The primary permit for these roles is the General Employment Permit (GEP).
Employment Permit Requirements (General Overview)
​For non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizens, your main challenge is finding an employer willing to sponsor your General Employment Permit (GEP).

Requirement Details

1. Job Offer You must have a bona fide job offer from an employer in Ireland.
   Salary The job must generally pay a minimum annual salary of €34,000. However, exceptions apply to certain roles, including some healthcare positions, where a lower threshold may be accepted.                                                                                                                                Ineligible List The occupation must not be on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits. Warehouse Operatives and Cleaners are typically on this ineligible list, making securing a GEP for these roles very difficult unless the job is highly specialised or managerial.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Labour Market Test Your employer must prove they advertised the vacancy to EEA/Irish citizens first and were unable to fill the role.
   50:50 Rule Your employer must have at least 50% of their employees as EEA/Irish citizens.
   The occupation must not be on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits. Warehouse Operatives and Cleaners are typically on this ineligible list, making securing a GEP for these roles very difficult unless the job is highly specialised or managerial.
   Labour Market Test Your employer must prove they advertised the vacancy to EEA/Irish citizens first and were unable to fill the role.
   50:50 Rule Your employer must have at least 50% of their employees as EEA/Irish citizens.

2.  Specific Job Categories and Requirements
   ​🧑‍⚕ Caregiver / Healthcare Assistant
   ​This is one of the more viable routes for employment permits due to high demand in Ireland’s healthcare sector.
   ​Permit Status: Care workers/Healthcare Assistants are often eligible for the GEP.
   ​Key Requirement: You must have the appropriate qualifications, typically a QQI Level 5 qualification in Healthcare Support or equivalent. Many employers will hire you on the condition that you complete these specific Irish qualifications upon arrival or offer training.
   ​Experience: While not always mandatory, having a minimum of one year of paid experience is highly beneficial for securing a job offer and permit.
   ​Police Clearance: You will need to provide an International Police Clearance Certificate from any country you have lived in since the age of 16.
   ​📦 Warehouse Operatives and 🧼 Cleaners
   ​Securing an Employment Permit for standard entry-level roles in these categories is extremely difficult because they are often on the Ineligible List of Occupations.
   ​Permit Status: These standard roles are generally excluded from the General Employment Permit scheme.
   ​Viable Route: The only practical way to get a GEP for a warehouse or cleaning company is if the role is at a highly skilled level or managerial. Examples include:
   ​Warehouse Manager (€34,000+ salary and managerial duties).
   ​Senior Logistics/Supply Chain Analyst (must meet Critical Skills criteria).
   ​Conclusion: Do not focus your search on basic operative or cleaner positions unless you already have a spouse/partner with a valid Irish work or residency permit that allows you to work without sponsorship.
   ​🚚 Drivers (HGV/Truck Drivers)
   ​HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving is an exception where a General Employment Permit is often granted due to the national driver shortage.
   ​Permit Status: HGV drivers are a specific occupation eligible for the GEP.
   ​Salary: The job offer must meet the GEP minimum annual salary requirement, which is currently €34,000.
   ​Licence/Qualifications: You must possess an HGV licence from your native country that is equivalent to the Irish C1 or C1E categories. You must be able to exchange this for an Irish licence.
   ​Professional Cards: A valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and digital tachograph card are also essential.
   ​How to Apply
   ​Find a Job: Search on major Irish job sites (e.g., IrishJobs.ie, Jobs.ie, Indeed Ireland) for roles that specifically mention “visa sponsorship” or “General Employment Permit”. Focus on Caregiving and HGV Driving.
   ​Get an Offer: Once you receive a valid job offer, your employer will typically initiate the application process for the General Employment Permit.
   ​Permit Application: The application is made online through the DETE’s Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). The application fee is €1,000 for a new permit of up to 24 months.
   ​Visa Application: After the permit is granted, you must apply for an entry visa (a long-stay “D” employment visa) at the Irish embassy or consulate in your country before you travel to Ireland.

   Get assistance with your application from LearnersMix.com