Quick Answer
Primary Visa: General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit
Expected Salary: €37,000–€55,000/yr
Processing Time: 4-8 weeks for permit. Teaching Council registration: 4-8 weeks.
Key Requirements: Teaching qualification recognised by Teaching Council of Ireland. Irish language requirement for primary schools. English-medium secondary schools accessible.
Ireland has a teacher shortage, particularly in STEM subjects, modern languages, and special education at secondary level. Primary schools also face shortages, though the Irish language requirement (Gaeilge) limits international recruitment.
Secondary school teachers need registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Qualifications from the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA are commonly assessed as equivalent. You need a degree in your teaching subject(s) plus a teaching qualification.
Starting salary for qualified teachers is €37,692, rising to €55,000+ with experience. These are among the highest starting teacher salaries in the EU. Additional allowances apply for qualifications and island/Gaeltacht schools.
Path to Permanent Residency
Teachers on the Critical Skills Employment Permit receive Stamp 4 after 2 years. Those on a General Employment Permit need 5 years. STEM and modern language teachers may qualify for Critical Skills if the role is on the shortage list.
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Get Your Free VerdictData Sources
- World Bank Open Data — GDP, population, development indicators
- OECD Data — Migration, employment, education statistics
Data re-checked Q2 2026. Requirements may change — always verify with official government sources before making decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Irish (Gaeilge) to teach in Ireland?
For primary school teaching, yes. You need the Scrúdu Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge (SCG) qualification or equivalent to teach in state primary schools. Secondary school teachers do not need Irish unless teaching the subject. International schools and private schools do not require Irish language skills.
What subjects are in demand for teachers in Ireland?
STEM subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing), modern languages (French, German, Spanish), and special education are in highest demand at secondary level. Primary schools also face shortages but the Irish language requirement limits international recruitment. English language support and resource teaching positions are growing.
How are Irish teacher salaries compared to other countries?
Ireland has some of the highest teacher salaries in the EU. Starting salary is €37,692, reaching €55,000+ at the top of the scale. This compares favourably to the UK (GBP 30,000 starting), Germany (€45,000–€55,000 mid-career), and significantly exceeds Southern European countries. However, Dublin's High cost of living offsets some of this advantage.
← Complete Ireland Emigration Guide 2026
Official sources
- Critical Skills Employment Permit — enterprise.gov.ie — last re-checked 2026-06-24
- General Employment Permit — enterprise.gov.ie — last re-checked 2026-06-24
Figures are compiled from official government sources and re-checked on a rolling basis. Always confirm on the official page before applying.
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