The Irish Government recently announced a new ‘Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds’, outlining a phased increase in the minimum salary thresholds associated with different types of employment permits in Ireland.
So, what does this mean for employers in 2026? Read on to learn more about employment permits in Ireland and the upcoming changes to minimum salary thresholds.
Who needs an employment permit to work in Ireland?
The Employment Permits Act 2024 regulates the employment of all non-EEA nationals in Ireland. Under this legislation, these employees must obtain a valid employment permit to work in the country. The EEA includes the European Union member states, along with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
However, this requirement does not apply to non-EEA workers who are legally employed in another Member State and are temporarily assigned to work in Ireland on a contract basis. It also excludes individuals who have received appropriate immigration permission from the Minister of Justice, allowing them to live and work in Ireland without needing an employment permit.
Additionally, British citizens can move freely between Ireland and the United Kingdom without requiring an employment permit to work in Ireland.
What are employment permit salary thresholds?
For those seeking an employment permit in Ireland, there are certain salary thresholds which must be met. To obtain an employment permit, you must earn the minimum annual salary for your employment category.
For example, the salary threshold for a recent graduate differs from that of a general employment permit, which also differs from that of a horticultural worker or a healthcare assistant.
What changes are taking place in 2026?
Under the new roadmap, the first round of increases to these salary thresholds will take place on 1 March 2026. Some of the main changes are:
- The General Employment Permit minimum annual salary will rise from €34,000 to €36,605
- The Critical Skills Employment Permit salary threshold will increase from €38,000 to €40,904
- The threshold for meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers will increase from €30,000 to €32,691
- Lower thresholds will also be in place for recent graduates.
What impact will this have on employers?
This roadmap will bring about some significant changes for employers in Ireland, particularly those who recruit a high number of non-EEA employees. Impacted businesses should begin planning now to ensure continued compliance throughout the process.
It may also be helpful to conduct an audit of your employees, to determine who will be impacted and whether action is required to remain compliant with employment permit legislation in 2026 and beyond.