Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has published its roadmap for gradual increases to employment permit salary thresholds.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
On 2 December 2025, DETE announced the publication of a new roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration salary thresholds, with the first increase to be effective from 1 March 2026.
The roadmap details the gradual approach to increasing salary thresholds for all employment permit types.
The key changes from 1 March 2026 will be to the General Employment Permit and Critical Skills Employment Permit, both long term local employment permits in Ireland.
The increases to salary thresholds will take place on a phased basis starting on 1 March 2026 with further salary increases planned through 2030.
Key Highlights
- The base salary threshold for the General Employment Permit will increase from €34,000 gross per annum to €36,605.
- The lower base salary threshold for the Critical Skills Employment Permit will increase from €38,000 gross per annum to €40,904.
- With regard to meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers, the minimum salary will increase from €30,000 gross base per annum to €32,691.
- Lower starting thresholds will apply for recent graduates, which reflects their early career stage.
- Full details of the roadmap are available on DETE’s website.1
KPMG INSIGHTS
In the light of the upcoming salary threshold increases, employers and employees should be aware of these developments because they affect both new and renewal applications.
If employers have any questions or concerns about this update and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG Law in Ireland (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTE:
1 Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, “Government Unveils Roadmap for Gradual Increase in Employment Permit Salary Thresholds,” (2 December 2025).
Contacts
Elaine Norton
Associate Director, KPMG Law & Corporate Immigration and Employment Law
KPMG in Ireland
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Ireland.
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