Coming to work in Ireland

Like in any other country, there are a series of legal requirements that you should complete before you can legally undertake employment in Ireland. 
 
Visas
Travel regulations dictate that citizens of certain countries should have a visa in order to be permitted entry into Ireland. However, it's important to note that a visa will only grant you entry into the Republic of Ireland. Further documentation is needed to legalise your stay and allow you to legally start working. Visa applications can also be conveniently made using online resources provided by the relevant government authorities.
 
The right to work in Ireland
EU citizens, EEA citizens, the Swiss and citizens of other countries have different legal requirements when it comes to obtaining  permission to work in Ireland. Citizens from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland are not entitled to have an employment permit to work in Ireland. They are free to undertake any jobs within the public sector with the exception for jobs within the Irish diplomatic service. Therefore, they are also allowed to bring along their family and dependents. For those with a non-EEA spouse or civil partner, their significant other will need to further apply for permission to hold the same rights to live and work in Ireland. 
For other countries, not mentioned above, an employment permit is mandatory. Citizens from non-EEA countries invited to attend an interview for employment opportunities listed on the Highly Skilled Occupations list will be offered a Highly Skilled Job Interview Authorisation. It gives them permission to remain in Ireland for a period up to 90 days. The same applies to individuals from non-EEA countries who seek to carry out scientific research for an authorized research organization. 
Individuals employed by a company in the EU providing services on a temporary basis in Ireland do not need to obtain an Irish employment permit. They fall under the permissions granted based on the Van der Elst process. Short term work is covered by the Atypical Working Scheme allowing non-EEA citizens to work without a work permit. Other exemptions for the work permit requirement involve refugees and those who have been denied refugee status in Ireland but permitted to stay on humanitarian grounds.
 
Students
Students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week in term time and full time during their holidays without a work permit. Students undertaking postgraduate studies may apply themselves to study related work without having to seek an employment permit. What is known as the Third Level Graduate Scheme allows students graduating from Irish institutions to remain in the country for up to 12 months seeking employment and processing their respective work permits.
 
Working Holidays
Ireland offers working holiday authorisations subject to criteria based on nationality. There are several agreements allowing citizens from signatory countries such as the USA and New Zealand to pursue working holidays within Ireland.
 
Employment permits
Employment permits in Ireland fall under 9 different categories. Highly skilled workers will be issued a Critical Skills Employment. The General Employment Permit is another kind of permit issued out to those who want to take up employment in Irish firms. The Employment Permits Online System allows applications to be processed by either the employee or the employer online.
 
For more details and assistance regarding working in Ireland, you can contact our expert consultants. Our highly experienced and well-informed team is ready to answer all your questions and give you all the help you might need.