If you want to work in Ireland, you need a work permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Given the shortage of workers currently observed in the country, local authorities have significantly simplified the procedure for obtaining a permit. Find out what has changed for expats in Ireland since 2 September

From today, changes to the legislation will come into effect in Ireland, according to which it will be much easier to get a work permit, because the employment system has become more flexible.

Such changes were adopted in order to meet the needs of the labor market and retain the talent already working in the country.

What has changed in the procedure for obtaining a work permit in Ireland?

The approved changes affected different categories of permits:

1. A certain number of employees received the right to change employers after nine months of employment.

2. A new work permit for seasonal workers has been introduced, in particular, this change is aimed at supporting the agricultural sector.

3. The conditions for the career growth of foreigners have been simplified, in particular, from now on, on the basis of a work permit, foreigners will be able to advance in the service, without the need to obtain a new permit.

New work permit quota for certain sectors

As part of simplifying the procedure for obtaining a work permit, quotas were introduced in Ireland for two categories of workers:

- 500 work permits for the care sector;

- 250 work permits will be issued to workers engaged in the construction of overhead lines.

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To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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What specialists is lacking in the Irish labor market?

Ireland is currently experiencing acute shortages in 20 occupations across healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing and construction.

Also, Ireland has become one of the EU countries that is most dependent on doctors and nurses arriving from abroad. During the first half of 2024, the authorities issued 19,303 work permits, which is 20.5% more than in the same period of 2023. This highlights the country's growing need for skilled workers.

In Ireland, there is a maximum shortage of the following specialists:

1. Drivers of heavy-duty vehicles and trucks.

2. Bus and tram drivers.

3. Operators of metalworking machines.

4. Welders and gas cutters.

5. Plumbers and plumbers.

6. Carpenters and carpenters.

7. Home care workers.

8. Junior medical staff.

9. Cooks.

10. Techniques in chemical and physical sciences.

11. Software developers

12. System analysts

13. Medical workers not assigned to other categories

14. Specialists in patient care

15. General practitioners

16. Engineering specialists, not assigned to other categories

17. Mechanical engineers

18. Civil engineers

19. Chemists

20. Information and communication technology managers

Among foreign workers, Indian citizens received the most work permits in the country. The top nationalities also include representatives of Brazil, the Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, China, the USA, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Malaysia.

The management of Ireland believes that the approved changes will bring great benefits to both permit holders and employers and will help to overcome the shortage of professionals that is currently observed in the country.

We will remind you! Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the European Union that attracts expats with employment prospects and a high standard of living. Read in this article which specialists are lacking in the labor market of Ireland and how to obtain a work permit for a foreigner in the country.