The national statutory minimum wage increased on January 1, 2016 to EUR 9.15 per hour (EUR 18,556 annually, based on a 39 hour work week), per the National Minimum Wage Order 2015.
Cases Where Increases May Be Required
This regulation affects all workers and will have the biggest impact on foreign nationals under the following types of work authorization:
- Those where a lower salary threshold is accepted, including the following:
- Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit;
- Internship Employment Permit; and
- Atypical Working Scheme Authorization.
- Intra-Company Transfer and Contract for Services employment permits, where the employee’s home salary required a ‘top up’ to reach the minimum wage level. These salaries will need to be raised to the new minimum requirement before adding other allowable expenses (such as payments for board, accommodation or health insurance).
In all such cases, the employer must immediately increase the salary to meet the new requirement.
Moreover, if applicable, the base salary must be increased before adding any allowable components required to achieve the minimum annual remuneration for the permit category (e.g., EUR 40,000 for a standard Intra-Company Transfer permit). This increase must appear as a payment on the assignee’s payslips.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Employers must ensure that salaries paid to foreign nationals in Ireland meet the new higher wage.
Since the revised minimum wage applies to foreign nationals with existing work authorization, employers must reassess salaries for employees who only just met the minimum base salary threshold before allowable components were added.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.