Ireland General Employment Permit
Ireland's broad work permit covering most occupations not on the ineligible list.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
Workers with an Irish job offer in occupations not eligible for the Critical Skills permit.
Eligibility requirements
- Job offer from an Irish employer in an eligible occupation
- From 1 March 2026: minimum salary EUR 36,605/year (lower sector rates apply, e.g. carers/healthcare assistants around EUR 32,691)
- A Labour Market Needs Test is generally required (advertise the role first)
- Employer must employ at least 50% EEA nationals (the 50:50 rule)
- Valid for up to 2 years initially, renewable
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Threshold rose to EUR 36,605 on 1 March 2026 (from EUR 34,000). Unlike Critical Skills, the Stamp 4 upgrade comes only after 5 years.
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.