Before coming to work in Ireland for more than 90 days, you must have a contract of employment and you must apply for the relevant work permission to the Department of Justice, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) or the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Once your permission has been granted and if you are visa required, you must apply for a long stay visa (D) before traveling to Ireland.
General work
Critical Skill
If you have any of the critical skills mentioned on the eligible occupations list you or your Irish employer can apply for a critical skills work permit to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Once your permit has been granted you must apply for a work visa if required.
General Work
If you are a general worker your Irish employer can apply for a working permit to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Make sure the employment is not on the ineligible list of employment. Once your permit has been granted you must apply for a work visa if required.
Intra Company Transfer
You may be allowed to come to Ireland if your employer is transferring your work temporarily. Find out more if you are currently working outside the EEA or Switzerland or if you are currently working in the EEA or Switzerland.
Internship
If you want to do a paid internship in Ireland for more than 90 days you can apply for an Internship employment permit with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Once your permit has been granted you must apply for an internship visa if required.
Scientific Researcher on a Hosting Agreement
You may travel to Ireland as a Scientific Researcher on a Hosting Agreement for a period of between three months to five years, to carry out a research project with an accredited research institution. If required you should apply for an Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa.
Working Holiday
This Working Holiday Authorisation Programme allows young people to fund an extended holiday through temporary work. Only certain nationalities may avail of this programme.
I want to invest or start a business
I want to invest in Ireland
The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is open to non-EEA nationals who commit to an approved investment in Ireland. The IIP requires a minimum investment of €1m, or €0.5m (€500,000) if making an endowment, from applicant’s own resources and not financed through a loan or other such facility. Once your permission has been granted you must apply for a D visa if required.
I want to start my own business in Ireland
The start up entrepreneur programme (STEP) allows you to establish a business in Ireland and to work in the business on a full time basis. You are not permitted to be employed in any other capacity and you must not become a financial burden on the Irish State. Once your permission has been granted you must apply for a D visa if required.
Atypical Working Scheme
Nurse
If you are coming to Ireland to complete the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme to allow you to work as a nurse in Ireland you can find out more. Once your permission has been granted you must apply for a D visa if required.
Locum Hospital Doctor
If you want to work in Ireland as a doctor in the hospital sector you can find out more. Once your permission has been granted you must apply for a D visa if required.
Other Options
Visiting Academic
As a visiting academic or researcher you must be paid from outside the State and are here to work for no longer than 12 months. You can find out more about the permission and how to make and application to the Department of Justice. Once your permission has been granted you must apply for a D visa if required.
Volunteer
Permission to be a volunteer allows you to work in Ireland in a volunteering role with an eligible organisation for up to 2 years (with an option to extend for a third year), subject to the conditions.
If you intend to travel to Ireland to volunteer with an eligible body in Ireland, you will need preclearance approval before travel. This applies to all non-EEA nationals whether you require a visa or not.
Minister of Religion
Permission to enter the State as a Minister of Religion allows you to work with an eligible religious body or faith community in Ireland for up to 3 years (with a possible 3 year extension) subject to the conditions.
If you intend to travel to Ireland to work as a Minister of Religion, you will need preclearance approval before you travel. This applies to all non-EEA nationals whether you require a visa or not.