Visas & Work Permissions

Who can work in Ireland?

Generally speaking, if you’re from an EEA (European Economic Area) country, you should have the right to work in Ireland without the need for additional work permission.

These countries are in the EEA. If you’re unsure whether you have the right permissions then you can call our Solutions Team on 1890 54 54 22 and they’ll let you know for sure.

However, most work permission queries arise from non-EEA nationals. Non-EEA nationals generally require working clearance, in some cases a visa to travel to Ireland, and a residence stamp allowing them to work and live legally in Ireland.

Visa & Permit Requirements

Visa Required Nationals

Individuals from certain countries require a visa just to travel to Ireland.  The list of countries (which can change from time to time) set out by the Department of Justice can be found here.

Residence Permit

Following arrival in Ireland a non EEA national is usually required to obtain permission to reside in Ireland with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within a 90 day period.

Work Permission

Permission is usually granted in the form of a work permit (of which there are 9 different types) or a letter of permission from the Department of Justice/ Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Stamps for Contractors

Each work permission granted will depend on the specific circumstances and is usually accompanied by a relevant stamp in the individual’s passport. The different types of Stamp and how these may relate to Contracting Candidates are set out in the table below.

If you would like more information

While we cannot assist in the application of permits, our team are happy to review situations on an individual basis and guide you in the right direction. Get in touch on 1800 545422.

This article has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. It should not be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Contracting PLUS does not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it.