Ireland | Roadmap for gradual increase in employment permit salary thresholds

The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment announced a new roadmap to gradually increase salary thresholds across all employment permit types, starting March 1, 2026.

Key Points:

• The minimum salary for General Employment Permits will increase from €34,000 to €36,605 (about US$42,672).
• The minimum salary for Critical Skills Employment Permits will increase from €38,000 to €40,904 (about US$47,683).
• The minimum salary for meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants and home carers will increase from €30,000 to €32,691 (about US$38,109).
• Lower starting thresholds will apply for recent graduates.
• The first increase will take effect March 1, 2026, with further adjustments gradually introduced through 2030.
• Full details of the roadmap are available on the department’s website.

Additional Information: Minister Peter Burke said the intention of the salary threshold increases “is to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting the vital skills and talent our economy needs—especially in sectors like healthcare and construction.”

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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