Work Ireland

Citizens from countries outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland need to obtain a work permit to work in Ireland. 

 

Process of obtaining a work permit

 

1. Job offer: Find an employer in Ireland willing to offer you a job.

 

2. Application submission: Either the employer or you must submit an application for the appropriate permit to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland.

 

3. Obtaining permission: Once the application is approved, you will receive a work permit, allowing you to work in Ireland.

 

Required documents:

 

- Completed application form: Available on the official website of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland https://enterprise.gov.ie/.

 

- Copy of a valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of entry.

 

- Job offer: A letter from the employer detailing the position, work conditions, and salary.

 

- Qualification documents: Diplomas, certificates, and other proof of your qualifications, translated into English.

 

- Resume: A detailed description of your work experience and skills.

 

- Evidence of meeting requirements: For example, for a work permit for critical skills, you need to demonstrate that your profession is on the relevant list and that you meet the salary requirements.

 

- Payment of the fee: Receipt for the payment of the fee for processing the application.

 

Note that after obtaining a work permit, you may also need a visa to enter Ireland, depending on your nationality. It is recommended to contact the Irish embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information.

The features of employment in Ireland for European Union (EU) citizens and non-EU citizens differ in the following aspects:

 

Right to Work

 

EU citizens: Have the right to live and work freely in Ireland without the need for a work permit or visa.

Non-EU citizens: Must obtain the appropriate work permit before starting employment in Ireland. 

 

Employment Process

 

EU citizens: Can directly apply to employers and start working without additional bureaucratic procedures.

Non-EU citizens: Must first obtain a job offer from an Irish employer, who then applies for a work permit on behalf of the employee. Only after the permit approval can work begin.

 

Social Security and Rights

 

EU citizens: Have the same labor rights and social guarantees as Irish citizens, including access to the social welfare system and healthcare.

Non-EU citizens: After obtaining a work permit and starting employment, they also receive labor rights and social guarantees similar to those given to Irish citizens. However, access to some social services may be limited depending on the type of permit and the duration of stay.

 

Family Rights

 

EU citizens: Can bring family members with them, who also have the right to reside and work in Ireland without additional permits.

Non-EU citizens: The possibility of family reunification depends on the type of work permit. For example, holders of a Critical Skills Employment Permit can invite family members who can then receive the right to work in Ireland.

 

Taxation

 

EU and non-EU citizens: Are subject to the same tax obligations in Ireland. The amount of taxes depends on income level and family status.

Finding a job in Ireland requires a systematic approach and the use of various resources. 

 

Preparing a resume and cover letter

 

Resume: Create a clear and structured resume reflecting your experience, skills, and achievements. Make sure it meets Irish standards and is tailored to the specific job.

Cover Letter: Write a personalized letter for each position, highlighting why you are suitable for the role and how your skills match the employer's requirements.

 

Using Online Platforms for Job Searching

 

IrishJobs.ie: One of the largest job search sites in Ireland, offering a wide range of vacancies across various industries.

 

Indeed.ie: An international platform with an extensive database of job vacancies in Ireland.

 

Jobs.ie: A site specializing in vacancies in the service, retail, and hospitality sectors.

 

LinkedIn: A professional social network where employers post job openings and search for candidates.  Update your profile and actively use the platform to establish professional connections.

 

Contacting Recruitment Agencies

 

Many Irish companies partner with recruitment agencies to hire staff. Reaching out to such agencies can speed up the job search process.

 

Attending Job Fairs and Networking Events

 

Participation in career fairs and professional events provides an opportunity to meet employers in person, learn about job openings, and expand professional connections.

 

Direct Contact with Employers

 

If you are interested in a particular company, visit its official website and check out the "Careers" or "Vacancies" section. Many organizations post open positions directly on their resources.

 

Social Media and Professional Communities:

 

Join professional groups on social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn, where job vacancies are often published and employment opportunities are discussed.

 

Contacting Public Employment Services:

 

The Irish Employment Service (https://www.gov.ie/en/service/0fc778-intreo/ ) provides job search support, including consultations, training, and access to job vacancy databases.

Proficiency in English

 

English is the primary working language in Ireland. Most positions require a proficiency level of at least B2. For highly skilled jobs, such as in IT, medicine, or engineering, a level of C1 may be required. Some employers may request international exam results, such as IELTS, with a minimum score of 6.0 or higher, depending on the specifics of the job.

 

Qualifications and Education

 

Many employers require a higher education degree relevant to the position. For certain professions, confirmation of qualifications and recognition of diplomas in Ireland are necessary. For example, medical workers must be registered with the relevant professional bodies in the country.

 

Work Experience

 

Relevant experience is a significant advantage. For highly skilled positions, employers often expect several years of professional experience in the relevant field.

 

Professional Skills

 

Depending on the industry, specific technical skills may be required. For example, in the IT sector, knowledge of programming languages and experience with certain technologies are valued. In engineering, practical skills and knowledge of modern tools are important.

 

Social Skills

 

Irish employers value qualities such as communication, teamwork ability, flexibility, and adaptability.

 

Legal Status and Work Permit

 

Citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland must obtain the appropriate work permit in Ireland.

There is significant demand in Ireland for both skilled and unskilled labor across various sectors.

 

Skilled Labor

 

- Information Technology: The IT sector is actively developing, with a strong demand for specialists in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis.

 

- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, and other medical specialists are needed to meet the needs of the growing population.

 

- Engineering: Mechanical engineers, civil engineers, and automation specialists are in demand in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

 

- Financial services: Accountants, auditors, and financial analysts are needed in the banking and corporate sectors.

 

Unskilled labor

 

- Agriculture: Workers for harvesting and animal care are required on farms, especially during seasonal periods.

 

- Hospitality and restaurant industry: Waitstaff, housekeepers, and kitchen workers are in demand in hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist areas.

 

- Construction: Laborers and assistants on construction sites are needed to support building projects.

 

- Logistics and transportation: Truck drivers and warehouse workers are needed to ensure supply chains.

 

Understanding these trends will help job seekers identify the most promising employment directions in Ireland.

State Pension

 

State Contributory Pension

Retirement age: From January 2024, the retirement age is 66 years. However, flexibility is provided: one can retire from 66 to 70 years, which allows increasing the pension amount with a later retirement.

Requirements: A minimum of 10 years of paid social insurance contributions is required.

 

 

State Non-Contributory Pension

Retirement age: 66 years.

Requirements: Designed for individuals with an insufficient number of paid contributions. An income and assets test of the applicant is conducted.

 

Private Pension Schemes

Corporate pensions: Many employers offer additional pension plans for their employees, which allows increasing future pension payments.

Individual pension accounts: Available for those wishing to accumulate funds for retirement independently.

 

Automatic Enrolment in Pension Schemes

From 2024, Ireland introduces a system of automatic enrollment of employees in pension schemes. It is intended for workers aged 23 to 60 with an annual income of €20,000 not participating in other pension plans. Contributions will be made by both the employee and employer, with an additional contribution from the state.

 

Pension Rights for Immigrants

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Contributions paid in other EU/EEA countries or Switzerland may be considered when calculating the Irish pension due to social security agreements.

Citizens of other countries: Ireland has bilateral social security agreements with several states, which allows considering insurance periods spent outside Ireland.

In Ireland, the social insurance system covers various aspects of the lives of citizens and residents, providing financial support in different life situations. The main types of social insurance include:

 

Pension Insurance

 

State Contributory Pension: Provided to individuals who have reached retirement age (66 years) with sufficient contributions to the social insurance system. The pension amount depends on the total number of paid contributions and the average number of contributions per year.

 

State Non-Contributory Pension: Designed for individuals without sufficient contributions to the social insurance system. It is means-tested and available from the age of 66.

 

Medical Insurance

Ireland provides a public healthcare system funded through taxes. However, many citizens and residents additionally purchase private health insurance to expand the range of medical services and reduce waiting times.

 

Unemployment Insurance

Jobseeker's Benefit: Paid to individuals who have lost their jobs and have a sufficient number of PRSI contributions. The amount and duration of the payment depend on the number of contributions paid and previous earnings.

 

Means-tested Unemployment Benefit (Jobseeker's Allowance): Provided to individuals who do not have enough PRSI contributions or have exhausted their entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit. It is granted based on an assessment of income and assets.

 

Sickness and Disability Insurance

 

Illness Benefit: Paid to individuals who are temporarily unable to work for medical reasons and have sufficient PRSI contributions.

Disability Allowance: Designed for individuals with long-term or permanent incapacity to work who do not have enough PRSI contributions. It is granted based on means testing.

 

Survivor's Insurance

Widow's/Widower's Pension: Paid to surviving spouses if the deceased had sufficient PRSI contributions.

 

The Irish social insurance system is funded by contributions from employees and employers under social insurance. The amount of contributions depends on income levels and employment category. To receive specific benefits, certain conditions must be met, including the number of contributions paid and passing means tests.

In Ireland, employment relationships are regulated by legislation that ensures workers' rights in terms of dismissal, leave, and public holidays.

 

Dismissal

 

Employers must follow an established dismissal procedure, which includes:

 

1. Notification: Employees must be informed of dismissal in writing. Notice periods depend on the length of service:

 

   - Less than 2 years: 1 week

 

   - From 2 to 5 years: 2 weeks

 

   - From 5 to 10 years: 4 weeks

 

   - From 10 to 15 years: 6 weeks

 

   - Over 15 years: 8 weeks

 

2. Reason for dismissal: Dismissal must be justified, such as due to unsatisfactory work performance or disciplinary breaches.

 

3. Procedure: Before dismissal, the employer must carry out disciplinary proceedings, including oral and written warnings.

 

Leave

 

Annual Leave: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks of paid leave per year.

 

Parental Leave: Parents are entitled to up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a child under 12 years old.

 

Maternity Leave: Mothers are entitled to 26 weeks of paid leave and an additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave.

 

Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to 2 weeks of paid leave within the first 6 months after the birth of a child.

 

Public Holidays

 

There are 10 official public holidays in Ireland, including:

 

- New Year's Day (January 1)

- St. Patrick's Day (March 17)

- Easter Monday (date varies depending on Easter)

- May Day (first Monday of May)

- June Bank Holiday (first Monday of June)

- August Bank Holiday (first Monday of August)

- October Bank Holiday (last Monday of October)

- Christmas Day (December 25)

- St. Stephen's Day (December 26)

- Additional public holiday in honor of health workers (celebrated in February; date may vary)

 

These holidays represent official days off, and employees are entitled to a day off or additional pay if they work on a public holiday.

Main Professional Unions in Ireland

 

Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union: The largest trade union in Ireland; unites workers from various industries, including industry, services, and technical professions; actively participates in negotiations on wages and working conditions, and provides legal support to its members.

 

Irish Congress of Trade Unions: Unites most of the country's trade unions and represents the interests of workers at national and international levels; involved in developing labor legislation and employment policy.

 

Teachers' Union of Ireland: Represents teachers in secondary schools, colleges, and other educational institutions; deals with issues of wages, working conditions, and professional development of teachers.

 

Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation: Represents the interests of nurses and midwives; focuses on improving working conditions, increasing wages, and ensuring professional development for its members.

 

Mandate Trade Union: Unites workers in retail, bars, and other service sectors; addresses wages, working conditions, and professional training.

 

How trade unions can help

 

Rights protection: Trade unions represent workers' interests in negotiations with employers, ensuring compliance with labor laws and fair working conditions.

 

Legal support: In case of labor disputes or unfair dismissal, trade unions provide legal assistance and court representation.

 

Consultations: Trade unions offer consultations on employment issues, including contract terms, vacation rights, and other labor matters.

 

Training and development: Many trade unions organize training and courses to enhance their members' qualifications, fostering their professional growth.

 

Joining a trade union can significantly strengthen your position as a worker, providing support and protection in labor relations.

Conducting business in Ireland, including for foreigners, is characterized by a number of features that need to be considered when planning a business.

Legal forms of business

Sole Trader: A simple form of business where the entrepreneur bears full responsibility for obligations.

Partnership: A union of two or more persons for joint business with shared responsibility.

Limited Company: The most common form, where participants' liability is limited to their contribution to the company's capital.

Business registration

Sole Traders and Partnerships: Must register with the Revenue Commissioners to obtain a tax number.

Limited Companies: Registration is carried out at the Companies Registration Office (CRO).

Taxation

Corporate tax: The rate is 12.5% for trading profits and 25% for passive income.

Value-Added Tax: Standard rate is 23%. Some goods and services are taxed at reduced rates of 13.5% or 9%.

Personal income tax: Applies to the income of sole traders and partners.

 

Permits and licenses: Depending on the type of activity, obtaining special licenses or permits may be required. For example, for alcohol trading, providing financial services, or working in the healthcare sector.

Labor legislation: When hiring employees, it is necessary to comply with labor laws, including minimum wage, working conditions, vacations, and social insurance.

Support for entrepreneurs: Ireland offers various support programs for entrepreneurs, including grants, consultations, and training. Organizations such as Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland provide information and resources for startups and small businesses.

Features for foreigners

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Can freely conduct business in Ireland without the need for additional permits.

Citizens of other countries: Must obtain the appropriate visas and residence permits. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) allows foreigners to invest in innovative business ideas and receive residence permits.