Ireland may be a small country, but it has a grand cultural heritage of art, music and folklore. It is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the world, and its natural landscapes look like they’re straight out of a picture book.
The people of this tiny island are large-hearted and are widely known for their friendliness and good humor.Due to a favorable economic environment, there is optimism in the Irish job market today, and companies are putting in greater effort to attract and retain talent.
It is not necessary to organize employment and accommodation before arriving in Ireland, but it is helpful to get the process started in advance if you can. It is also advisable to research the various job opportunities available in Ireland and to find out about the average salaries and taxation.
EU and non-EU nationals
EU nationals are free to apply for any job vacancy in Ireland, including those in the public sector. They are entitled to receive the same treatment as any other job applicant when applying for work. Another benefit that nationals of EU and EEA member states receive is access to EURES advisers. These are specially trained placement officers that work for EURES, the European job mobility portal that was started as a co-operation network between the European Commission and public employment services of EEA member states. The advisers offer information and advice to job seekers, at no cost. EU and EEA nationals can stay in Ireland and look for work even if they are unemployed at the time. Unemployment benefits from their home country can also be transferred to Ireland; these will be paid for up to three months.
Work permits
Non-EU and EEA nationals are required to have a work permit in order to work in Ireland. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation issues these work permits. Employees or employers can apply for them by submitting the offer of employment. An Irish work permit has a validity period of two years, and can be renewed after that. Generally, a work permit is issued if the salary is €30,000 or more.
A critical skills permit, previously called the Green Card, applies to skilled expats that can contribute to the labor force in Ireland. Candidates with a proposed salary of above €60,000 annually, or those who fit the requirements for a position specified in the Highly Skilled Occupations List, are eligible for the permit.
Employees that are transferred within the same company can apply for an intra-company transfer work permit.
There are also spousal work permits that enable spouses or dependents of critical skills permit holders to apply for work in Ireland.
A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is also a requirement in order to work in Ireland. Employers pay tax and social security contributions on an employee’s behalf using this unique reference number. You can apply for a PPS number through the Department of Social Protection.
Qualifications
In Ireland, the center that recognizes international qualifications is called Quality and Qualifications Ireland. It has a database of international qualifications where you can check your own professional qualification with the Irish branch of the relevant professional body.
Where to look for a job
Irish newspapers are a great source of information when it comes to the job-hunting process. Job vacancies are usually advertised on specific days; for instance, The Irish Times features them on Fridays while the Irish Independent does so on Thursdays. If you have begun your job search while still in your home country, you may be able to find copies of Irish newspapers at the nearest Irish Consulate or High Commission. Most of the newspapers also have websites specially meant for job seekers.
Job portals such as www.irishjobs.ie and www.stepstone.ie are also popular among job seekers. Many Irish companies now recruit online, especially in the IT sector.
Recruitment consultancies are a good option for those looking to fill executive or professional positions. These companies usually assist you even if you haven’t yet applied for permission to live in Ireland. Those looking for a job in the government departments or public bodies can contact the Commission for Public Service Appointments, which handles all the recruitment for the government, including the health boards and local bodies.
Have you found a job in Ireland? What was your experience of the process? Share your thoughts in the comments.