Critical Skills Employment Permit for Ireland (2025)

Expert Guide by Expert Consultants

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Ireland’s Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is designed to attract highly skilled professionals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to meet specific labour shortages in key sectors. With streamlined processing, long-term benefits, and a clear path to permanent residency, this permit is one of the most sought-after routes for skilled migrants aiming to live and work in Ireland.

At Expert Consultants, we help professionals navigate the full application process—from job matching and eligibility checks to document preparation and post-arrival support. Whether you are an ICT professional, healthcare worker, engineer, or finance expert, this guide will help you understand how to apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit in 2025.

You can also learn more about the General Employment Permit, a versatile option for a wide range of skilled and semi-skilled jobs in Ireland.

What Is the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is a type of work authorization issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) to highly qualified professionals in occupations deemed essential to the Irish economy.
The CSEP is intended to:

Fill labour shortages in critical sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, construction, and finance.
Encourage long-term migration and retention of skilled talent.
Allow eligible applicants to apply for residency and bring family members to Ireland.

This permit replaces the former Green Card system and offers faster routes to Stamp 4 residence permission after two years.

Who Is Eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

To qualify for a CSEP, applicants must:

Have a job offer from an Irish employer in an eligible occupation (as listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List).
Meet the minimum salary requirement, which depends on the occupation.
Possess relevant qualifications and experience required for the role.
Ensure that the job is for a minimum of two years.
Not be on the Ineligible Occupations List.

Minimum salary thresholds:

€38,000 per year for roles that require a relevant degree qualification listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
€64,000 per year for all other eligible roles (regardless of whether they are on the list).

What Occupations Are on the Critical Skills List?

Eligible occupations include, but are not limited to:

ICT professionals: Software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts.
Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, radiographers, pharmacists.
Engineers: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and design engineers.
Construction specialists: Quantity surveyors, project managers, architects.
Finance professionals: Actuaries, accountants, risk analysts.
Science and pharmaceutical: Chemists, clinical research associates, QA professionals.

The Critical Skills Occupations List is updated periodically based on Ireland’s labour market needs.

Benefits of the Critical Skills Employment Permit

The CSEP offers several significant advantages:

Fast-track path to permanent residency (Stamp 4) after 2 years.
No labour market needs test required.
Immediate Family Reunification: Spouse and dependent family members can join and work in Ireland.
Long-term career development opportunities in Ireland’s leading industries.
Permit valid for two years and does not require renewal before applying for Stamp 4.
Eligibility for Irish citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.

This makes the CSEP one of the most attractive immigration routes for skilled non-EEA professionals.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

1 Secure a Job Offer

You must first obtain a full-time, two-year employment contract from a registered Irish employer for a qualifying role.

2 Gather Required Documents

Job offer/contract with salary and role clearly stated.
Passport copy.
Educational qualifications and work experience proof.
Employer’s registration details.
Completed CSEP application form (available via EPOS).

3 Submit Application via EPOS

Applications are submitted online through the the DETE Online Account. Either the employer or the applicant can initiate the process.

5 Wait for a Decision

Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, though times may vary depending on application volumes.
Once approved, non-EEA nationals must also apply for a D visa before entering Ireland (if applicable).

4 Pay the Fee

€1,000 for permits of 6 to 24 months.
Refundable if the permit is refused.

1 Secure a Job Offer

You must first obtain a full-time, two-year employment contract from a registered Irish employer for a qualifying role.

2 Gather Required Documents

Job offer/contract with salary and role clearly stated.
Passport copy.
Educational qualifications and work experience proof.
Employer’s registration details.
Completed CSEP application form (available via EPOS).

3 Submit Application via EPOS

Applications are submitted online through the the DETE Online Account. Either the employer or the applicant can initiate the process.

4 Pay the Fee

€1,000 for permits of 6 to 24 months.
Refundable if the permit is refused.

5 Wait for a Decision

Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, though times may vary depending on application volumes.
Once approved, non-EEA nationals must also apply for a D visa before entering Ireland (if applicable).

Post-Arrival Steps in Ireland

Once in Ireland, permit holders must:

Register with the local immigration office and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Begin employment with the sponsoring employer.
Apply for Stamp 4 after two years, which allows you to work without a permit.
Maintain continuous residence and stay compliant with visa conditions.

Spouse and Dependent Family Members

CSEP holders can be joined in Ireland by their:

Spouse or civil partner.
Dependent children.

Spouses can obtain Stamp 1G, which allows them to work in Ireland without an employment permit. Dependents can access education and healthcare services as residents.

At Expert Consultants, we assist with family visa applications and ensure smooth reunification procedures.

Why Expert Consultants?

Your Pathway to a Successful Work Visa in Ireland

At Expert Consultants, we provide professional end-to-end assistance for CSEP applicants, including:

Eligibility screening and occupation matching

Get expert help with accurate and timely submission of your first passport.

Document preparation and review

We simplify the passport process for children and minors with full parental guidance.

Online application submission through EPOS

Quick and reliable support for replacing lost or stolen passports with proper documentation.

Employer support for compliance and registration

Assistance in updating your passport after a name or legal status change.

Family reunification and Stamp 4 transition support

We track your application and handle direct communication with the Passport Office.

Post-approval guidance for residence, work, and long-term planning

Specialized support for naturalised citizens and individuals holding dual nationality.

Our goal is to help skilled professionals move to Ireland with confidence and clarity.

Talk to our Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not within the first 9 months. You must stay with the sponsoring employer for at least 9 months unless exceptional circumstances apply. After that, you may apply to change employers.

You can apply for Stamp 4 after 21 months of holding the CSEP. This allows you to work and reside in Ireland without needing a permit.

The Irish government does not require IELTS for CSEP applications, but some employers may ask for proof of English proficiency.

Yes. Spouses of CSEP holders can apply for Stamp 1G, which grants full employment rights.

Standard processing takes 4 to 8 weeks once all documents are submitted correctly.

You may lose your permit status. However, if you have completed 12 months, you may apply to change employers. If less than 12 months, permission may be revoked unless you can justify the change (e.g., redundancy).

Start Your Critical Skills Permit Application with Expert Guidance

Ireland offers exciting opportunities for skilled professionals, and the Critical Skills Employment Permit is your gateway to long-term residency and career growth. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, engineering, or finance, we’re here to help you take the next step.

Visit to book a consultation and begin your journey to living and working in Ireland through the Critical Skills route—backed by experts who know the process inside and out.