Kildare: 
Important Update: Employment Permit Salary Thresholds Increased (Effective 1 March 2026)
Most employers will already be aware, but it’s worth reiterating — salary thresholds for both General Employment Permits (GEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP) have now increased.
🔍 Key points to note:
All employment permit applications submitted from 1 March 2026 must meet the new salary thresholds.
This also applies to renewals — employers must ensure salaries meet the threshold in place at the time of renewal, not the original application.
Further increases are expected in 2027, so forward planning is essential.
Thresholds are based on a 39-hour working week, meaning employers must ensure compliance with both annual salary and hourly rate requirements.
💼 Updated Salary Thresholds:
General Employment Permit (GEP):
- Increased from €34,000 → €36,605
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP):
- With relevant degree: €38,000 → €40,904
- Without relevant degree: €64,000 → €68,911
🎓 Graduate Category (Reintroduced):
€34,009 – GEP holders who graduated in the last 12 months from an Irish institution
€36,848 – CSEP holders with a relevant degree linked to a Critical Skills role
This category is a welcome development, particularly for early-career talent. However, employers should carefully assess future affordability, especially at renewal stage where higher thresholds will apply.
⚠️ What this means for employers:
- Review current and upcoming permit applications
- Plan ahead for renewals and 2027 increases
- Ensure both salary and hourly rates are compliant
If you need support navigating these updates or reviewing your workforce planning, feel free to get in touch. Reach out to our Immigration and Work Permit Specialist, Noreen Sweeney in our Naas office on 045 881888 or email noreen@clark.ie
#EmploymentPermits #CriticalSkills #RecruitmentIreland #HRCompliance #WorkPermits #ClarkRecruitment
