Other Employment Permit Types for Ireland (2025)

Expert Guidance by Expert Consultants

Ireland offers a variety of Other Employment Permit Types beyond the well-known Critical Skills and General Employment Permits. These lesser-known but essential permit types support seasonal workers, intra-company transfers, researchers, and individuals in niche roles. Each permit is tailored to meet specific economic, academic, or humanitarian needs.

At Expert Consultants, we provide expert guidance on all categories of Other Employment Permit Types, ensuring your application meets the Irish government’s strict requirements. Whether you are an academic, entrepreneur, intern, or sports professional, this guide outlines the Other Employment Permit Types available in Ireland in 2025.

You can also visit our page on Appeal Employment Permit Refusals to explore more options and find the permit that best suits your goals and circumstances.

Other Employment Permit Types

Overview of Other Employment Permit Types in Ireland

In addition to Critical Skills and General permits, Ireland offers the following Other Employment Permit Types options:

  • Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit.
  • Contract for Services Employment Permit.
  • Internship Employment Permit.
  • Sport and Cultural Employment Permit.
  • Exchange Agreement Employment Permit.
  • Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit.
  • Researcher Employment Permit (Hosting Agreement).
  • Reactivation Employment Permit (covered in a separate guide).
  • Frontier Worker Permit (less common, for cross-border employees).

Each has its own eligibility rules, duration, application process, and renewal options.

This permit allows employees of multinational companies to transfer from a foreign branch to the Irish branch for:

  • Senior management roles.
  • Key personnel.
  • Trainees.

Eligibility:

  • Must have been employed with the company abroad for at least 6 months (trainees) or 12 months (others).
  • Minimum salary: €40,000–€60,000 depending on the role.
  • Valid for up to 2 years, renewable for up to 5 years.

This permit does not lead to Stamp 4 but is ideal for companies relocating key staff temporarily.

Issued when a foreign company has secured a contract to provide services to an Irish entity, and their employees must enter Ireland temporarily to fulfill the contract.
Key Points:

  • Employees remain on the payroll of the foreign company.
  • Employer must submit proof of contract and staff expertise.
  • Valid up to 24 months, with possible extensions.

This is commonly used in IT, construction, and consulting projects.

Designed for non-EEA students who are studying abroad and need to complete a structured internship with an Irish company as part of their course.
Eligibility:

  • Internship must be an official requirement of the academic course.
  • Duration: Maximum 12 months.
  • The student must return to their home country after the internship.

This permit does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or work rights after internship.

Issued to non-EEA nationals engaged in:

  • Professional sports (e.g., players, coaches, officials).
  • Cultural activities (e.g., traditional musicians, performers).

Requirements:

  • Employer must prove cultural or sporting significance.
  • Salary must meet national minimum wage or above.
  • Permit duration: typically 12 months, renewable.

Used by sports clubs, cultural institutions, and arts festivals.

For individuals entering Ireland under:

  • International exchange programs.
  • EU-funded mobility schemes.
  • Bilateral agreements between Ireland and another country.

The sponsoring organisation must coordinate the Other Employment Permit Type under the relevant exchange framework.

This is not a traditional employment permit but a Hosting Agreement coordinated through a recognised research institution in Ireland. It allows non-EEA researchers to work on approved academic or scientific projects.
Key Features:

  • Issued by universities or approved research centres.
  • Fast-tracked immigration approval under Scientific Visa Directive.
  • Family members may accompany the researcher and may apply for permission to work.

Ideal for PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and university-affiliated scientists.

Application Process

The process for Other Employment Permit Type typically involves:

  • Securing a job or hosting agreement from an Irish employer or institution.
  • Completing the relevant online application via DETE Online Account.
  • Submitting supporting documents such as contracts, qualifications, and identity proof.
  • Paying the fee (varies by permit type and duration, usually €500–€1,000).
  • Awaiting a decision from DETE, typically within 4 to 8 weeks.

Each permit type has specific documentation requirements. At Expert Consultants, we help applicants and employers gather, prepare, and submit compliant files to avoid delays and refusals.

After Approval

Once a permit is granted:

  • You must register with Irish immigration and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
  • Begin work with your approved employer or institution.
  • Stay compliant with permit conditions (job role, salary, duration, etc.).
  • Apply for renewal or transition (e.g., to General Permit or Stamp 4) if eligible.

Some permits (like Dependent or Hosting Agreement routes) also allow for a path to longer-term residence in Ireland.

Why Expert Consultants?

Your Pathway to a Successful Work Visa in Ireland

At Expert Consultants,, we specialise in::

Determining the best Other Employment Permit Types route based on your occupation and background

We assess your profile to recommend the most suitable employment permit option.

Preparing accurate, complete applications for lesser-known permit types

Expertly crafted applications for niche or specialized permit categories.

Coordinating with employers, academic institutions, and immigration authorities

We liaise with all key stakeholders to streamline your application process.

Handling renewals, appeals, and transitions to long-term residency

Comprehensive support for permit renewals, appeals, and Stamp 4 planning.

Providing family visa and registration support

Guidance for dependent visas and assistance with GNIB registration.

Our mission is to simplify the permit process and provide honest, efficient solutions that align with Irish immigration law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some permits (e.g., Contract for Services, Intra-Company) are employer-specific. Others, like the Dependent Permit, offer more flexibility. Changing employers often requires a new permit.

Only some lead to Stamp 4 residency. For example, Hosting Agreements and Dependent Employment Permits may eventually qualify, while Intra-Company permits do not.

Yes, but eligibility and timing vary. Some permit types allow family reunification immediately (e.g., Hosting Agreement), while others require 12 months of legal residence.

Standard processing takes 4 to 8 weeks, but some permit types (such as Hosting Agreements) may be faster due to institutional arrangements.

Yes. Many applicants begin on one permit (e.g., Internship or Intra-Company) and later apply for a General or Critical Skills Permit based on new employment.

Get the Right Employment Permit with Expert Consultants

Whether you’re a researcher, intern, cultural professional, or family member of a skilled worker, Ireland offers multiple pathways to live and work legally. Understanding these other employment permit types is essential to making the right choice for your career and immigration goals.

Let Expert Consultants help you find and apply for the permit that fits your profile. Visit  to book a consultation and take the next step with confidence—guided by experts who understand every detail of Irish immigration law and Other Employment Permit Types.