What is the minimum salary for the Critical Skills Employment Permit in 2026?

From 1 March 2026, the minimum annual base salary is €40,904 for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List, €36,848 for recent graduates in listed roles, and €68,911 for occupations not on the list.

Do bonuses and benefits count towards the salary threshold?

No. Only base salary counts towards the employment permit salary threshold in Ireland. Bonuses, overtime, share options and most benefits are excluded.

Will the thresholds increase again?

Yes. The Irish government published a roadmap of gradual increases running to 2030. The March 2026 rise was 7.66%, and further phased increases are planned, so always check the current figure before applying.

Effective 1 March 2026

Critical Skills Permit Salary Thresholds 2026

Figures verified against the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

The short answer: from 1 March 2026 you need a base salary of at least €40,904 per year for an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List, €36,848 if you are a recent graduate in a listed role, or €68,911 for any other eligible occupation. Only base salary counts — bonuses and benefits are excluded.

All 2026 thresholds at a glance

Permit route	Minimum salary (2026)	Previous (2025)
Critical Skills — listed occupation, relevant degree	€40,904	€38,000
Critical Skills — recent graduate in listed occupation	€36,848	—
Critical Skills — occupation not on the list	€68,911	€64,000
General Employment Permit	€36,605	€34,000
General Employment Permit — recent graduate	€34,009	—
General Permit — care workers and healthcare assistants	€32,691	€30,000
Intra-Company Transfer Permit	€49,523	€46,000

💡 The March 2026 increase was 7.66% — less than the 14.7%–15.8% originally planned, after the government deferred part of the rise. Further phased increases run under the official roadmap to 2030, so confirm the current figure on the Department's website before applying.

What counts as "salary"?

Counts: annual base salary stated in your employment contract.
Does not count: bonuses, commission, overtime, share options, health insurance, pension contributions, accommodation and most other benefits.
The job offer must be full-time and for at least 2 years, from an employer registered and trading in Ireland.

The graduate route: €36,848

If you obtained your relevant qualification within the 12 months before applying, you can qualify for a listed occupation at the reduced €36,848 threshold. This is designed for early-career hires — a common route for international graduates of Irish universities moving from a Stamp 1G graduate permission into a Critical Skills permit.

Application fee

The application fee is €1,000, paid by you or your employer. If the application is refused, 90% (€900) is refunded. See the full process in our application guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum salary in 2026?

€40,904 for listed occupations, €36,848 for recent graduates in listed roles, and €68,911 for occupations not on the list — all effective 1 March 2026.

Do bonuses count towards the threshold?

No. Only base salary counts. Bonuses, overtime, share options and benefits are excluded.

Will thresholds increase again?

Yes — the government roadmap phases in further increases to 2030. Check the current figure before applying.

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