How to find and secure visa sponsorship jobs in Ireland in 2026 — eligible roles, employment permits, and how to apply through JobsIrish.ie.
Understanding visa sponsorship in Ireland
Ireland uses an employment permit system rather than a single work visa. If you're a non-EEA national, you'll usually need an employer to secure an Employment Permit on your behalf before you can work here.
The main permit types
- Critical Skills Employment Permit — for roles on the Critical Skills list (engineers, healthcare, IT, finance). Salaries usually €38,000+ (non-grad) or €64,000+.
- General Employment Permit — for a wide range of roles with a minimum salary (currently €32,000 for most occupations).
- Intra-Company Transfer Permit — for multinational staff moving to an Irish branch.
Which roles qualify most often?
Healthcare (nurses, care assistants), technology (developers, data analysts), engineering, construction trades, finance and hospitality (chefs) consistently appear on shortage lists.
How to apply through JobsIrish.ie
- Browse our Visa Sponsorship Jobs page.
- Look for roles marked as permit-eligible.
- Apply with a tailored CV that highlights your qualifications and English ability.
- Be ready to share passport, qualifications and references if the employer proceeds.
Tips that improve your chances
- Have your qualifications recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) where applicable.
- Demonstrate strong English (IELTS/CEFR where requested).
- Be flexible on location — shortage roles exist nationwide, not just Dublin.
- Prepare a succinct, quantified CV tailored to each application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Care assistants are in critical shortage, and many employers sponsor Employment Permits, especially for roles outside Dublin.