Work Permit Scheme

Description

The Work Permit Scheme is for issuance of work permits for occupations with a salary of EUR 30,000 a year or more where Green Card Permits are not available. In very limited circumstances, they can be issued for salary ranges below EUR 30,000 a year.

The work permit can be issued to the applicant for the occupation specified on the permit. It is issued for an initial period of two years and can be renewed for a further three years. The work permit can be issued indefinitely after a period of five years.

Qualified Applicants

Either an employer or an employee can apply for the permit. The employee must possess the relevant qualifications, skills or experience for the desired employment.

Work Permit Scheme Occupation Categories

There are two categories of occupations under which the Work Permit Scheme can be applied for:

• The annual salary is EUR 30,000 a year or more (excluding bonuses). In this case, the work permit is available for all qualified occupations, other than those which are contrary to the public interest.
• For salary ranges less than EUR 30,000 a year, only a very limited number of occupations will be considered for issuance of a work permit.

In either case, work permits will not be considered for any job categories specified in the ineligible job categories list.

Labor Market Needs Test

A job vacancy in which an individual or employer wishes to make an application under the Work Permit Scheme must be advertised in the FAS/EURES employment network and in local and national newspapers for three days to ensure that firstly, a national of the EEA or Switzerland, and secondly, a national of Bulgaria and Romania, cannot be found to fill the vacancy.

Processing Fees

• First time application: EUR 500 for period up to six months
• First time application: EUR 1000 for period from six months to 2 years
• Renewal: EUR 1500 for period up to three years
• Indefinite Renewal after five years: No Fee