Ireland: Single Application Process to be Developed

• Current process for non-EEA nationals. In order to work in Ireland, non-EEA nationals must first apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an employment permit. If they are visa nationals, they must then apply for a visa after the employment permit is approved in order to travel. All non-EEA nationals, including spouses/partners, must then subsequently apply and register in person for a residence card after arrival in Ireland.  This multi-stage process involves multiple government agencies and requires many foreign nationals intending to work in Ireland to make three separate applications as part of their immigration process.
• New process. The new process is expected to eliminate the multi-stage approach. Although the specifics of the changes will not be known until the Working Group publishes their report, Fragomen expects non-EEA foreign nationals to be able to apply for work authorisation, visas and residence permission via a single application procedure.

Once implemented, the single application procedure is expected to reduce overall processing times and streamline the immigration application process for non-EEA nationals seeking to work in Ireland. It is expected that this could lead to faster start dates for employers seeking to relocate or hire foreign talent in Ireland.

In April 2022, the European Commission issued a proposal for a recast Directive regarding a single permit procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions for third-country nationals to reside and work in an EU Member State with the goal to simplify immigration procedures. The new single application process being developed by the Irish government is a response to this Directive.

Within six months, the newly-created Inter-Developmental Working Group will propose an implementation plan for the new single application procedure. Fragomen will report on any developments.