Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

Ireland

National minimum wage: €14.15 an hour since 1 January 2026 for workers aged 20 and over. Younger workers get lower rates: €12.74 at 19, €11.32 at 18 and €9.91 under 18.
Working time: no more than 48 hours a week on average (usually averaged over four months). You get a 15-minute break after 4.5 hours and 30 minutes after 6 hours, 11 hours’ rest in every 24 hours and 24 hours’ rest a week.
Overtime: employers have no legal obligation to pay extra for overtime – it depends on your contract or sector agreement, although many employers pay higher rates.
Holidays: at least 4 weeks of paid annual leave a year, plus 10 public holidays.
Contract: within 5 days of starting, your employer must give you the core terms in writing (including your pay and expected working hours); the full written statement of terms follows within one month.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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