Ireland work permits: the 2026 salary check applies to renewals too

An Irish employment-permit renewal should not be planned around the salary figure used when the original permit was issued. Ireland's enterprise department says the applicable minimum annual remuneration is assessed at the point of application, including renewals.

For a late-2026 application, the increases that took effect on 1 March are an important starting point.

Use the correct permit category

The government's roadmap lists a standard General Employment Permit threshold of €36,605 and an increase to €40,904 for the relevant lower-threshold Critical Skills route. Certain meat-processing, horticulture, healthcare-assistant and home-care roles have a €32,691 threshold.

These figures do not describe every possible case. The roadmap includes provisions for recent graduates and qualifying public-sector arrangements, while Critical Skills eligibility also depends on the particular route and role. Check the complete category rules with the employer.

Working hours affect the calculation

The department explains that the annual threshold is linked to a 39-hour working week. Working fewer hours does not simply reduce the required annual salary; working additional hours brings an associated minimum hourly-rate requirement.

Ask the employer to show how the proposed contract satisfies both the annual and relevant hourly tests. Compare that explanation with the stated working hours, rather than judging the offer only by its headline salary.

Prepare the renewal early

As a practical planning step, review the salary and role well before the existing permission expires. Resolve differences between the contract, payroll records and the intended application while there is time for a genuine correction.

Keep a copy of the official threshold guidance used for the check, along with the proposed application date. Do not rely on an older recruitment advertisement or assume a previous approval guarantees the next one.

A compliant salary is one part of the permit process. Confirm occupation eligibility and the remaining application requirements before making a relocation or employment decision.