An employer-backed permit for qualifying occupations/remuneration and a job offer of at least two years. It is separate from the entry visa and immigration registration.
Route overview
Critical Skills Employment Permit plus separate immigration permission
Typical timeline / duration: Normally a two-year permit; later immigration permission requires its own assessment.
Important notes
Secure an eligible two-year job offer with a bona fide Irish employer and the qualifications/experience for the role.
Current remuneration categories: €40,904 for listed critical-skills occupations with a relevant degree; €36,848 where that qualification was obtained within the previous 12 months. Other non-excluded occupations may qualify above €68,911, with the necessary experience if no degree. Qualifying public-pay-agreement roles follow that agreement.
The employer normally needs at least 50% EEA employees, subject to stated exceptions. No Labour Market Needs Test is required for this permit.
Submit the permit application at least 12 weeks before starting; visa-required applicants need the separate entry visa and immigration registration.
CSEP nuclear-family applications can be made together with the main application or without a waiting period after arrival, subject to family eligibility and support requirements. That is not automatic day-one work permission for every dependant.
Family work rights require the appropriate granted immigration permission, not just the sponsor's employment permit. Eligible spouses/partners and children aged 16–18 can work without a separate employment permit; some existing adult-child cohorts also qualify, but not every adult dependant. Check ISD's current family guidance and any transitional proof.
The 5 August 2026 reminder allowed specified CSEP holders awaiting Stamp 4 to continue work only through 31 August 2026. That interim period has ended; it is not an indefinite extension or permission for new applicants.
ISD's 7 August 2026 notice requires authenticator-app MFA for its Customer Service Portal. That portal is separate from Employment Permits Online; this is a login requirement, not a new work-permit eligibility condition.
Preparation checklist
Match the actual occupation to the current Critical Skills or higher-remuneration category.
Document the relevant qualification and graduation date if claiming the recent-graduate rate.
Obtain the two-year offer and employer eligibility information.
Submit through Employment Permits Online early enough, then plan the separate visa and registration steps.
Assess each family member's admission and work permission separately.
Set up authenticator access if using the ISD Customer Service Portal and verify current permission before continuing work.