Ireland has introduced a higher minimum salary requirement for foreign workers applying for a General Employment Permit. The new rule affects non-EU/EEA nationals planning to work in Ireland under this route. Eligible applicants must now earn at least €36,605 per year, up from the previous threshold of €34,000. This change may impact Ghanaians and other international jobseekers planning to move to Ireland for employment.
The Irish government increased the minimum annual remuneration for the General Employment Permit from €34,000 to €36,605. The new threshold took effect on March 1, 2026. This change is part of Ireland's phased plan to adjust minimum salary thresholds across its employment permit system. The phased approach aims to give employers and prospective applicants time to prepare for future increases.
The increase was introduced by Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail. The roadmap for minimum annual remuneration provides for gradual increases in minimum salary thresholds. It also aims to remove very low salary thresholds for certain jobs in the agri-food and healthcare sectors.
Foreign applicants seeking a General Employment Permit must ensure that the salary attached to their eligible job meets the €36,605 annual minimum. Applicants whose proposed salary falls below the applicable threshold may not qualify for a General Employment Permit under the revised rules. Irish authorities said the changes are intended to ensure employment permit salary thresholds remain aligned with economic conditions.
The changes support appropriate pay for foreign workers in Ireland. For Ghanaians and other non-EU/EEA nationals considering Ireland as a work destination, checking the applicable salary threshold is crucial. This will be an important part of planning an employment permit application. The Irish government encourages prospective applicants to review the updated requirements.
Ireland has also announced a special provision for young people from selected countries. This arrangement offers eligible applicants a longer opportunity to stay in Ireland. However, details about the specific countries and eligibility criteria are not provided. Ghanaians and other international jobseekers should verify the information before making plans.
The updated salary threshold reflects Ireland's efforts to adjust its employment permit system. Prospective applicants should review the requirements and ensure they meet the new minimum salary requirement. This change may impact some jobseekers, and it is essential to plan accordingly.
Key points
- The new minimum salary requirement for General Employment Permit applicants is €36,605 per year.
- The change took effect on March 1, 2026.
- The increase is part of Ireland's phased plan to adjust minimum salary thresholds.
