Planning your move to Ireland for work? You’re probably wondering about one crucial question: “How much will this actually cost me?” If you’ve started researching the General Employment Permit (what most people call a work permit), you’ve likely encountered confusing information about fees, processing costs, and hidden expenses. Let me break it all down for you in plain English—because understanding the Ireland work permit application fee shouldn’t require a law degree.
Whether you’re a skilled professional eyeing opportunities in Dublin’s thriving tech scene or a healthcare worker answering Ireland’s call for qualified staff, knowing the exact costs upfront helps you plan better and avoid surprises. This guide covers everything from the basic application fee to additional costs you might not have considered yet.
Understanding Ireland’s General Employment Permit
Before we dive into costs, let’s quickly clarify what we’re talking about. The General Employment Permit is Ireland’s most common work visa for foreign nationals who have a job offer from an Irish employer. It covers most occupations and allows you to live and work legally in Ireland for up to two years initially, with options to renew.
The Irish government processes these permits through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and yes—there are fees involved at multiple stages.
The Core Application Fee: What You’ll Definitely Pay
Here’s the straightforward answer: The standard General Employment Permit application fee is €1,000.
This is the base cost you’ll pay when submitting your initial application. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing, this fee remains consistent. It’s non-refundable, meaning even if your application gets rejected, you won’t get this money back.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Department accepts payment through:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Debit cards
- Online banking transfers
You’ll pay this fee online through the government’s official Employment Permit Online System (EPOS). Cash payments and checks aren’t accepted—Ireland’s immigration system runs entirely digitally now, which actually makes tracking your application much easier.
Breaking Down Additional Costs
While €1,000 is your main expense, several other costs typically accompany the Irish work permit process:
1. Irish Resident Permit Card (IRP) – €300
Once your work permit gets approved and you arrive in Ireland, you’ll need to register with immigration and obtain your IRP card. This physical card proves your legal status and costs €300. You must apply for this within 90 days of arriving in Ireland.
Total so far: €1,300
2. Document Translation and Authentication
If your documents aren’t in English (or Irish), you’ll need certified translations. Depending on your country of origin, you might also need:
- Document apostille services: €50-€150 per document
- Professional translation services: €30-€60 per page
For someone from a non-English speaking country with a degree, work references, and personal documents to translate, budget around €200-€400 for this step.
3. Medical Insurance Requirements
While not directly part of the application fee, many employers require proof of international health insurance until you’re enrolled in Ireland’s public healthcare system. Some applicants spend €300-€800 on short-term coverage for their first few months.
4. Professional Documentation Costs
You might need to obtain:
- Degree verification from your university: €25-€100
- Police clearance certificates: €20-€80 depending on your country
- Employment reference letters: Usually free, but some companies charge administrative fees
Budget approximately €100-€200 for professional documentation.
Real Story: Sarah’s Experience with Hidden Costs
Sarah, a software developer from India, thought she had everything figured out when her Dublin employer offered to sponsor her work permit. She’d budgeted €1,000 for the application fee and figured she was good to go.
Reality hit differently. Between getting her documents apostilled in India (€120), translating her university transcripts (€90), obtaining police clearances from two countries where she’d lived (€110), and paying for temporary health insurance (€450), Sarah ended up spending an additional €770 beyond the base application fee.
“I wish someone had told me to budget at least €2,000 total,” she told me six months into her Dublin adventure. “The permit fee is just the beginning. But honestly? Once I got here and started my job, it felt worth every euro.”
Total Cost Estimate: The Complete Picture
Here’s what you should realistically budget for the complete Ireland work permit cost:
Minimum scenario (straightforward application):
- Application fee: €1,000
- IRP card: €300
- Miscellaneous documents: €100
- Total: €1,400
Average scenario (typical applicant):
- Application fee: €1,000
- IRP card: €300
- Document preparation: €250
- Temporary health insurance: €400
- Total: €1,950
Maximum scenario (complex case):
- Application fee: €1,000
- IRP card: €300
- Extensive document translation/apostille: €500
- Legal consultation: €300-€500
- Health insurance: €800
- Total: €2,900-€3,100
Most applicants fall somewhere in the average range, spending €1,800-€2,200 total.
When Payment Is Due
Understanding the timeline helps with cash flow planning:
Before application submission: You’ll pay the €1,000 permit fee upfront when you submit through EPOS.
Upon arrival in Ireland: The €300 IRP fee is due when you register with immigration, typically within your first month in Ireland.
Throughout the process: Document preparation costs occur as you gather materials, usually 2-4 weeks before your application submission.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Application
1. Employer Sponsorship
Some employers cover the €1,000 application fee as part of their relocation package. Always negotiate this during your job offer discussions—it’s more common than you might think in competitive industries like tech and pharmaceuticals.
2. DIY Document Preparation
Unless your situation is complex, you can usually handle the application yourself without paying €300-€500 for immigration lawyers. The EPOS system is user-friendly, and the Department’s website provides detailed guidelines.
3. Timing Your Health Insurance
If your employer offers health coverage starting from day one, you might skip private international insurance entirely. Clarify this before purchasing coverage.
4. Group Translation Services
If multiple documents need translation, some services offer package discounts. Shop around—prices vary significantly between providers.
Fee Waivers and Reductions: Do They Exist?
Here’s the straightforward answer: No standard fee waivers exist for General Employment Permits. The €1,000 fee applies to everyone, regardless of nationality, occupation, or salary level.
However, some specific circumstances might affect your costs:
- Intra-company transfers have different fee structures
- Critical Skills Employment Permits cost the same (€1,000) but may offer faster processing
- Renewals cost the same as initial applications—there’s no “renewal discount”
Processing Times and Fee Refunds
The standard processing time for General Employment Permits is approximately 8-10 weeks from submission. Paying extra won’t expedite your application—Ireland doesn’t offer premium processing options for work permits.
Regarding refunds: The €1,000 application fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including:
- Application rejection
- Withdrawal of application
- Employer canceling the job offer
- Processing delays
This makes it crucial to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting.
Comparing Costs: Ireland vs. Other Countries
How does Ireland’s work visa fee structure compare internationally?
- UK Skilled Worker Visa: £625-£1,423 (approximately €730-€1,665)
- Canada Work Permit: CAD $155-$255 (approximately €105-€175)
- Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: AUD $1,455-€3,035 (approximately €900-€1,880)
- United States H-1B: $460-$2,460 USD (approximately €425-€2,275)
Ireland’s costs sit in the mid-to-upper range globally, but remember—you’re also getting access to the EU market, exceptional quality of life, and a booming economy with competitive international employment opportunities.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can my employer pay the work permit application fee on my behalf?
A: Yes, absolutely! Many Irish employers cover the €1,000 application fee as part of their recruitment package, especially for in-demand roles. This is completely legal and quite common. Just ensure the payment comes from a company account and is clearly noted in the application.
Q: What happens if my application gets rejected—do I get a refund?
A: Unfortunately, no. The €1,000 fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This is why it’s crucial to ensure your application meets all requirements before submission. Consider reviewing the eligibility criteria carefully or consulting with your employer’s HR team who likely has experience with these applications.
Q: Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
A: The main “hidden” costs are the €300 IRP card upon arrival and potential document preparation expenses (translations, apostilles, police clearances). Budget an extra €500-€800 beyond the basic permit fee to be safe. Some people also underestimate the cost of temporary accommodation while house-hunting in Ireland.
Q: How do I pay the application fee if I’m applying from outside Ireland?
A: You’ll pay online through the Employment Permit Online System (EPOS) using an international credit or debit card. The system accepts most major cards and processes payments in euros. Make sure your card is enabled for international transactions before starting your application.
Q: Is the fee different for different types of work permits?
A: The General Employment Permit, Critical Skills Employment Permit, and most other permit types all cost €1,000. However, some specific permits like Intra-Company Transfer permits may have different fees. Always check the current fee schedule on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website for your specific permit type.
Planning Your Financial Journey to Ireland
Look, I get it—seeing these numbers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already investing so much emotional energy into this big life change. You’re not just paying fees; you’re paying for a dream, for new opportunities, for a fresh start in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries.
But here’s what I want you to remember: thousands of people go through this exact process every year, and the vast majority will tell you it was worth every cent. That €2,000 you’ll invest in the permit process? It’s your entry ticket to a country with incredible career opportunities, breathtaking landscapes, welcoming communities, and yes—proper pubs on every corner.
The key is planning ahead. Don’t let the costs surprise you. Start saving early, negotiate with your employer, and give yourself a financial buffer. This isn’t just about having enough money for fees—it’s about arriving in Ireland without financial stress, ready to fully embrace your new adventure.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Irish Future
The General Employment Permit application fee of €1,000, combined with additional costs for IRP registration, document preparation, and incidentals, means you should budget €1,800-€2,200 total for the complete process. While these fees are substantial and non-refundable, they represent an investment in accessing Ireland’s robust economy, EU opportunities, and exceptional quality of life.
Remember to explore employer sponsorship options, plan for all associated costs beyond just the basic permit fee, and allow 8-10 weeks for processing. With proper financial planning and understanding of the complete Ireland immigration costs, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey to the Emerald Isle.
