Following on from the Review of Economic Migration Policy in 2018, there are
currently two significant changes to the requirements within an Employment permit
application that you should be aware about. These changes are set to take place
from the 1st January 2020 onwards;
- There is changes to the minimum remuneration threshold specifically
for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. - There is a change to the duration of the Labour Market Needs Test.
It is important to note that if an application for an Employment permit is submitted
prior to the 31st December 2019, these changes do not apply.
Changes to the Remuneration Threshold:
Firstly, for those occupations that are not on the Ineligible Occupations List and
therefore eligible for an Employment permit with the required experience, the
minimum remuneration threshold will increase from €60,000 to €64,000 per annum.
Secondly, occupations that require a third level degree and are on the Critical Skills
Occupations List. The minimum remuneration threshold will increase from €30,000
to €32,000 per annum.
Changes to the duration of the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT):
The required duration of the advertising period within the Labour Market Needs Test
for a General Employment Permit and a Contract for Service Employment Permit will
increase from 2 to 4 weeks.
Therefore, from 1st January 2020 those Employment Permits that require a Labour
Market Needs Test must allow for advertising for a period of 4 weeks (28 days), on
the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection/Employment
Services/EURES website before submission.
As mentioned previously those applications submitted prior to 31st December 2019
for any Employment Permit, will not be required to uphold these changes.
For more details on coming to work in Ireland, please contact:
Sarah Henry
Director of Immigration Services
