Ireland Immigration Policies for 2025: What Employers Need to Know

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Fatima Aydin shares an overview of the current state of Irish business immigration in 2025 and breaks down key policy changes within the past year.

If you’re an employer in Ireland hiring foreign talent, staying compliant with evolving immigration laws is critical.

Key topics covered in this video:

✔️ Expansion of Ireland’s Employment Permit System – New roles added

✔️ Work rights for spouses of GEP and ICT holders – What it means for hiring

✔️ The Employment Permits Act 2024 – How it impacts your workforce

✔️ LMNT updates – New job advertising rules for permit applications

✔️ Salary threshold reviews – What’s changing and how to prepare

✔️ New Seasonal Employment Permit – Who qualifies?

Navigating Ireland’s immigration landscape can be complex. Fragomen provides strategic guidance and compliance support to ensure your business remains competitive and fully aligned with regulatory changes.

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*VIDEO TRANSCRIPT*

Irish Immigration in 2025: What’s Changing and How It Affects Employers 

 

Hi, this is Fatima Aydin, Senior Manager at Fragomen in Ireland, the world’s leading provider of immigration services. I’ll be sharing a summary of the current state of play in Irish business immigration, focused on employers.  

Ireland’s immigration policies play a crucial role in businesses’ ability to hire global talent. Foreign workers continue to address labor market gaps and contribute significantly to Ireland’s growing economy. Recent developments in Irish immigration law are reshaping the landscape for 2025 and beyond, making it easier for businesses to recruit and retain international talent. 

 Why Immigration Policy Matters for Irish Businesses 

• • • Immigration policy plays a crucial role in businesses' ability to hire global talent. 

• • • Foreign workers continue to address critical labor market gaps. 

• • • These workers contribute to Ireland’s economic growth. 

• • • Several significant changes in Irish immigration are shaping the landscape for 2025. 

Key Developments in Irish Immigration 

The past year and a half have brought transformative changes to Ireland’s immigration system, marking the most significant update in nearly two decades. These changes are designed to reflect Ireland’s evolving economic and social landscape, enhancing the country’s appeal as a global business hub. 

Here are some of the key developments: 

Expansion of the Employment Permit System 

One of the most significant changes was the largest-ever expansion of the employment permit system: 

• • • In late 2023, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment added: 

• • • 11 new roles to the Critical Skills Occupations List. 

• • • 32 new roles to the eligible employment list. 

• • • Roles such as social care workers, electricians, and HGV mechanics were removed from the ineligible list, making them eligible for employment permits. 

Work Rights for Spouses and Partners 

• • • Spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Company Transfer holders now have the right to work without needing an employment permit. 

• • • This enhances talent retention and makes Ireland a more attractive destination for families. 

• • • However, General Employment Permit holders’ dependents must wait 12 months before relocating to Ireland. 

• • • Other dependents will receive Stamp 3 permission, which does not allow them to work. 

Employment Permit Amendment Act 2024 

The Employment Permit Act 2024, effective from September last year, introduced key reforms to enhance flexibility and efficiency for employers and non-EU workers. 

Key Changes for Employers: 

• • • Updated Labour Market Needs Test: 

• • • • • Employers must now post job advertisements on two online platforms, including the European Employment Services (EURES) website, for 28 days. 

• • • • • The newspaper advertisement requirement has been removed, simplifying the process. 

• • • Reduced Job Mobility Period: 

• • • • • First-time employment permit holders can now change employers after nine months, down from the previous 12-month requirement. 

• • • • • The new role must be in a similar field to ensure compliance. 

• • • Annual Salary Threshold Reviews: 

• • • • • Ensures wages for non-EU workers remain competitive and reflect national earnings. 

• • • • • Employers are awaiting the timing of these changes. 

• • • Compliance Requirements: 

• • • • • Employers and employees must update their residential and email addresses with the Department of Enterprise. 

The Future of Irish Business Immigration 

While the Employment Permit Amendment Act represents a significant step forward, some changes, like the introduction of the seasonal permit, are still in the trial phase. Employers should continue to monitor these developments as they evolve. 

At Fragomen, we understand that navigating the complexities of Irish immigration can be challenging. We are here to help you design immigration policies that align with your business goals, ensure compliance with the latest regulatory changes, and streamline the process of moving talent across borders. 

If you need assistance with your immigration strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can guide you through the evolving immigration landscape and help you make informed decisions for your workforce.