Ireland’s Change of Employer Employment Permit allows non-EEA professionals already working in Ireland on valid employment permits to switch employers legally, subject to specific conditions. This process ensures continuity in employment while respecting Irish immigration and labour regulations. It’s a crucial step for those seeking better career opportunities, improved job conditions, or transitions within their field.
At Expert Consultants, we provide complete support for your change of employer process—from assessing your eligibility, coordinating with both current and prospective employers, to preparing updated documentation and liaising with the Department of Enterprise. Whether you’re in ICT, healthcare, engineering, or another sector, we help ensure a smooth and compliant transition to your new role in Ireland.
You can also explore the Critical Skills Employment Permit if you work in a high-demand sector and want a fast-track route to Irish residency.
Important Notice
Employment Permits Online launched on Monday, 28 April 2025. From this date, all Change of Employer applications must be processed through the new system.
Further information on the launch: Launch of new employment permits system
Change of Employer – CSEP and GEP
The 2024 Act introduces a new provision that allows certain employment permit holders to change employers after completing nine months of employment under their first permit in the State.
- This provision removes the need to apply for a new permit.
- It is restricted to movement within the occupation or occupation classification specified on the original permit.
Applicable Permit Types:
- General Employment Permit (GEP)
- Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
Role Matching Criteria:
- GEP holders: May change to an employer within the same 4-digit SOC code (e.g., a meat processing operative can move to another meat processing role).
- CSEP holders: May change to an employer within a broader category (3-digit SOC code) (e.g., various engineering roles).
This flexibility reflects the high demand for critical skills roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
Permit Validity:
- The permit must be in force and remain valid for at least two months when applying.
- The duration of the permit remains unchanged after changing employers.
Conditions for Changing Employer
- A maximum of three Change of Employer applications may be granted per permit holder.
- The employee must start employment with the new employer within one month of the new permit being issued.
- Employment cannot begin until the updated employment permit is issued.
Required Documents
When submitting your application, include:
- New Contract of Employment – signed by both employer and employee.
- Revenue Statement – showing the employer’s monthly statutory returns (dated within the last 3 months).
- Additional for Restaurant Businesses:
- (i) Local Health Authority letter confirming restaurant operation permission.
- (ii) Employer’s statement confirming the job is not in a fast-food outlet.
- (iii) Utility bills for the premises (dated within the last 2 months).
You must NOT commence work with your new employer until you receive the updated employment permit.
Is a New Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) Required?
No.
There is no requirement for a new LMNT if:
- The new job is similar to the one originally approved.
- The original role already passed the LMNT or was on the Critical Skills List.
Moving Employment Outside the Scope of ‘Change of Employer’
If you want to take a job outside the original occupation or classification, you must apply for a new employment permit.
- GEP: New job must be the same role as the original.
- CSEP: New job must be within the same 3-digit SOC code.
All permits are valid only for the employer and job stated.
9-Month Restriction for First Permits
If you’re on your first employment permit, you are expected to remain in the same job for at least 9 months from your start date.
This balances:
- Employer expectations of retention (due to recruitment costs), and
- Worker rights not to be unfairly bound to an employer.
Exceptional Circumstances
Within the first 9 months, a new employment permit may be granted if:
- You are made redundant, or
- Circumstances fundamentally change the employment relationship, for example:
- Employer moves business to a significantly distant location.