The Irish government will implement higher annual salary thresholds for initial and renewal employment permit applications, effective 1 March 2026. The updated thresholds are as follows: 

• Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) with relevant degree: €40,904 (previously €38,000) 

• Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) without relevant degree: €68,911 (previously €64,000) 

• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit: €49,523 (previously €46,000) 

• Standard General Employment Permit (GEP): €36,505 (previously €34,000) 

• General Employment Permit for lower-paid sectors (e.g., meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, home carers): €32,691 (previously €30,000) 

• Recent Graduates (new CSEP category): €36,848 

These updated thresholds will apply to all relevant permit applications submitted from 1 March 2026 onwards. 

For questions about how these changes may affect your employees, don’t hesitate to contact us.