Navigating Ireland’s Multi-Stage Immigration System - A Practical Guide

Introduction

Ireland is one of the few European jurisdictions that still operates and requires a multi-stage application process before a non-EEA national may legally live and work in Ireland. Employers must steer applicants through:

• Securing an employment permit
• Obtaining an entry visa (where required)
• Registering with the Immigration Service Delivery

Consequently, the Irish immigration system is complex to navigate with multiple governmental departments possessing different responsibilities.

Recent reform, the Employment Permits Act 2024 and the launch of the new Employment Permits Online System in April 2025, promised efficiencies and streamlined processing of employment permit applications. However, they have also introduced new conditions, enhanced compliance powers and tighter processing rules. Failure to understand the new framework can lead to refusals, business disruption, civil penalties and reputational damage.

This virtual classroom seminar demystifies the end-to-end journey from job offer to Irish Residence Permit card, highlighting the key legislative changes and providing practical, commercial guidance that will enable HR and mobility teams to deliver a smooth onboarding experience while remaining fully compliant.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• Ireland’s immigration landscape - the different government stakeholders and how their responsibilities intersect
• The most common employment permit types and their eligibility requirements
• Navigating the Employment Permits Online system - account registration, verification and re-verification, documentary requirements, payment mechanics and common reasons for refusal
• Understanding statutory conditions attached to employment permits in Ireland
• Maintaining compliance with Ireland’s new Employment Permits Online system
• Assessing when an entry visa is required - visa requirements and standards for applicants
• Managing arrival and post-arrival registration requirements
• Relocation and registration requirements for employment permit holders
• Appreciating alternative routes to work authorisation in Ireland
• Recent updates, trends in the market and what’s on the horizon

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.