Ireland has announced an increase in the minimum annual salary for its General Employment Permit, set to take effect on March 1, 2026. The new threshold is €36,605, which is approximately KSh 5.44 million. This represents a significant rise from the previous threshold of €34,000. The change is part of a government-approved roadmap aimed at gradually adjusting salary limits across all employment-permit categories.
The decision to raise the minimum salary was made by Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail. They jointly announced the change as part of a Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds. The increase is intended to align the pay of permit holders with current labor-market conditions, ensuring that foreign employees receive remuneration that is considered appropriate for the Irish economy.
The higher salary threshold may impact prospective applicants for the General Employment Permit. Specifically, those whose job offers fall below €36,605 may be ineligible for a permit unless their occupation qualifies for specific exemptions or sector-based rules. This change could affect Kenyan job seekers, among others, who are considering working in Ireland. The new threshold translates to approximately €3,050 per month before tax, or roughly KSh 453,000.
The roadmap for minimum annual remuneration also includes plans for a phased removal of very low salary thresholds for certain agri-food and healthcare positions. This move signals a broader tightening of permit criteria, aimed at ensuring that foreign workers are fairly compensated. The changes are designed to protect the rights of foreign employees and to maintain the integrity of Ireland's employment permit system.
Prospective applicants for the General Employment Permit are advised to verify the latest eligibility requirements with Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment before submitting a permit request. This will help ensure that their job offers meet the new salary threshold and other requirements. The department's website and relevant authorities will provide further guidance on the changes.
The increase in the minimum salary threshold for the General Employment Permit reflects Ireland's efforts to maintain a fair and sustainable employment permit system. By adjusting the salary limits, the government aims to balance the needs of the labor market with the rights of foreign workers. This change is part of a broader strategy to ensure that employment permits are granted only to workers who will be fairly compensated.
The new minimum salary requirement for the General Employment Permit will have implications for employers and prospective employees alike. Employers will need to ensure that their job offers meet the new threshold, while prospective employees will need to verify that their job offers are eligible for a permit. The change is set to take effect on March 1, 2026, and will apply to all new applications submitted after that date.
Key points
- The minimum annual salary for Ireland's General Employment Permit will increase to €36,605 effective March 1, 2026.
- The change is part of a government-approved roadmap aimed at gradually adjusting salary limits across all employment-permit categories.
- Prospective applicants must verify the latest eligibility requirements with Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment before submitting a permit request.
