The Highly Skilled Worker Visa in Ireland (also known as the Critical Skills Employment Permit) offers a pathway to residency and employment for qualified individuals with skills that are in high demand in the Irish labor market.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Highly Skilled Worker Visa program in Ireland provides an opportunity for highly qualified professionals to live and work in Ireland. This program is designed to attract talented individuals who can contribute to Ireland's economy and fill skill gaps in various sectors.
Overview
A pathway to residency and employment for highly qualified professionals in Ireland
Eligibility Requirements
A job offer in an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupation List or meeting a minimum salary threshold. Skills must be in occupations listed on the Critical Skills Occupation List or meet salary thresholds
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
2 years initially, renewable
Months to Visa
1-2 months
Physical Presence Requirement
Must work for the specified employer in Ireland
Availability
Online application system available
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit an online application through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
What is the Critical Skills Occupation List?
Can I bring my family members with me on a Highly Skilled Worker Visa?
Do I need a job offer to apply for the Highly Skilled Worker Visa?
How often do I need to renew my Critical Skills Employment Permit?
Can Highly Skilled Worker Visa holders apply for Irish citizenship?
benefits
The program offers numerous advantages for highly skilled professionals looking to establish their career in Ireland's dynamic and innovative environment.
English-speaking EU country
Strong tech industry
High quality of life
Fast Processing Time
Path to citizenship allowed after 5 years of permanent residence
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Online Submission Allowed
Visa-Free Travel Countries
159
Passport Validity
10 years, 5 years for children
Overview
Ireland offers excellent career opportunities, high quality of life, and a supportive environment for skilled professionals.
Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
What is the Critical Skills Occupation List?
Can I bring my family members with me on a Highly Skilled Worker Visa?
Do I need a job offer to apply for the Highly Skilled Worker Visa?
How often do I need to renew my Critical Skills Employment Permit?
Can Highly Skilled Worker Visa holders apply for Irish citizenship?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify qualification requirements
• Check salary thresholds
• Review work experience criteria
Employer Sponsorship
• Secure qualifying job offer
• Obtain employer sponsorship
• Complete labor market test (if required)
Documentation
• Gather qualification certificates
• Prepare employment contract
• Complete skills assessment
• Obtain professional registrations
Application
• Submit visa application
• Complete health checks
• Provide biometrics
Relocation
• Receive work visa approval
• Register with authorities
• Complete workplace onboarding
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
Not applicable
Applicant must prove to have sufficient financial support to support the entire stay in the country
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
140
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
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Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
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Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
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Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
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Program Stability
Based on years of activity
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Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
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Rankings
Safety
2
Cost of Living
14
Quality of Life
15
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Healthcare Quality
8
Internet Speed
37
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Human Freedom
4
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
Learn about living costs, culture, healthcare, and other essential information about relocating to Ireland. Explore all available immigration pathways and find the best option for you.
View Country Guide
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