New Employment Permits Online System Now Live

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has officially launched its new digital platform—Employment Permits Online, a modernized, cloud-based replacement for the older EPOS system. As of April 28, 2025, all employment permit applications in Ireland are now submitted and processed through this new platform.

This major digital upgrade simplifies and accelerates the employment permit process for employers, employees, and legal representatives across Ireland, offering real-time tracking, enhanced security, and a significantly more user-friendly experience.

System Transition Completed: What You Should Know

The transition from the older EPOS system to Employment Permits Online was successfully completed during a planned downtime from April 17–26, 2025. The EPOS system went offline on Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 PM, and no new applications could be submitted during this 5-day transition period. All previously submitted and fully completed applications were securely migrated to the new system.

Important: Any draft applications left incomplete in EPOS before the shutdown were not transferred. Applicants and employers who did not submit before the deadline must now re-enter and complete their submissions using the new platform.

Why This System Upgrade Was Essential

The previous EPOS system had served its purpose for years but had become outdated and inefficient by modern digital standards. This new upgrade is part of a broader strategy to digitize and future-proof Irish immigration and employment services.

The Employment Permits Online platform introduces significant advancements, including:

Faster permit processing times through automation
Streamlined, step-by-step application workflows
Greater data protection and compliance with modern security protocols
Improved transparency with live application status tracking
Centralized portals for employers, employees, and agents

Key Features of the New System

Personalized Online Portals

Each type of user—whether an employer, employee, or legal representative—now has access to a secure, personalized portal account. After logging in, users can:

View and manage current and past applications
Track status updates in real time
Upload documents and receive correspondence securely
Manage personal or company information
Access automated updates and alerts

Guided Application Interface

Employment Permits Online provides a step-by-step guided interface, reducing the chance of user error or omission. The workflow intelligently adapts to your permit type, ensuring only relevant sections are presented, saving time and improving accuracy.

Secure Multi-Factor Authentication

All user accounts are protected by two-step verification. Users must verify identity via email and a secondary device, making unauthorized access highly unlikely.

Registering on Employment Permits Online

All users must create a new account—details from the old EPOS system will not carry over automatically unless an application was fully submitted before the April 17 deadline.

For All Users:

Register using your primary email address
Set a secure password
Verify identity using multi-factor authentication (via mobile/email)

For Employers:

In addition to the above, employers must upload:

Valid Revenue documentation
A valid CRO (Company Registration Office) number

Once registered, the first email used becomes the account administrator, who can assign access to other team members. There is no limit to the number of users who can be added to manage applications on behalf of the organization.

New Functionalities for Joint Applications

One of the most welcomed features is the new joint application structure, allowing both employers and prospective employees to complete their parts of an application simultaneously and collaboratively.

Employers fill in job offer details and supporting company documentation.
Employees complete personal information, immigration history, and qualification uploads.
Legal agents can assist and act on behalf of either party.
E-signatures are used to validate submissions across parties.

Trusted Partner Initiative Retired

With the rollout of this new digital platform, the Trusted Partner Initiative is officially retired. All employers must now provide their CRO and Revenue documents during registration.

This update ensures consistency, improves verification speed, and levels the playing field—there is no longer any need to apply for Trusted Partner status. Faster standardization means faster processing for everyone.

Support Resources Now Available

To ensure a smooth transition, the Department has launched a comprehensive set of support tools:

Video tutorials for new users
A detailed user guide
An updated FAQ section
In-platform help prompts and support contact form

We strongly recommend that employers and agents explore these tools to avoid confusion or delays in future applications.

After Launch: What to Expect

While the new system is fully operational, minor delays in early May are expected due to adjustment time for users and staff. Processing times will normalize soon, but users are advised to submit applications early whenever possible.

Make sure your organization is familiar with the platform features, roles, and documentation requirements. Early familiarity with Employment Permits Online will help minimize disruptions and ensure faster approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of April 28, 2025, all new applications for employment permits must be submitted through the Employment Permits Online system. This digital platform replaces the older EPOS system and brings several improvements:

Real-time application tracking
Simplified user interface
Stronger document verification
More secure access

The general rules for permit eligibility remain the same, but all users must now register on the new portal.

Recent legal changes include:

Removal of the Trusted Partner program, with a standardized registration system for all employers

The Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, giving workers access to flexible hours and improved leave rights

Updates to the Employment Permits Act, reflected in the new digital submission model

Yes. If you hold a General Employment Permit, you cannot change employer or role for the first 12 months, except under exceptional circumstances. This rule remains unchanged in 2025.

Holders of certain work permits can still transition to Stamp 4 status after fulfilling residency requirements. The new portal helps track eligibility and streamlines documentation:

Stamp 4 holders may work without a permit, but it is not equal to permanent residence

Critical Skills permit holders: After 2 years

General Employment Permit holders: After 5 years of legal residence

Critical Skills Permit: €38,000–€64,000 depending on occupation

General Employment Permit: €30,000 minimum

The system automatically flags salaries that fall below the permitted minimums.

No. Stamp 4 allows permit-free employment but is not equivalent to Long-Term Residency. To apply for permanent residence:

You must have 5+ years of legal residency
Submit an application to the Department of Justice
Meet all income, conduct, and documentation requirements

Stamp 4 is a step toward that goal but not the final status.

As of January 1, 2025, employees in Ireland are entitled to:

You must have 13 weeks of continuous service and a valid medical certificate

7 days of paid sick leave annually

Paid at 70% of your normal wage, capped at €110 per day

Critical Skills Employment Permit: ~4 weeks

General Employment Permit: 6–8 weeks on average

Note: These timeframes may be slightly extended during the post-launch period due to high initial activity.

5 days of unpaid leave to care for family members

5 days of paid leave for victims of domestic violence

Legal right to request remote or flexible work

Employers must respond fairly and in writing to requests

This legislation aligns with broader EU directives and strengthens workplace protections for all employees in Ireland.

For the latest updates and further guidance, visit the official Employment Permits Online Information Page or reach out to your legal advisor or employer support team.