Important information on getting a job in Ireland

Ireland has emerged as a popular work abroad option. There are opportunities in multiple sectors. If you are searching for work opportunities, there are good chances to find a job here.

 The economy in Ireland has seen an upward growth and jobseekers have bright chances thanks to a skills shortage and demand for certain roles in key industries. These include technology and IT, finance and the pharmaceutical sectors.

Technology and IT sector:

Ireland is home to reputed technology companies that include multinational and local firms. Some of the top jobs in demand in this sector include software engineers, developers, UI developers, UX and UI designers and professionals in data analytics.

Finance sector:

With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, financial institutions are preferring to set up their business in Ireland. Financial institutions consider Ireland as a gateway to the EU and the US and many London based companies have indicated their intention to relocate.

 A survey by EY on Brexit confirms that many financial businesses have selected Dublin to move their operations once Brexit comes into effect. These include banks, insurance firms, fintech companies etc.

This is expected to create around 1,500 jobs in this sector. The roles will include financial analysts, accountants, payroll specialists and finance professionals with language skills.

 Pharmaceutical sector:

In the past year, top pharmaceutical companies have announced their intention to set up their business in Ireland. Around 2000 job openings are expected in this sector. There will be a high demand for Quality Assurance (QA) professionals.

Other job opportunities:

Jobs in digital marketing, insurance, human resources and professionals with language skills will be in demand here.

Visa requirements:

If you are qualified to work in any of these industries, you must be aware of the visa requirements. If you are from a non-EU country, you must have a work permit before going to Ireland for work.  There are two types of work permits:

1. Ireland General Employment Permit
2. Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

1. Ireland General Employment Permit

This permit lets you work in Ireland in a job that pays a minimum of 30,000 Euros. You must have a job offer before applying for this visa. You or your employer can apply for this visa. The tenure of your job should be two years or more. To qualify for this visa, you must have a degree that is related to the job you have been selected for.

This visa is issued for two years and can be extended for a further three years. After five years on this work permit, you can apply for long term residence in the country.

2. Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

This is a job-offer based work permit. You are eligible provided your role pays you 600,000 pounds per year or a minimum of 300,000 pounds per year if your job is present in Ireland’s Highly Skilled Occupations List. Either you or your employer can apply for this visa.

The validity of this permit is two years. Your employment contract must mention that you will be employed for a minimum of two years. After two years immigrants can apply for Stamp 4 with which you can live and work in Ireland permanently.

 Labor Market Needs Test:

Both these work permits must pass the Labor Market Needs test before they are approved. The employer must prove that the job opening was offered to workers in the EEA, and since no suitable candidate was found, it was offered to an immigrant.