Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland List 2025

The Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland list is an important resource for students wanting to pursue jobs in Ireland. It outlines the specific occupations and skills in high demand in the country. By targeting these roles, students can increase their chances of securing a work permit and starting their career in Ireland. Whether you’re interested in IT, healthcare, or engineering, this list helps you identify the key sectors where your skills could be most valuable. Let’s take a closer look at the Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland list, most relevant for 2025. 

What is a Critical Skills Employment Permit?

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is for skilled workers who have expertise in areas where Ireland has a shortage of workers. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has a list of these “Critical Skills Occupations.”

Generally, you need to apply for this permit before you travel to Ireland. In some cases, you may also need a visa to enter the country. Once you arrive in Ireland, you’ll need to register with the local immigration office and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). 

But what if you’ve been invited for a job interview for a position in the Critical Skills Occupation? In this case, you can apply for a Highly Skilled Job Interview Authorisation, which lets you stay in Ireland for up to 90 days.

What are the Benefits of a Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland?

Being aware of the Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland list and applying for the same comes with many benefits. Some of these benefits are provided below-

1. This permit is issued for highly skilled professionals. Therefore, you can get your work authorisation quickly.
2. You can bring spouses, partners or children with you to Ireland. Moreover, your dependents do not need a separate employment permit to work.
3. The permit makes you eligible for permanent residency. That is, if you stay in the country for 2 years and get a stamp 4 and stay to complete 5 years of the required duration for PR.
4. Employers are not required to prove that no EEA nationals are available to work. Therefore, the hiring process is easier. Therefore, the application process is quick.
5. You can also benefit from a higher salary (at least EUR 38,000 per year)>. If your job does not come under the Critical Skills Occupations List, you need to secure a job with a minimum salary of EUR 64,000 per year.
6. Compared to general employment permits, your application is processed faster. Even if your application is rejected, 90% of your fees are still lost.
7. After 2 years of stay, you can work freely in Ireland. Therefore, you do not have to apply for another employment permit.

Who is Eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit?

You or your employer can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. The only criterion is that you have been offered a job that meets any of the following conditions:

Salary-Based Eligibility

The following are the salary-based eligibility criteria for a critical skills employment permit

1. You need to earn at least EUR 38,000 annually (if your job is listed under the critical skills occupation list). For example, if you are an IT professional, an engineer, or a healthcare worker.
2. Otherwise, you need to earn EUR 64,00 per year. 

Job & Employer Requirements

Additionally, you need to have a job offer. The job and employment requirements are as follows:

1. You must have a full-time job offer. The job contract must be for at least 2 years.
2. Moreover, the employer must be registered.  The company must be registered with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office in Ireland.
3. You must be directly employed and paid by the employer in Ireland. This is because the Irish government does not consider offers from agencies or intermediaries. 

Applicant Requirements

Meeting the educational qualifications is equally important. These are some of the applicant requirements that have to be met.

1. You need a relevant degree for jobs with a salary of > EUR 38,000.
2. You need a degree or work experience (in some cases) to apply for jobs with a salary of >EUR 64,000. 
3. For midwife and nurse jobs in Ireland, your qualification must be recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. 

This permit also offers a pathway for permanent residence. That is, if you stay in the country for 5 years. Moreover, you will have to meet additional PR requirements.

Also Read: Ireland Job Seeker Visa Described In Detail

Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland List

The Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland list identifies occupations facing a shortage of qualified workers, including those with the necessary experience or skills required to support Ireland’s economy. If your profession is listed but lacks the specified skills, you may not qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.

Employment Category	Job Roles	Key Responsibilities
Production Managers and Directors	Site Manager, Production Supervisor, Operations Manager	Design and develop systems and structures to manage construction projects, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and work in various engineering fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineering.
Natural and Social Science Professionals	Chemical Scientist, Biochemist, Medical Scientist, Meteorologist, Operational Forecaster	Conduct research, analyse scientific data, develop and test new products, work in manufacturing settings, and apply scientific principles in industries like biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental science.
Engineering Professionals	Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineers, Structural Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Design and Development Engineers, Production and Process Engineers	Design and develop systems and structures, manage construction projects, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and work in various engineering fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineering.
Information Technology and Telecommunications Professionals	IT Specialists, Software Developers, Web Developers, Telecommunications Directors, BIM Managers	Develop, manage, and maintain IT systems, create software applications, design websites, lead IT projects, and oversee telecommunications systems.
Health and Social Service Managers and Directors	Medical Practitioners, Psychologists, Radiographers, Public Health Managers, Vascular Technologists, Gastrointestinal Technologists	Provide medical care, diagnose and treat diseases, work in specialised health fields such as radiology, surgery, or cardiology, and ensure patient safety and well-being.
Nursing and Midwifery Professionals	Medical Practitioners, Psychologists, Radiographers, Public Health Managers, Vascular Technologists, Gastro-Intestinal Technologists	Provide care to patients, administer medications, assist with childbirth, educate patients, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient care.
Health Associate Professionals	Paramedics, Respiratory Physiologists, Prosthetists, Pharmacists, Dieticians, Audiologists	Assist in medical procedures, provide emergency care as paramedics, develop prosthetics and orthotics, and provide respiratory and physical therapy services.
Teaching and Educational Professionals	University Lecturer, Academic Researcher	Deliver academic instruction, develop curricula, and guide students in their educational journey.
Business, Research, and Administrative Prof.	Accountant, Tax Consultant, Management Consultant	Provide financial analysis, tax consultancy, risk management, and business strategy development, and contribute to organisational decision-making.
Architects, Town Planners, and Surveyors	Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Construction Manager	Design building plans, manage construction projects, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Quality and Regulatory Professionals	Quality Control Engineer, Environmental Health Officer	Ensure quality control in products and processes, oversee regulatory compliance, conduct inspections, and manage certifications in various industries.
Media Professionals	Art Director, Animator, Visual Designer	Create and manage artistic content, lead design and animation projects, produce visual storytelling elements for media, and work in various creative roles.
Sales, Marketing and Related Associate Prof.	Sales Executive, Marketing Analyst,	Develop marketing strategies, execute sales campaigns, manage client relationships, and promote products or services to specific target markets, often in international or technical sectors.

How to Apply for a Critical Skills Permit in Ireland?

If your occupation comes under the Critical Skills Employment List, and you meet the requirements, you can apply. The application process for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is as follows-

1. You or your employer can apply for it. Usually, it is the employer who applies on behalf of the employee.
2. The application is made to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Employment Permits Section).
3. Make use of the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) & the Critical Skills Employment Permit checklist, and gather the relevant documents 
4. Pay the permit application fee of EUR 1000. 
5. Your permit is either approved or rejected. 

Note: Those living in India need to apply for an Irish visa. They need to provide the required documents for the visa. After the visa is approved, you can enter Ireland. Upon entering the country, it is mandatory to register yourself. The registration takes place at the local registration office in the area where you want to live. After the registration is complete, you can apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

To learn more about the Critical Skills Employment Permit, watch this video:

Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland Validity

This particular Irish Permit is valid for a period of 2 years only. After working in Ireland for 21 months, you can apply for a Stamp 4, making you eligible to enjoy the benefit of living and working in Ireland without needing an employment permit.

If you receive a Stamp 4, it will be valid for 2 years. You can renew it as long as you still meet the requirements. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for Irish citizenship. However, if you’re not eligible for a Stamp 4, you will still need an employment permit to pursue an occupation in Ireland.

Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland Fee 

The first application fee for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is €1,000. It’s important to ensure all documents and requirements are met to avoid any delays or rejection of your application. If your application is rejected, 90% of the permit fees are refunded. 

Also Read: Why Would a Work Visa Be Denied to Indians?

What Can You Do If You Change or Lose Your Job?

If your job falls under the Critical Skills Employment Permit List, you can apply for the same. However, you must know there are certain circumstances you can face while you are in Ireland. For example, you may choose to change your job or lose it. These are the things you must know about the same.

If You Want to Change Your Job

You can choose to change your job. As of September 2024, you are not required to make a new application for a Critical Skills and Employment Permit. However, you can only change jobs in the same field. For example, if you are an engineer, you can only apply for different engineering jobs. Moreover, you can only change your employer 3 times. A new employment contract has to be signed by you and your employer. The employment permit has to be reissued.

If You Are Fired From Your Job

You are required to notify the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This has to be done within 28 days. Thereafter, you will be given 6 months to search for another job. On the other hand, if you have been made redundant because your job title is no longer eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, you are given time to search for another job. If you can find another job within 2 years with the same job title, the Critical Skills Employment Permit is issued.

Which Jobs are in Shortage in Ireland?

To apply for a critical skills employment permit, you must apply for a job that is in short supply in Ireland. Some of the jobs that are in short supply in Ireland are provided below. The estimated salary for the roles is also provided 

S.No.	Sector	In-Demand Roles	Estimated Salary Range (EUR)
1	Information Technology (IT)	Software Developers/Engineers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Experts, AI Specialists, Business Analysts, Data Analysts	50,000 – 110,000
2	Engineering	Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Process Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Renewable Energy Engineers	44,000 – 95,000
3	Healthcare	Registered Nurses, General Practitioners (GPs), Medical Specialists (e.g., Oncology, Psychiatry), Radiographers, Healthcare Technologists	40,000 – 90,000
4	Finance & Business	Financial Accountants, Actuaries, Tax Consultants, Business Intelligence Analysts, Financial Analysts	50,000 – 70,000
5	Construction	Quantity Surveyors, Construction Project Managers, Site Engineers, Electricians, Carpenters, Welders	36,000 – 100,000
6	Science & Pharmaceuticals	Chemical Scientists, Biopharma Specialists, Quality Control Analysts, Medical Lab Scientists	45,000 – 80,000
7	Education	Secondary School Teachers (Maths, Science, Languages), Special Education Teachers	35,000 – 60,000
8	Logistics & Transport	HGV Drivers, Supply Chain Managers, Logistics Coordinators	30,000 – 55,000
9	Hospitality	Chefs, Commis Chefs, Waitstaff, Bar Staff	25,000 – 40,000

How Many Years to Get PR in Ireland?

Generally, to get a long-term residency permit in Ireland, you need to live in the country for 5 years. Basically, you must stay in the country and stay employed for 5 years. You must obtain an employment permit for the same.

In the case of applicants with a critical skills employment permit, they have to stay in Ireland for 21 months. Thereafter, they can apply for a Stamp 4 permission. The stamp 4 permission will allow you to live and work in Ireland without requiring an employment permit. After staying in Ireland for 5 years, you become eligible to apply for long-term residency in Ireland.

What is the Seasonal Work visa in Ireland 2025?

Ireland launched a new permit called the seasonal work permit. As per the Employment Permits Act 2024, a new Seasonal Employment Permit was launched. The permit became effective as of February 19, 2025. This permit allows non-EEA nationals to work for up to 7 months a year in a seasonally recurrent employment. This is a great opportunity for those who like to take up seasonal jobs, and employers who rely on short-term labour. Here are some key things about the seasonal work permit-

1. This permit is granted for 7 months per calendar year (April 14 to November 13th)
2. You can work in seasonal jobs. That is, in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and hospitality.
3. This permit can be renewed twice. You can work for up to 3 seasons over a period of 3 years.
4. Basically, this permit is given for the horticulture and poultry sectors.
5. The minimum salary you must secure as a seasonal worker is EUR 30,000 per year.
6. Permits are granted only for you to work under approved seasonal employers.

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This blog was all about the Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland list. Curious to explore more about career opportunities overseas? If so, check out the blogs on Jobs Abroad and Visa sections by Leverage Edu for expert advice.