Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) – At a Glance

The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is issued by Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). It is designed to attract highly skilled individuals whose occupations are critically important to Ireland’s economic growth, in high demand, and currently in short supply within the labour market.

Key Points about the CSEP:

• Eligibility is mainly based on your specific occupation and the level of salary offered.

• Labour Market Needs Test is not required, making the application process more straightforward.

• Family Reunification: Permit holders can immediately apply for their spouse, partner, and dependants to join them in Ireland. Once here, family members are eligible to seek employment and can apply for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit — currently issued free of charge (only registration fees apply).

• Pathway to Long-Term Residency: After completing the duration of their Critical Skills Employment Permit, holders may apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for permission to live and work in Ireland without needing a further employment permit.

The CSEP offers a clear and supportive route to building a stable future in Ireland, both for you and your family.

Recognition of Qualifications and Professional Registration

Before applying for work or a Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland, it is very important to check whether your South African qualifications are recognised and whether your career requires registration with an Irish regulatory body or organisation.

Key Points to Note:

• Some professions in Ireland require formal registration or licensing before you can legally work in that field.

• Registration processes can take several months to complete.

• Without the required registration, your work permit application may be declined, and many employers may not consider your application until you are fully registered.

Important Resources:

• Check Registration Requirements: Always confirm if your profession needs registration before applying for jobs.

• Qualification Comparison Tool: You can compare your South African schooling or degrees with Irish standards using the NARIC tool, which aligns qualifications to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Applications for a Critical Skills Employment Permit must be submitted to the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

Both the employer and the employee are eligible to submit the application.

Important Points to Remember:

• Some Critical Skills Employment Permits may be processed more quickly if the employer is registered as a Trusted Partner with DETE.

• Applications must be submitted at least 12 weeks before the intended start date of employment.

• The processing fee for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is €1,000.

• Applications are made online through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).

Planning ahead and ensuring all documentation is in order will help make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Once you hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit, your spouse (married), partner, and minor dependent children (under 18 years) can join you in Ireland.

• Married spouses and dependent children can apply for family reunification after your permit is granted.

• De facto (unmarried) partners must apply for a De Facto visa in advance, providing proof of a genuine and durable relationship.

For more detailed guidance, visit our SA2Éire resources:

• Dependants and Critical Skills Permits: A deeper look at the process.

• Spouses, Children, and Work Permit Conditions: Understanding your family’s rights and visa stamps. – In particular children over 18 years have a very limited future as the dependant of a CSEP- make sure you and your children understand the consequences before looking for work.

As of July 10, 2024, South African passport holders are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Ireland. This change aligns Ireland’s visa policies more closely with the Schengen Area and the UK.

Key Points:

1. Visa Requirement:

   • All South African nationals must secure a visa prior to traveling to Ireland.​

2. De Facto Partners:

   • If you and your partner are not legally married (e.g., in a religious ceremony not recognized by civil law), your partner must apply for Pre-Clearance before traveling to Ireland.​

Pre-Clearance Application Process:

• Eligibility: Non-EEA de facto partners of Irish nationals intending to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.

• Application: Must be completed and approved before traveling to Ireland.​

• Required Documentation: Evidence of a genuine and durable relationship, among other supporting documents.​

• Processing Time: Varies; applicants should apply well in advance of intended travel.​

It’s essential to adhere to these updated requirements to ensure a smooth entry into Ireland.

Our page on ENTRY VISA’s HERE