ireland has a clear immigration policy that provides for several types of work permits, depending on your qualifications, profession, and working conditions.

Step 1: Determine the type of work permit

Ireland offers several types of work permits for foreign nationals, each with its own requirements.

1. General Employment Permit

This permit is intended for individuals who have a job offer from an Irish employer. There are several basic requirements for this type of permit:

• The job offer must be for a position that is not in “short supply” in Ireland.
• The employer must prove that they have been unable to find a qualified candidate among local workers or EU citizens.
• The salary must meet the minimum requirements (minimum €30,000 per year, may be lower for some professions).

2. Critical Skills Employment Permit

This permit is granted to workers who occupy highly skilled positions in sectors where Ireland has a shortage of skilled personnel. These sectors include:

• IT (programmers, analysts)
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Research
• Science and technology

This permit has a number of advantages:

- The employee can obtain a green card, which allows them and their family to live legally in Ireland.

- The permit is granted for 2 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence.

3. Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

This permit is granted to employees who are transferred to an Irish branch of the company where they work on the basis of an employment contract. It is important that you have worked for the company for at least 6 months prior to your transfer to Ireland.

💡 Legal support for Ukrainians seeking employment in Ireland

Employment of Ukrainians in Ireland requires careful preparation of documents and compliance with all requirements. If you want to avoid unnecessary complications, use the legal support for employment abroad service from Visit Ukraine.

What is included in the service?

• Consultation and analysis. Selection of the best job options based on the Irish labor market.
• Document preparation. Legalization of diplomas, translations, resumes, and cover letters.
• Legal audit and interview preparation. Document verification and interview preparation.
• Support during the hiring process. Interaction with the employer, verification of the employment contract, assistance with visas and permits.
• Support in your new location. We help with organizational issues (finding accommodation, medical insurance, opening a bank account) and provide support during your adaptation in Ireland.

🫂 With Visit Ukraine, the process of finding employment abroad will be transparent and reliable.

Step 2: How to apply for a work permit

To apply for a work permit, you need to:

1. Gather documents confirming your qualifications and work experience.

2. Obtain a job offer from an Irish employer. Without this offer, you will not be able to apply.

3. Fill out the online form through the Employment Permits Online system. This is the official platform for applying for work permits in Ireland.

Documents to be submitted:

1. Employment contract or job offer

This is the main document confirming your employment in Ireland. The contract must contain information about your salary, position, and working conditions.

2. Qualification documents

You must provide diplomas, certificates, and other documents confirming your professional qualifications. If your qualifications were obtained outside Ireland, you will need to provide a translation into English.

3. Bank statement

Sometimes, in order to obtain a work permit, you will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Ireland. This also depends on the type of permit.

4. Medical insurance

Ireland requires medical insurance for foreign workers.

5. Photographs and passport

You will need to provide a copy of your passport and several photographs for identification purposes.

Step 3: Application fee

There is a fee for applying for a work permit, which varies depending on the type of permit:

- General work permit: €1,000

- Permit for highly skilled workers: €1,000

- Permit for intra-company transfer: €500

Information on fees can be found at Employment Permits Online.

Step 4: Wait for a decision

After submitting your application for a work permit, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time is usually between 6 and 8 weeks. However, during peak periods, it may take longer.

Can I work before I receive my permit?

No, you are not allowed to work in Ireland without a work permit. If you are already in Ireland on another visa (e.g., a tourist visa), you must wait for a decision on your application.

Step 5: Apply for a work visa

If your work permit application has been approved, you should contact the Irish consulate to apply for a work visa. The visa application process will take several more weeks, and you will need the following documents:

• Confirmation of your work permit.
• Passport.
• Photographs.

Step 6: Moving to Ireland

Once you have your visa, you can move to Ireland to start work. Upon arrival, you will need to obtain an Irish registration card, which confirms your legal status in the country.

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.