Important Updates
Important Updates
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 26, 2025 | Moldova Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Program Forthcoming
August 26, 2025 | CroatiaCroatia: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
August 26, 2025 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas
August 25, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Family Reunification Pathway Restrictions
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 26, 2025 | Moldova Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Program Forthcoming
August 26, 2025 | CroatiaCroatia: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
August 26, 2025 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas
August 25, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Family Reunification Pathway Restrictions
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Ireland: New Employment Permits Act in Effect from September 2; Government Clarifies Details

September 12, 2024

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • IrelandIreland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Update September 12, 2024: According to the recently-released related regulation, though a framework for a new seasonal employment permit was provided, the seasonal employment permit is not yet in effect. It is now known that the permit is expected to be trialled in 2025 with a specific horticulture industry, after which the government will decide how to permanently implement the permit.
  • Effective September 2, 2024, Ireland will introduce a new employment permit for seasonal workers, streamline its labour market testing processes, and modify its ‘change of employer’ rules.
  • Authorities have provided further details regarding these new rules, including with respect to automatic cancellation of existing permits, digitised labour market testing, change of employer timeframes, and minimum salary levels.
  • These reforms are part of the recently enacted Employment Permits Act 2024, which also introduces new notification obligations, among other changes. Up to now, its provisions had not yet taken effect.
  • When implemented, these reforms are likely to make it easier for employers to attract talent, though may also present administrative challenges in the context of the Irish government’s increased focus on compliance.

The situation

The new Employment Permits Act goes into effect on September 2, 2024. Among other things, the Act introduces a new employment permit for seasonal workers and dependents, streamlines Ireland’s labour market testing processes, and modifies its ‘change of employer’ rules.

A closer look

In addition to the earlier announced rule changes, Irish authorities have provided the following additional details. Some of these details clarify earlier announced information:

  • Seasonal work permit employment period clarified.
    • Update September 12, 2024: According to the recently-released related regulation, though a framework for a new seasonal employment permit was provided, the seasonal employment permit is not yet in effect. It is now known that the permit is expected to be trialled in 2025 with a specific horticulture industry, after which the government will decide how to permanently implement the permit.
    • Available guidance confirms that the new seasonal employment permit will allow seasonal workers to be employed for seven months out of a calendar year, whereas previously, the validity period was unclear. The permit will be introduced from September 2. The creation of the seasonal employment permit provides businesses a new pathway to source seasonal talent (of particular benefit to the horticulture and food production sectors). Clarifying that the relevant period is seven months (as opposed to a shorter alternative) provides employers with more flexibility to resolve seasonal worker-related talent shortages.
  • Digitised labour market testing processing clarified. Authorities have clarified the online platforms to be used for labour market testing purposes from September 2. These are: a) the European Employment Service (EURES) network; and b) a digital platform with the principal purpose of publishing employment offers. Employers must issue the job advertisement on both EURES and at least one other digital employment-offer platform. Further, authorities have clarified that both advertisements must be published for at least 28 days. The move to a completely digital labour market testing process is likely to make the labour market testing process more efficient and cost-effective for employers.
  • Change of employer rules relaxed. Authorities have clarified that an employee on their first employment permit will be able to apply for a new work permit after nine months of working for their first employer (down from 12 months). Additionally, after nine months of employment, employees will be able to apply to change the employer listed on their employment permit (provided the role remains the same), whereas currently, this is not possible. These changes may increase the attractiveness of Ireland for foreign workers, given the greater capacity for permit holders to flex with changing labour market conditions and opportunities.
  • Minimum salary level system clarified. The new regulations also set the scene for Ireland’s new way of calculating the minimum annual remuneration (MAR) requirement for employment permits. While these are currently only updated very seldomly, the new Act will require the authorities to review the MAR once per year. The authorities will need to increase the MAR in line with Ireland’s weekly average wage, as published by government authorities.
  • Automatic cancellation of existing permits. In a reflection of the digitalisation of permits, existing employment permits will be cancelled automatically by authorities when new permits are issued. Currently, foreign nationals must surrender their existing permit before a new one can be granted. By removing an additional step in the application process, this change streamlines and simplifies the application process.

Background

  • Employment Permits Act 2024. These reforms are part of the recently approved Employment Permits Act, which also introduces new notification obligations, among other changes. The primary goal of this Act is to consolidate the assortment of multiple related amended acts implemented over a 15-year period.
  • General impact. These reforms – the largest update to the system since the introduction of the previous legislative framework in 2003-2006 ­– are likely to make it easier for employers to attract talent, though may also present administrative challenges in the context of the Irish government’s increased focus on compliance.

Looking ahead

  • Single Permit. Irish authorities are now expected to continue moving towards a unified application process, combining work permits and visas into a single procedure. Such a process would take several more years. Ireland may then choose to opt into the European Union’s Single Permit Directive.
  • MAR Changes. The new MAR rules will require authorities to increase minimum salary thresholds for employment permits in line with increases in the average wage in Ireland. Employers should start planning in anticipation of the new figures being announced, which is expected to occur by the end of the year.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • IrelandIreland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.