Reactivation of Employment Permit in Ireland (2025)

A Complete Guide by Expert Consultants

01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

Ireland’s Reactivation of employment permit is a special scheme designed for non-EEA nationals who were previously employed in Ireland on a valid employment permit but fell out of the system through no fault of their own. This permit allows individuals to re-enter the legal employment framework and regain their right to live and work in Ireland.

At Expert Consultants, we understand how difficult and stressful it can be when your employment status becomes irregular due to employer misconduct, exploitation, redundancy, or personal hardship. Our team offers confidential, expert support to help you return to legal employment through the reactivation route.

This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and key steps involved in applying for a Reactivation of employment permit in Ireland.

You can also explore other options under Ireland’s work visa system by visiting our page on Other Types of Employment Permits to find the permit that best suits your goals and circumstances.

Reactivation of employment permit

What Is the Reactivation Employment Permit?

The Reactivation of employment permit is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and is intended for individuals who previously held a valid Irish employment permit but became undocumented or lost their legal status due to circumstances beyond their control.

This permit gives eligible individuals a second chance to regularize their stay in Ireland and return to the workforce with the full protection of employment laws.

You may be eligible for a Reactivation Employment Permit if you:

  • Previously held a valid employment permit (General, Critical Skills, etc.) in Ireland.
  • Became undocumented or lost your right to work through no fault of your own.
  • Have a genuine offer of employment from a registered Irish employer.
  • Are currently living in Ireland.
  • Can demonstrate your previous legal work history and current intention to return to employment.
  • Employer failed to renew your permit.
  • Your permit was revoked due to employer non-compliance.
  • You were unfairly dismissed and could not secure a new job in time.
  • You were exploited or treated unlawfully in your previous employment.
  • Personal or family hardship interrupted your legal residence.

Each case is assessed individually, with a focus on fairness and humanitarian grounds.

Key Features of Reactivation of employment permit

Eligible occupations include, but are not limited to:

  • Valid initially for up to 2 years, renewable for an additional 3 years.
  • After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for Stamp 4.
  • The Labour Market Needs Test is waived for this permit.
  • Applies to occupations not on the ineligible list.
  • You receive full access to legal protections, including minimum wage and employment standards.
  • Application can be made while in Ireland—no need to leave the country.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

1

Apply for Permission from Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)

Before applying for the permit, you must submit a Reactivation Permission Application to the Department of Justice, ISD.
Include:

  • Cover letter explaining your situation.
  • Copy of your previous employment permit.
  • Evidence of past employment in Ireland (payslips, tax documents, P60).
  • Current identification and proof of residence in Ireland.
  • Details of the circumstances that caused you to lose legal status.

If approved, you will receive a letter of permission confirming that you may proceed with the employment permit application.

2

Obtain a Job Offer

Secure a job offer from an Irish employer who is:

  • Registered with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office.
  • Willing to support your reactivation application.
  • Offering a full-time position for at least 12 months.
  • Paying the required minimum salary (usually €34,000 or more depending on role).

3

Submit the Permit Application via EPOS

After receiving ISD permission, submit your application online via the DETE Online account, including:

  • Job offer/contract.
  • ISD approval letter.
  • Passport copy.
  • Any supporting documents requested by DETE.

5

Await Decision

  • The Department of Enterprise typically processes reactivation permit applications within 4 to 8 weeks. Once approved, you can register your status and return to employment legally.

4

Pay the Application Fee

  • €500 for up to 6 months.
  • €1,000 for permits between 6 and 24 months.

The fee is refundable if your application is refused.

1

Apply for Permission from Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)

Before applying for the permit, you must submit a Reactivation of employment permit to the Department of Justice, ISD.
Include:

  • Cover letter explaining your situation.
  • Copy of your previous employment permit.
  • Evidence of past employment in Ireland (payslips, tax documents, P60).
  • Current identification and proof of residence in Ireland.
  • Details of the circumstances that caused you to lose legal status.

If approved, you will receive a letter of permission confirming that you may proceed with the employment permit application.

2

Obtain a Job Offer

Secure a job offer from an Irish employer who is:

  • Registered with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office.
  • Willing to support your reactivation application.
  • Offering a full-time position for at least 12 months.
  • Paying the required minimum salary (usually €30,000 or more depending on role).

3

Submit the Permit Application via EPOS

After receiving ISD permission, submit your application online via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS), including:

  • Job offer/contract.
  • ISD approval letter.
  • Passport copy.
  • Any supporting documents requested by DETE.

4

Pay the Application Fee

  • €500 for up to 6 months.
  • €1,000 for permits between 6 and 24 months.

The fee is refundable if your application is refused for Reactivation of employment permit

5

Await Decision

  • The Department of Enterprise typically processes Reactivation of employment permit applications within 4 to 8 weeks. Once approved, you can register your status and return to employment legally.

Post-Approval Steps

After receiving your Reactivation Employment Permit:

  • Register with your local immigration office and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with Stamp 1.
  • Start working with your approved employer.
  • Maintain compliance with employment and immigration conditions.
  • Apply for renewal as needed or apply for Stamp 4 after 5 years of residence.

Why Expert Consultants?

Your Pathway to a Successful Work Visa in Ireland

At Expert Consultants,  we offer confidential and compassionate support for individuals seeking to reactivate their employment status in Ireland. Our services include:

Case assessments and eligibility checks

We evaluate your background to confirm eligibility for reactivation of employment permits.

Preparation of ISD reactivation permission letters

Professionally drafted letters for ISD reactivation requests to support your application.

Employer coordination and job matching

We help connect you with eligible employers and ensure compliance for reactivation.

Document review and online permit applications

Thorough document checks and online submission through the DETE online account.

Post-approval support for immigration registration

Assistance with GNIB registration and completing legal formalities after approval.

Guidance for renewals, family reunification, and long-term residency

Support with renewals, bringing family, and planning your pathway to Stamp 4 or citizenship.

We help you correct your immigration path and rebuild your professional life in Ireland—legally and securely.

Talk to our Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, if you previously held a valid permit and lost your status through no fault of your own, you may apply. The first step is obtaining permission from ISD to proceed with the application.

No. Reactivation of employment permit applications can be submitted while you are in Ireland. You must, however, have ISD permission before applying.

You may still be eligible for Reactivation Employment Permit if you can show that your dismissal and subsequent overstay were not your fault and that you’re committed to returning to legal employment.

Spouses and dependents may apply to join you after you have re-established your legal employment. Family reunification is subject to income thresholds and housing requirements.

Initial permits are issued for up to 2 years and may be renewed. After 5 years of legal residence, you may qualify for Stamp 4, which allows you to work without a permit.

You must remain with your sponsoring employer for 9 months. After that, you may apply for a change of employer under permit conditions.

Regain Your Right to Work with Expert Consultants

Falling out of status doesn’t have to end your journey in Ireland. The Reactivation Employment Permit provides a way back for individuals with a history of legal work in Ireland who lost their status through no fault of their own.

Let Expert Consultants guide you through every step of the reactivation process. Visit today to book a confidential consultation and take the first step toward returning to work in Ireland—legally, professionally, and confidently.