Increase in Minimum Annual Salaries for Employment Permits

From 1^st March 2026 the minimum annual remuneration which must be paid for certain employment permits will increase:

• General Employment Permits – from €34,000 to €36,605 per year
• Critical Skills Employment Permits – from €38,000 to €40,904 per year
• Meat Processors, Horticultural Workers, Healthcare Assistants and Home Carers – from €30,000 to €32,691 per year

Any employment permit applications for the above categories submitted after 1^st March 2026 must include the increased salaries.

Applications which were submitted before 1^st March 2026 can still reflect the older salary thresholds.

In addition, from 1^st January 2026 the National Minimum Wage increased to €14.15 per hour.

For employment permits which require at least the National Minimum Wage to be paid (such as Sports and Cultural Employment Permits and Dependent Employment Permits), the employee’s pay must be adjusted to at least €14.15 per hour.

If you would like advice on an employment permit application please do not hesitate to contact us at 01 873 5012 or info@mcgrathmullan.ie and we would be glad to assist you.

More legal articles on Employment Law from McGrath Mullan:

• Upcoming Changes to Employment Permits Remuneration
• Employment Visa Appeal
• Employment Permits for Circus Artistes in Ireland: Key changes coming from November 2025
• The 50:50 Rule in Ireland’s Employment Permit System: Legal Basis, Exceptions and Recent Amendments
• General Employment Permits – What you need to know
• Critical Skills Employment Permits
• How to Apply for an Employment Permit in Ireland: A Guide for Employers