1. Main Visa and Employment Permit Categories

The table covers the main categories discussed in this guide and is not an exhaustive list of all Irish visa categories.

1. Short-Term Tourist and Business Visit

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. Chinese ordinary passport holders generally need an Irish Short Stay C visa for a short visit. Certain arrangements involving UK visas apply only when all applicable conditions are met. A short stay is generally limited to a maximum of 90 days.

Limited short-term work during a business visit is subject to strict conditions and cannot replace a long-term employment permit.

Whether an activity qualifies as a visit depends on the actual work involved, not simply the name given to the trip or where the salary is paid. Activities such as installation, repairs, training, and on-site client services should be reviewed carefully to determine whether an employment permit or specific exemption is required.

2. Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

The CSEP applies to employees who have an employment offer of at least two years and qualify through the Critical Skills Occupations List or the higher-salary route.

From March 2026, the Critical Skills Occupations List route generally requires an annual salary of at least €40,904 and the relevant qualification. Eligible recent graduates may qualify at €36,848. The higher-salary route generally requires annual remuneration exceeding €68,911 and remains subject to occupational exclusions.

The employer must operate a genuine business and comply with the 50:50 workforce rule or qualify for a statutory exemption.

The permit is generally issued for two years. Eligible holders may normally apply for Stamp 4 after working under the permit for 21 months; permanent residence is not granted automatically.

Changes of employer, redundancy, and termination of employment are subject to the applicable notification or approval requirements. A period granted after redundancy to seek alternative employment does not mean that every person leaving employment automatically receives unrestricted work rights.

3. General Employment Permit (GEP)

The GEP applies to employees whose occupations are not excluded and who meet the general employment permit requirements. It is separate from the CSEP.

The standard minimum annual remuneration is €36,605, with separate thresholds applying to certain occupations and recent graduates. Applicants must have a genuine employment contract and suitable qualifications for the role.

The employer must be compliant and meet the 50:50 workforce rule or qualify for an exemption. Where no exemption applies, a Labour Market Needs Test is also required.

The initial permit is generally granted for up to two years and may be renewed for up to a further three years. Eligible holders may normally apply for Stamp 4 after working under the permit for 57 months.

A change of employer must comply with the applicable employment and permit-change rules. The employee cannot begin the new role before receiving the required authorization.

4. Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit

The Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit applies to senior executives, key personnel, or trainees temporarily assigned to Ireland by an overseas group company.

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine group relationship and the required period of previous employment overseas. They must also meet the applicable employee-category, assignment-duration, and minimum-remuneration requirements.

Different conditions apply to trainees and to senior executives or key personnel. This route is not intended for ordinary local recruitment.

For senior executives and key personnel, the initial permit is generally granted for up to two years and may be renewed to a total maximum period of five years if the requirements continue to be met. Trainees may receive a permit for up to 12 months.

Changes to the group relationship, position, or assignment require a new assessment. Completing the assignment does not automatically provide unrestricted access to employment in Ireland.

2. Entry, Family Members, and Other Arrangements

Visas, employment authorization, and residence documents must reflect the individual’s actual activities and remain valid for the relevant period.

Eligible family members of CSEP holders may apply for family reunification. Once family reunification is approved, a spouse or partner may work under the applicable Stamp 1G conditions. The same work rights cannot automatically be assumed for children.

GEP holders applying for family reunification generally need to meet waiting-period and financial requirements. An approved spouse or partner may work under the applicable Stamp 1G conditions, but must first obtain the appropriate dependant status.

Family members of Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit holders must apply under the applicable family reunification rules. An eligible spouse or partner who receives family reunification approval may qualify for Stamp 1G. The same conditions do not automatically apply to other family members.

Study, transit, and other personal immigration categories have separate requirements.

3. Renewals, Changes, Termination, and Status Maintenance

4. How sailglobal Can Help

If you plan to send employees to Ireland for business visits, local employment, short-term projects, or accompanying-family arrangements, sailglobal can help you understand the applicable route and application requirements based on each individual’s status, responsibilities, and travel plans.

Visa, employment permit, and residence applications are independently assessed by the relevant authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee approval or a fixed issuance date.