Critical Skills vs General Employment Permit in Ireland: what is the difference?
Checked against official sources, October 2026
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is for listed shortage occupations with a job offer of at least 2 years and no Labour Market Needs Test. The General Employment Permit covers a wider range of jobs, usually needs a Labour Market Needs Test, and is issued for up to 2 years at first, renewable for up to a further 3.
Who this is for
Health and care workers comparing Irish permit routes.
What the official guidance says
- Critical Skills: no Labour Market Needs Test; job offer of at least 2 years; after the permit, apply for Stamp 4.
- General Employment Permit: a Labour Market Needs Test is required in most cases, with the employer advertising the role on the DSP Employment Services/EURES network and one other online platform.
- General Employment Permit: issued for an initial period of 2 years and renewable for up to a further 3 years. After 5 years, holders may apply for long-term residency.
- General Employment Permit minimum annual remuneration is generally €36,605; for a Health Care Assistant and Home Support Worker (SOC 6145) it is €32,691.
- General Employment Permit processing fee: €500 for 6 months or less, €1,000 for 6 to 24 months; 90% is refunded if unsuccessful.
- Critical Skills minimum remuneration is €40,904 for listed occupations (with a degree), and the fee is €1,000.
- Both permits are applied for through the Department of Enterprise’s employment permits system.
What it does not mean
- Neither permit is a residence permission on its own; you must register after you arrive.
- A General Employment Permit is not a lesser visa for the same job; the route depends on your occupation and pay.
- Remuneration and fee figures change; check the Department of Enterprise pages before applying.
What to do next
- 01Check whether your occupation is on the Critical Skills Occupations List and meets the threshold.
- 02If not, check the General Employment Permit eligibility and remuneration rules.
- 03Agree with your employer who will apply and who pays the fee.
Questions
Which permit do healthcare assistants use?
The General Employment Permit page sets a specific minimum remuneration for Health Care Assistants and Home Support Workers (SOC 6145). Check current eligibility on enterprise.gov.ie.
Can I switch from a General to a Critical Skills permit?
The official pages set out when a new permit can be considered, including a minimum time with your first employer. Check the current rules before planning a change.
Official sources
- Department of Enterprise (enterprise.gov.ie): General Employment Permit
- Department of Enterprise (enterprise.gov.ie): Critical Skills Employment Permit
Checked October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change, so confirm them on the official page before you act.
Plan the whole route, not just the visa
In a Migo Ireland plan, the work stage asks you to compare the Critical Skills and General Employment Permit routes using the Department of Enterprise pages and check the eligibility lists, with your registration steps running alongside.
Related guides
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your own case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or lawyer.