Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit
Ireland's premium permit for in-demand roles — fast track to long-term residence.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
Workers in eligible high-demand occupations (especially ICT, engineering, healthcare) with an Irish job offer. Ireland has opted out of the EU Blue Card, so this is its equivalent.
Eligibility requirements
- Job offer of at least 2 years from an Irish employer
- From 1 March 2026: minimum salary EUR 40,904/year for occupations on the Critical Skills list (with a relevant degree)
- From 1 March 2026: EUR 68,911/year for the 'high earner' route open to a wider range of jobs with no specific degree
- Reduced graduate threshold (from EUR 36,848) for recent grads of recognised institutions where the qualification is relevant
- No Labour Market Needs Test required; role must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Thresholds increased on 1 March 2026 under Ireland's phased uplift roadmap (from EUR 38,000 / EUR 64,000). Stamp 4 (free access to the labour market) is available after 21 months, not the full 2-year permit term.
Check your points first
Use the free Opportunity Card Points Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other Germany & Europe routes
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Sec 20a)
TemporaryPoints-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.
EU Blue Card (Sec 18g)
TemporaryThe EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.
Skilled Worker Visa (Sec 18a / 18b)
TemporaryWork permit for graduates and vocationally trained workers with a job offer.
Germany Recognition Partnership (Sec 16d)
TemporaryGet your foreign qualification fully recognised after you arrive in Germany.