Ireland General Employment Permit (GEP): 2026 Guide for Indians
The General Employment Permit (GEP) is Ireland’s broad work permit, covering most occupations not on the Critical Skills list. You need a job offer above the minimum salary threshold and, in most cases, the employer must pass a Labour Market Needs Test. It is the main route for Indians in roles that are in demand but not classed as critical.
General Employment Permit: Key Facts At-a-Glance
Below is a summary of processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian applicants pursuing the General Employment Permit (Ireland).
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | General Employment Permit (Standard skilled work) |
| Avg. Processing Time | 1 - 3 months (indicative) |
| Government Fees | INR EUR 1,000 for 24 months (INR 92,000 approx.) |
| English Language Min | No IELTS; based on job offer, role and salary |
| Visa Validity | Up to 2 years, renewable |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Broader eligibility: covers roles not on the Critical Skills list.
- Lower salary bar: a lower threshold than the CSEP.
- Route to residence: leads to Stamp 4 after five years.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Ireland visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Qualifying job offer: A job offer meeting the GEP salary threshold.
- 2Labour market test: A labour market needs test is generally required (advertising the role first).
- 3Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or experience for the role.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Confirm GEP eligibility
Verify the role and salary qualify under the GEP.
Complete the labour market test
Ensure the employer satisfies the advertising/market-test requirement.
Lodge the employment permit
Submit the GEP application with supporting evidence.
Build toward Stamp 4
Maintain qualifying employment toward five-year residence.
Verify Ireland immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
What is the minimum salary for a General Employment Permit?
The GEP minimum salary threshold has been rising under Ireland’s multi-year plan - it moved to EUR 34,000 for most roles and is reviewed annually. Some occupations carry different minimums. We confirm the current threshold against your specific job offer before applying.
What is the Labour Market Needs Test?
For most General Employment Permit roles, the employer must first advertise the vacancy (with the local employment service and in national and EU channels) to show no EEA candidate is available. Critical Skills roles are exempt; GEP roles usually are not. We guide employers through it.
How is the GEP different from the Critical Skills permit?
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is for high-demand roles, has a faster route to Stamp 4 residence, immediate family reunification and no labour market test. The General Employment Permit covers a wider range of jobs but has a longer, more conditional path to long-term residence.
Can I bring my family on a General Employment Permit?
Family reunification is possible on the GEP but is less immediate than on the Critical Skills permit and is subject to conditions, including the sponsor meeting income requirements. We set out the realistic timeline for your family based on your permit type and salary.
How much does the General Employment Permit cost?
About EUR 1,000 for a permit of up to 24 months, or EUR 500 for up to 6 months (roughly INR 92,000 and INR 46,000). Indicative processing is one to three months for a complete application, subject to the current Department of Enterprise queue.
Check Your Ireland Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific General Employment Permit visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.