Ireland’s a great place to work, especially in tech, finance, and pharma. Lots of big companies are there, and they pay well. It’s also easy to move to Ireland for work if you’re not from the EU. There’s a special visa called a General Employment Permit (GEP) that makes things smooth. This visa is good for you, and your family, and lets you change jobs easily.
Ireland’s a beautiful country with a friendly vibe, so it’s a great choice for your career. This GEP visa is a key way for Ireland to get the skilled workers they need and for international professionals to find great jobs.
What is Ireland’s General Employment Permit?
The General Employment Permit (GEP) is a program that allows businesses in Ireland to hire skilled workers from countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). This program helps address labor shortages in Ireland by making it easier for businesses to find the talent they need.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
- The job can’t be on a special list of jobs that don’t qualify for the GEP. You can find this list online.
- Your employer must try to find someone from the EU first. They need to show they couldn’t fill the job with a European citizen.
- You need to be offered a good salary. In most cases, this means at least €30,000 per year. There are some exceptions for certain jobs and recent graduates.
- You gotta have the skills and experience for the job! This seems obvious, but it’s important.
- Your employer needs to be a legit business in Ireland.
- Most companies need to have at least half their workers already from the EU. There are some exceptions for startups.
Application Process
Here’s the application process for the GEP in a nutshell:
- Gather your documents: This includes your passport, job offer, proof of your skills (like diplomas), and proof that your employer tried to find someone from the EU first (Labour Market Needs Test).
- Apply online: The system is called EPOS (https://epos.enterprise.gov.ie/) and it will guide you through the steps.
- Wait for a decision: It takes a few months, but they’ll let you know if you need to send more info.
- Get registered: If approved, you’ll need to register with INIS within 30 days to get your official residence permit.
Visa Fee
The amount you pay for a GEP work permit depends on how long it’s valid for:
- Less than 6 months: €500
- Up to 2 years (24 months): €1,000
Renewals are more expensive:
- Up to 6 months: €750
- Up to 3 years (36 months): €1,500
Good news! If your application is rejected, you get 90% of your money back.
