What happens after a job offer?

If you need an Irish employment permit, receiving a job offer is the start of the permission process, not the end.

You and the employer will need to confirm that the job fits a permit route, prepare the employment-permit application and wait for a decision. If you are from a visa-required country, the visa application comes after the permit is granted.

Do not start the job in Ireland while the permit application is being processed.

1. Get the offer and employment terms in writing

Ask for a written offer or draft contract that clearly identifies:

• the legal employer;
• job title and main duties;
• salary and any benefits included in remuneration;
• normal working hours;
• work location;
• contract length;
• proposed start date; and
• any conditions attached to the offer.

These details are not administrative extras. They help determine whether the job meets the rules for the proposed permit.

DETE requires a contract of employment signed by both parties with an employment-permit application. Read it carefully and ask for corrections before signing if the duties, pay or employer name do not match what was agreed.

2. Confirm the intended permit route

The employer should not simply describe the role as "sponsored". You need to know which permission is expected to apply.

For many professional roles, the likely route is a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit. Each has different rules for occupation, salary, qualifications, contract length and employer eligibility.

Use Does this job qualify for an employment permit? to check the main conditions. A job offer does not guarantee that DETE will grant a permit.

3. Agree who will coordinate the application

Employment Permits Online uses a joint process. The employer and prospective employee complete their own parts, and an authorised agent may participate where one has been appointed. The parties sign electronically.

Clarify:

• who will create or initiate the application;
• whether an immigration adviser or relocation provider is involved;
• who will pay the application fee;
• which documents each party must provide; and
• who will monitor requests for further information.

You should have access to your own part of the process. Check all personal, passport, job and qualification details before approving anything.

4. Allow enough time

DETE says an employment-permit application must be received at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date.

That is an application rule, not a guaranteed processing time. The employer should set a realistic, flexible start date and check current DETE processing information.

Where a Labour Market Needs Test is required, the employer must complete the required advertising before a valid application can be submitted. This can add at least 28 days to the preparation period.

Do not resign from a secure job, book non-refundable travel or make irreversible arrangements on the assumption that the permit will be granted by a particular date.

5. Wait for the employment-permit decision

The application may move through stages such as processing, requested information, issued or refused. Respond promptly if DETE asks for documents or clarification.

Until the permit is granted, you do not have permission to start the employment in Ireland. A pending application, an offer letter or a Personal Public Service number is not a substitute for a valid permit.

If the application is refused, the decision should explain the reasons and the available review process. The employer and employee should assess the reason before deciding whether to seek a review or submit a different application.

6. Apply for an employment visa if required

An employment permit and a visa do different jobs. The permit concerns employment. A visa allows a visa-required person to travel to an Irish border and request entry.

If your nationality is visa-required, you can apply for a long-stay employment visa after receiving the permit. ISD says an application can be made up to three months before the intended travel date, normally from your home country or a country where you are legally resident.

If you are not visa-required, you can skip the visa application, but you still need the employment permit or other work permission that applies to you.

For a fuller explanation, read Employment permit, visa and immigration permission: what is the difference?.

7. Prepare for border control

A visa does not guarantee entry. Carry your passport, employment permit, employment contract and other documents that explain why you are coming to Ireland. If you have a visa, check that its details and validity dates are correct before travelling.

The immigration officer at the border decides whether to grant entry and places a landing stamp in your passport where applicable.

8. Register after arrival if required

If you are from outside the EU, EEA, UK or Switzerland and intend to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you generally need to register your immigration permission with Immigration Service Delivery after arrival.

Registration records your permission to remain and its conditions. It is separate from both the employment permit and the visa.

Common misunderstandings

"I have signed a contract, so I can start work"

Not if you still need an employment permit. A contract supports the application but does not replace the permit.

"The employer applied, so I do not need to check anything"

The online process is jointly completed. You are responsible for ensuring that your information and documents are accurate.

"A visa is the next step before the employment permit"

For the standard long-stay employment visa route, the permit comes first. You use the granted permit as part of the visa application.

"Previous permit history means this offer will be approved"

No. Permit history is company-level evidence only. DETE assesses the current application and the specific job.

This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Check the current official requirements before submitting an application or making travel plans.