In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. If you are a researcher who is planning on working in an Irish research institution, you may be eligible to participate in the Hosting Agreement Scheme.
This key service is of huge benefit to non-EEA (European Economic Area) researchers on contracts and their employers. By availing of a Hosting Agreement, entry visas are fast tracked and researchers can work in Ireland without recourse to the usual work permit.This scheme also allows the researcher’s immediate family to live in Ireland for the duration of the agreement and entitles their spouse and dependents to access the job market without the requirement of applying for a seperate work permit hence allowing greater ease of access to employment in Ireland.
If you have a query related to the Work Permit and immigrtion rules in Ireland please chack the FAQ
However, if you are not eligible for the Hosting Agreement Scheme, please vist the Employment Permit Scheme in Ireland.
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA (European Economic Area) nation, with the exception of Bulgaria and Romania, or a Swiss national, you do not require a permit to work or study in Ireland. Please see here for more information about work permits.
If you are not from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, Ireland obliges you to fulfil a number of conditions to seek permission to work or study in Ireland.
See below for ore detailed information about work permits
employment-permits-act-2024-information-note-on-key-changes.pdf
What else do I need to work in Ireland?
You should have a Personal Public Service (PPS) number. Your PPS number is a unique reference number which your employer uses to make the required tax and social insurance contributions on your behalf. You also use your PPS number when accessing social welfare and health benefits.
You apply through the Department of Social Protection. Not all social welfare offices issue PPS numbers so you should contact your local social welfare office to get information on where to go. Alternatively follow this link.
In order to receive a PPS number, you need to show you have a reason for needing one. For example, you have a job offer or you need to apply for a social welfare payment or child benefit.
Go to this page for detailed information on the PPS number, process and requirements.
Usually 5 working days from the date you applied.
This will depend on the nature of the qualification and the country where it was obtained. It may be possible for you to get formal recognition of your qualification in Ireland. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland provides a way of relating foreign qualifications to the nearest comparable qualification in Ireland. You should contact Qualifications Recognition Ireland. This service is free of charge.
Qualifications Recognition National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
5th Floor Jervis House, Jervis St. Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 8871500
Email: info@qualrec.ie
Website: www.qualrec.ie
- Update your CV
- Get written work references from current and previous employers
- Have details of your qualifications with an English translation and contact Qualifications Recognition Ireland to get a formal recognition of your qualifications.
CVs can take many formats. The most important criteria are that your CV is clear and easy to read. It should contain personal contact details, educational history, relevant skills or interests and most importantly work experience details.
Volunteering can also be a great way of gaining work experience in Ireland.
- Your Local Employment Service
- Your local Jobs Club
In Dublin you can also contact:
EPIC – Employment for People from Immigrant Communities aims to assist citizens of both EU and non-EU countries (stamp 4) to find employment and/or further training and education in Ireland: 31 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 8743840/1
Email: epic@bitc.ie
Jobcare helps people find jobs by providing training, resources, expertise and opportunities for personal development: 28a Pearse Street, Dublin 2
Telephone: 01 6773897
Email: info@jobcare.ie
The Larkin Unemployed Centre: 57-58 North Strand Road, North Strand, Dublin 3
Telephone: 01 8365544
Email: info@larkinctr.com
FÁS is the national training and employment authority. For more information you should check out their website or call in to your local FÁS office.
If you have stamp 1 and have been made redundant you can register with FÁS otherwise FÁS will only register people who have stamp 4.
You can also contact your Local Employment Service (LES).
You can check local and national newspapers: The Irish Times and The Irish Examiner (job supplement on Fridays), The Irish Independent (job supplement on Thursdays), The Sunday Independent and The Evening Herald.
Use personal contacts, for example, relatives or friends who may know of current vacancies.
You can also check the internet for details of current vacancies – here is a sample of some websites for job-seekers: