Ireland Announces New Roadmap for Increasing Employment-Permit Salary Thresholds
On 2 December 2025, the Government of Ireland introduced a new phased roadmap to increase the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) required for different types of employment permits. The goal is to ensure fair pay for migrant workers while helping employers adjust gradually in a changing economic environment.
What the New Roadmap Means
The plan outlines a gradual increase in salary thresholds for all employment-permit types. It also sets out the phase-out of older, lower thresholds that applied to certain lower-paid roles in agri-food and healthcare sectors.
The approach ensures:
- Better protection and fair pay for migrant workers
- Predictable, gradual adjustments for businesses
- Improved competitiveness for Ireland in attracting skilled global talent
Key Salary Changes from 1 March 2026
Updated Minimum Salary Thresholds
| Permit Type / Role | Previous Minimum Salary | New Minimum Salary |
|---|---|---|
| General Employment Permit (GEP) | €34,000 | €36,605 |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) | €38,000 | €40,904 |
| Meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, home carers | €30,000 | €32,691 |
Recent graduates will continue to benefit from lower starting thresholds suitable for early-stage careers.
Why These Changes Are Being Introduced
The updated roadmap is the result of a thorough review of the 2023 plan and takes into account:
- Over 150 public submissions from employers, unions, workers, and sector bodies
- Rising business costs, inflation, and evolving global economic trends
- Concerns from migrant-worker groups regarding the impact on permit renewals
- Stagnation of salary thresholds, many of which had not been updated since 2014
- A need for thresholds to keep pace with national earnings and cost-of-living increases
Instead of completing all increases by 2026 (as originally planned), the Government will now spread changes gradually through 2030, giving sectors—especially agri-food and healthcare—time to adjust.
Understanding MAR (Minimum Annual Remuneration)
- MAR is the minimum annual salary required to hire a non-EEA worker under an employment permit.
- For a standard 39-hour work week, the new GEP salary of €36,605 equals about €18.05 per hour.
- For jobs offering fewer hours, the hourly rate must increase so the annual amount still meets the MAR requirement.
Indexation: Automatically Updating MAR Over Time
The roadmap introduces an indexation model, meaning future MAR increases will align with national average earnings. This ensures the system remains fair, up-to-date, and reflective of Ireland’s economic conditions.
Exemptions and Special Cases
- Certain lower-paid roles will have their reduced thresholds phased out more slowly, not immediately.
- Some jobs in the public sector or community/voluntary sectors will continue to follow their existing pay agreements instead of standard MAR thresholds.
Statements From Government Ministers
Peter Burke — Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
“The goal of this roadmap is to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting vital skills our economy needs. By introducing changes gradually, we are balancing worker protections with business sustainability and giving all sectors sufficient time to prepare.”
Alan Dillon — Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail
“Migrant workers play an essential role in Ireland’s society and economy. These changes ensure high-quality employment with salaries increasing in line with national earnings. They also help Ireland remain an attractive destination for global talent. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the public consultation; their feedback was instrumental in shaping a balanced and responsible plan.”
What’s Next?
- The first set of salary increases takes effect on 1 March 2026.
- Further increases will be introduced gradually until 2030.
- Employers—especially in healthcare, horticulture, and agri-food—should begin planning now to meet future MAR requirements.
Why This Update Matters
For Businesses
- Provides clarity and predictability through a multi-year phased plan
- Gives time to adjust recruitment budgets
- Supports competitiveness in hiring skilled international workers
For Migrant Workers
- Ensures fairer wages
- Protects long-term financial stability
- Aligns earnings with the rising cost of living
For Ireland’s Economy
- Helps fill essential labour gaps
- Strengthens Ireland’s position as a destination for international talent
- Supports sustainable growth in key sectors
