Dependant, Partner or Spouse Employment Permit

A dependant of a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder or researcher on a Hosting Agreement is permitted to work in Ireland while they are resident here and accompanying the Critical Skills Permit Holder.

who is not in full-time education; and

Since 6 March 2019, the requirement for spouses and de-facto partners of Critical Employment Permit (CSEP) Holders and Researchers under a Hosting Agreement as provided for under the EU Third Country Researchers Directive (Council Directive 2005/71/EC) to obtain an employment permit has been removed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

In order to take up employment in Ireland they must have a job offer and then apply for a Dependant Employment Permit

That an employer/employee relationship will exist in that the prospective employee concerned will be employed, salaried and paid directly by the employer.

The prospective employer is not required to undertake a Labour Market Needs Test, that is, advertise the position.

A letter is required from the employer of the primary permit holder/researcher, dated within the three months preceding the date of receipt of the Dependant Employment Permit application, confirming that the primary permit holder/researcher is still in employment with that employer, and their job title.

All jobs are eligible for a Dependant Employment Permit, except that of domestic operative.

Remuneration must be at, or above, the National Minimum Wage.

The application is free of charge.

will allow his/her employment in the State by the employer in the occupation and location/s specified on the permit.

Other than the exceptional circumstances set out above, after 9 months, the permit holder may move employer provided that a new application for a Dependant Employment Permit is made.

If the holder of a Dependant Employment Permit separates from the primary permit holder/researcher they are no longer eligible to renew a Dependant Employment Permit.

The periods above are subject to a maximum period of two years.

The duration of a Dependant Employment Permit is dependent on that of the primary permit holder or researcher.

The periods above are subject to a maximum period of three years.

Non-EEA nationals who have held valid Dependant Employment Permits for a consecutive period of 5 years or more and who have been working lawfully during that time may not require an employment permit to work in the State. In these circumstances the permit holder may not be required to apply for a new Dependant Employment Permit or a renewal of their existing Dependant Employment Permit and should contact the Department of Justice and Equality to apply for a temporary Stamp 4.