Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
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A Critical Skills Employment Permit application in Ireland is an application for the permit designed for highly skilled roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List. This solicitor-handled service reviews eligibility, drafts the full application and employer declaration, submits it to the DETE Employment Permits Section and tracks it until decision. It is for individuals or employers applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP), the fast-track route towards Stamp 4 eligibility, in fields such as ICT, engineering, healthcare and financial services.
What’s included
- Eligibility review against the Critical Skills Occupations List
- Drafting of the full application and employer declaration
- Document checklist tailored to your role and country
- Review of supporting documents by a solicitor (not provided on this site)
- Submission to the DETE Employment Permits Section
- Tracking until decision, including responses to DETE queries
- 30-minute onboarding video call
- Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
- Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
- A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards
Who this is for
- Employers hiring for roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List
- Candidates with a job offer in ICT, engineering, healthcare or financial services
- Employers who want a solicitor to manage the application
- Candidates planning their route to Stamp 4
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- A solicitor would then draft the application and employer declaration and reviews all supporting documents.
- Your application is submitted to DETE and tracked until decision, with updates by email.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Critical Skills Employment Permit application cost?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
How long does a Critical Skills permit take?
Typical decision time is 4 to 8 weeks after submission. Processing times can vary and are outside our control.
Can Critical Skills permit holders get Stamp 4?
Critical Skills permit holders can generally apply for Stamp 4 permission after a qualifying period of employment, which can allow them to work without a permit.
For more on Irish immigration, visas and citizenship, see our Immigration & Citizenship in Ireland guide.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.