Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is Ireland's main permit for highly skilled workers from outside the EU and EEA. DETE issues it for occupations it considers in short supply, so there is no labour market needs test: the employer does not have to advertise the job to Irish and EEA workers first.

DETE says the permit holder can apply for immediate family reunification through Immigration Service Delivery, and that after the permit period the holder can apply to the Department of Justice for Stamp 4, which allows them to live and work in Ireland without a further employment permit.

The permit is for non-EEA nationals with a job offer in an eligible occupation. DETE sets three salary routes:

• at least €40,904 a year for a restricted number of strategically important occupations on the Critical Skills list, with a relevant degree
• at least €36,848 where the applicant obtained their qualification in the 12 months before applying
• over €68,911 for any occupation not on the ineligible list

For a nurse or midwife, DETE requires a qualification accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Doctors register with the Medical Council, and many allied professions with CORU. Registration usually comes before the permit.

1. Secure professional registration, or a clear path to it, with your Irish regulator.
2. Accept a job offer of at least 2 years in an eligible occupation, at the required salary.
3. You or your employer apply on Employment Permits Online and pay the fee.
4. DETE processes applications strictly in date order and may ask for more information.
5. Once granted, apply for an Irish visa if your nationality requires one, then register your immigration permission after arrival. Critical Skills holders are registered on Stamp 1.

Our Critical Skills Employment Permit guide covers each step for health professionals.

DETE sets the fee at €1,000 and refunds 90% if the application is refused. It does not publish a target in weeks; instead it publishes the date of applications it is currently processing, which changes over time. Immigration Service Delivery says Critical Skills holders on Stamp 1 may become eligible for a Stamp 4 upgrade after 21 months of employment in Ireland on the permit.

DETE says that after 60 months of residence on employment permits, holders can apply for long-term residence.

Because applications are handled strictly in date order, the wait depends on the queue on the day you apply. Allow extra time for any request for information, for an Irish entry visa if your nationality needs one, and for registering your permission after you arrive.

• Contract shorter than 2 years, which rules out this permit.
• Salary counted wrongly. Allowances and overtime do not count towards the threshold.
• Applying before registration with NMBI, the Medical Council or CORU is in place.
• Not every health role is listed. Check the current Critical Skills Occupations List on DETE's website.

See our Ireland country page for the wider route.