Ireland combines stunning landscapes, a high quality of life, and a booming economy, making it one of the world’s most attractive global business hubs. Home to leading tech giants and major players in the likes of pharmaceuticals and financial services, Ireland offers a powerful draw for professionals and companies alike.
For global employers, the easiest way to hire in Ireland and remain fully compliant is to partner with a UK-based Employer of Record in Ireland such as Agility EOR, which manages local payroll, contracts, and HR so you can hire without setting up a legal entity.
Key Changes to Ireland’s Employment Permit System
The intense interest in the ‘Emerald Isle’ has since sparked new legislation and a demand for new skills. The government has recently made significant changes to the Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit quotas in response to ongoing skill shortages and evolving workforce needs. Understanding these updates is key to navigating Ireland’s evolving landscape, capitalising on opportunity and realising growth strategies, whether you're planning a move or hiring international talent. For a comprehensive overview of the latest Irish employment law, visit our Ireland Employment Guide.
What Has Changed: Roles, Salaries, and Quotas
December 2023 - Ireland announced a major expansion of its employment permit system, including:
- Eleven new roles, such as engineers and commercial managers, have been added to the Critical Skills Occupations List, making them eligible for fast-track permits and easier long-term residency options
January 2024 - New salary thresholds were implemented:
- Critical Skills Permits now require a minimum salary of €38,000 for degree-qualified roles (an increase from €32,000)
- General Employment Permits increased to a minimum salary of €34,000, with some exceptions. In addition, new quotas were introduced for specific sectors like horticulture and caregiving, meaning that even eligible roles are now subject to capped permit numbers
September 2024 – Regulation 444/2024 came into Force, providing important clarification on employer eligibility for sponsored employment in Ireland for compliant outsourcing
- This eligibility applied to both General Employment Permits and Critical Skills Employment Permits
- The updated definition of “employer” explicitly allows wages to be paid by a third-party entity, such as an Employer of Record (EOR), rather than requiring direct payment from the client company
These changes directly impact:
- Who qualifies for a permit
- The salary levels employers need to offer
- Which roles may be restricted by quotas
- How quickly international hires can be onboarded
For practical hiring tips and process guidance, see our blog on Hiring in Ireland.
Fast, Simple, and Compliant Hiring
Whether you're building a global workforce or planning your next move to Ireland, staying informed is key, and while the opportunities are strong, staying up to date on visa regulations is essential.
With a local entity in Ireland, Agility EOR can directly employ and sponsor talent on your behalf, with no setup delays, no compliance headaches. Whether you’re scaling rapidly or testing the market, we make hiring in Ireland fast, simple, and fully compliant. Contact us here to embrace the rich Celtic culture and move forward with confidence.
