Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the two main permits require
Figures from the Critical Skills Employment Permit page and the General Employment Permit page. Neither page's eligibility criteria include an English test.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the Department of Enterprise employment permits pages before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
| Rule | Critical Skills Employment Permit | General Employment Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation | On the Critical Skills Occupations List (or any eligible job above €68,911) | All occupations unless on the Ineligible List |
| Minimum annual pay | €40,904 (€36,848 if qualified in the last 12 months); €68,911 for other eligible jobs | Generally €36,605; €34,009 with a recent Irish degree; €32,691 for some roles such as Health Care Assistant |
| Job offer | At least 2 years | Permit issued for an initial 2 years |
| Labour Market Needs Test | Not required | Required in most cases |
| Processing fee | €1,000 | €500 (6 months or less) or €1,000 (over 6 months up to 24) |
Where English can still come up
For a Critical Skills permit as a nurse or midwife, the department requires a qualification accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. The board's own registration rules are covered in IELTS for nurses in Ireland.
If you come to study first, your college sets an English requirement and the study visa has its own rules: see IELTS for an Irish study visa.
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Family members
Critical Skills permit holders can apply for immediate family reunification, and their dependants, partners or spouses can then apply for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit (enterprise.gov.ie). Spouses and dependants of General Employment Permit holders are not eligible for that permit and must apply for their own (enterprise.gov.ie).
Frequently asked questions
Does the Critical Skills Employment Permit need IELTS?+
The department's eligibility criteria do not list an English test. They focus on occupation, pay, a 2-year job offer and qualifications.
Does my employer need to advertise the job?+
For a General Employment Permit, a Labour Market Needs Test is required in most cases. The department says it is not required for a Critical Skills permit, because the skills are in short supply.
What is the minimum salary for a Critical Skills permit?+
€40,904 for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List (€36,848 if you qualified in the last 12 months), or over €68,911 for other eligible occupations.
Do nurses need IELTS to work in Ireland?+
The permit itself lists no test, but nurses need a qualification accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, which has its own registration rules.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for nurses in Ireland
- IELTS for an Irish study visa
- Does Irish citizenship need an English test?
- IELTS for Ireland
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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