Working in European countries for non-EU citizens

If you are not an EU/EEA or British citizen, you need an employment permit and immigration permission. Ireland does not take part in the EU Blue Card scheme – it has its own permits:

• Graduates of Irish colleges (Stamp 1G, Third Level Graduate Programme): after a level 8 qualification you get 12 months to look for work; after level 9 or higher, 12 months that can be renewed for another 12. Apply within six months of graduation, while you still hold Stamp 2.
• Critical Skills Employment Permit – for jobs on the Critical Skills Occupations List paying at least €40,904 a year (€36,848 if you graduated in the last 12 months), or other occupations paying over €68,911. The job offer must be for at least 2 years and no labour market test is needed. Afterwards you can apply for Stamp 4.
• General Employment Permit – generally at least €36,605 a year (€34,009 with a relevant degree from an Irish college obtained in the last 12 months); in most cases the employer must first carry out a labour market needs test.

Thresholds as published in October 2026. Permits are explained by the Department of Enterprise, immigration permissions by Immigration Service Delivery.