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Occupation Lists

Ireland maintains two key lists that determine which employment permit you can apply for. Check if your occupation is eligible.

Note: These lists are simplified summaries based on the official lists published by the Department of Enterprise. The actual lists use SOC codes and are more granular. Always check the official CSOL and official Ineligible List for your specific role.

Critical Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Roles on this list qualify for the Critical Skills Employment Permit (minimum €40,904 with degree)

ICT

Software Developer/EngineerData Analyst/ScientistData EngineerDevOps EngineerCloud Architect/EngineerCybersecurity Analyst/EngineerMachine Learning EngineerDatabase AdministratorNetwork EngineerIT Project ManagerSystems AdministratorUX/UI Designer (with technical skills)Solutions ArchitectQA/Test Engineer (automation)

Engineering

Civil EngineerMechanical EngineerElectrical EngineerChemical EngineerProduction/Manufacturing EngineerQuality EngineerProcess EngineerBiomedical EngineerEnvironmental Engineer

Healthcare

Medical Practitioner (all specialties)Registered Nurse (general, psychiatric, intellectual disability)MidwifeRadiographer/Radiation TherapistOccupational TherapistPhysiotherapistSpeech & Language TherapistClinical PsychologistPharmacistMedical ScientistSocial Worker

Finance

Financial Analyst/ControllerActuaryRisk AnalystCompliance Officer (financial services)Quantitative AnalystFund Accountant

Science & Pharma

BiochemistBioinformatics ScientistPharmaceutical EngineerValidation EngineerRegulatory Affairs SpecialistQuality Assurance (pharma/medical devices)Clinical Research AssociateAnalytical Chemist

Construction & Trades

Quantity SurveyorBuilding Services EngineerConstruction Project ManagerCrane Operator (certain types)Scaffolder (advanced)

Other

Supply Chain/Logistics ManagerChef (executive/head, with qualifications)Agricultural ScientistVeterinarianAuditor (chartered)Tax Specialist (chartered)

Ineligible Occupations List

These roles cannot get a General Employment Permit (but may still qualify for Critical Skills at €68,911+)

Admin & Clerical

General Office ClerkReceptionistData Entry ClerkFiling/Records ClerkAdministrative Assistant (general)

Retail & Sales

Retail Sales AssistantCashier/Checkout OperatorSales Representative (general)Retail Store Manager

Elementary Occupations

Cleaner (domestic/industrial)Security GuardKitchen PorterLaundry WorkerCar Park AttendantShelf Stacker

Hospitality (most roles)

Waiter/WaitressBartenderHotel PorterHousekeeperFast Food WorkerCommis Chef/Kitchen Assistant

Transport

Bus/Coach DriverTaxi DriverDelivery DriverForklift Operator (general)

Other

General LabourerFarm Worker (most roles)Hairdresser/BarberChildminder (unqualified)Dog GroomerLandscape Gardener (general)

Not sure which permit you qualify for?

Use the salary checker to see which permits match your salary, or browse the full permit types guide.

Lists based on the Department of Enterprise publications as of June 2026. These are reviewed and updated periodically. Check official source.