Trusted Partnership Registration in Ireland (2025)

Full Guide by Expert Consultants

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Hiring international talent in Ireland can be a complex process—but if you’re a business that regularly recruits non-EEA employees, registering as a Trusted Partnership with the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) can simplify the employment permit process.

At Expert Consultants, we help Irish employers navigate the Trusted Partner process, from registration to compliance. This guide explains what the Trusted Partner initiative is, who qualifies, the benefits it offers, and how we can support your organisation in gaining and maintaining Trusted Partner status.

You can also visit our page on the Critical Skills Occupations List to explore eligible job roles approved for Ireland’s Critical Skills Employment Permit.

What Is the Trusted Partner Initiative?

The Trusted Partner Initiative (TPI) is a government scheme introduced by DETE to streamline the employment permit process for eligible employers in Ireland. It allows approved businesses to:

Submit shorter, simplified employment permit applications.
Avoid repeatedly submitting company information with each permit application.
Access a faster, more efficient review process.
Establish credibility with the Department of Enterprise as a compliant and responsible employer.

Once approved, the employer receives a Trusted Partnership Number, which can be used for all future employment permit applications, including General, Critical Skills, and Intra-Company Transfer permits.

Who Can Become a Trusted Partner?

The scheme is open to:

Companies registered in Ireland that have a legitimate business presence.
Employers who regularly hire non-EEA nationals through the Irish employment permit system.
Recruitment agencies (for roles where agency employment is permitted).
Research institutions and academic organisations involved in hosting agreements.

The applicant company must demonstrate:

Full tax and corporate compliance.
A clear need for non-EEA workers.
A track record of responsible employment practices.
Commitment to upholding Irish employment rights and immigration law.

Benefits of Becoming a Trusted Partner

1. Simplified Applications
Trusted Partnership are exempt from providing company documentation with each new employment permit application.
2. Faster Processing Times
Applications submitted under the Trusted Partnership scheme are prioritised, reducing delays for both the employer and employee.
3. Streamlined Hiring
Recruiting non-EEA talent becomes more efficient, helping companies stay competitive in sectors with skill shortages.
4. Enhanced Reputation
Being recognised as a Trusted Partnership reflects positively on your company’s legal and operational standing.
5. Validity Period
The Trusted Partnership status is valid for 5 years, during which the company can hire without repetitive paperwork.

At Expert Consultants, we guide you through the registration process and ensure your business meets all compliance standards to qualify.

Application Process for Trusted Partnership Status

1 Prepare Required Documentation

You will need to submit:

Form TPF1 (Trusted Partner Registration Form).
Company Registration Number (CRO).
Tax clearance details from Revenue.
Summary of non-EEA recruitment needs.
Evidence of past employment permit approvals (if applicable).
Confirmation of adherence to Irish employment and immigration laws.

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

2 Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted to the Employment Permits Section of DETE via post or designated email.
If approved, your company will be issued a Trusted Partnership Registration Number.

3 Use the Trusted Partnership Number in Future Applications

Going forward, you can include your registration number in all employment permit applications, eliminating the need to resubmit company-related documentation.

1 Prepare Required Documentation

You will need to submit:

Form TPF1 (Trusted Partnership Registration Form).
Company Registration Number (CRO).
Tax clearance details from Revenue.
Summary of non-EEA recruitment needs.
Evidence of past employment permit approvals (if applicable).
Confirmation of adherence to Irish employment and immigration laws.

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

2 Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted to the Employment Permits Section of DETE via post or designated email.
If approved, your company will be issued a Trusted Partner Registration Number.

3 Use the Trusted Partner Number in Future Applications

Going forward, you can include your registration number in all employment permit applications, eliminating the need to resubmit company-related documentation.

Maintaining Trusted Partner Status

After approval, you must:

Continue complying with employment law (contracts, wages, working hours).
Use the scheme only for legitimate roles.
Renew your Trusted Partner registration every 5 years.
Report any major changes to your business operations or ownership.

The Department may audit your usage of the scheme. Non-compliance can result in the revocation of Trusted Partner status.

Who Should Apply?

The Trusted Partner scheme is highly recommended for:

Tech companies hiring software engineers, data scientists, and developers.
Healthcare providers recruiting doctors, nurses, and support staff.
Pharmaceutical and biotech firms employing researchers and specialists.
Construction and logistics firms addressing skill shortages.
Multinational corporations operating across jurisdictions.
Recruitment agencies hiring for eligible roles under DETE guidelines.

If your company plans to submit multiple employment permit applications each year, becoming a Trusted Partner can save time and resources.

Why Expert Consultants?

Your Pathway to a Successful Work Visa in Ireland

At Expert Consultants, we:

Evaluate your company’s eligibility

Assess your company’s suitability for employment permit schemes with expert guidance.

Prepare and submit the full application

Get end-to-end support in preparing and submitting your employment permit application.

Ensure all tax and corporate compliance requirements are met

We help you stay fully compliant with all relevant tax and corporate regulations.

Assist in preparing a long-term employment permit strategy

Develop a strategic, long-term approach to meet your ongoing employment permit needs.

Provide training and advice on correct use of the Trusted Partner system

Receive tailored training and expert advice on using Ireland’s Trusted Partner system effectively.

Offer continued support with employment permit applications and renewals

Enjoy ongoing assistance with permit applications, renewals, and employer compliance.

We work with startups, SMEs, and multinational employers across various sectors to streamline their international hiring.

Talk to our Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The processing time is generally 4 to 6 weeks, provided all documentation is complete and accurate.

No. There is currently no application fee for becoming a Trusted Partner.

Yes, but you must demonstrate a legitimate need to hire non-EEA workers and provide appropriate documentation—even if you haven’t hired yet.

Yes. It applies to General, Critical Skills, Intra-Company Transfer, Contract for Services, and other applicable permits.

Yes. If a company breaches immigration or labour laws, DETE may suspend or revoke the Trusted Partner status.

Absolutely. We manage the full process—from form preparation to supporting documentation and ongoing compliance support.

Apply for Trusted Partner Registration with Expert Guidance

If your company is serious about international hiring, becoming a Trusted Partner with the Irish government is a strategic move. It simplifies processes, reduces administrative burden, and enhances your credibility as an employer of choice for global talent.

Let Expert Consultants guide you every step of the way. Visit to book a consultation and start your Trusted Partner application with confidence and clarity.