The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment announced an increase in the minimum salary thresholds for employment permits coming into effect on the 1^st March 2026.

This follows the publication of the Employment Permits Minimum Annual Remuneration: Outcome of the Roadmap Review 2025, which outlines a gradual approach to increasing minimum salary thresholds for employment permits from 1^st March 2026 through to 2030.

The main changes being introduced on the 1^st March 2026 include:

• The minimum salary for General Employment Permits will increase from €34,000 to €36,605
• The minimum salary for Critical Skills Employment Permits will increase from €38,000 to €40,904
• The minimum salary for meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers will increase from €30,000 to €32,691

The new roadmap also outlines that a lower salary threshold will apply for recent graduates.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, outlined in a statement:

 “The intention of this Roadmap is to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting the vital skills and talent our economy needs—especially in sectors like healthcare and construction. To balance the rights of workers with the needs of businesses, the changes will be introduced on a phased basis. This will give all sectors sufficient time to prepare.”

The press release and roadmap are available here.

Berkeley Solicitors are available to provide advice in respect of the employment permit process.

This blog article has been prepared on the basis of current immigration law and policy, which is subject to change. Please keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page where articles relating to updates and changes in immigration law and policy are regularly posted.