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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If your business is hiring international employees in Ireland, there is more to get right than a job offer. This International Employee Hiring Pack, of the kind a solicitor prepares, is designed for Irish employers recruiting staff from outside the EEA. It brings the immigration and employment law sides of the process together, covering the choice of employment permit, the contract clauses an international hire needs, relocation support and ongoing compliance, so you can plan the hire with clear legal guidance.
What’s included
- Guidance on selecting the appropriate employment permit for the role
- Employment contract clauses suited to an international hire
- Relocation support
- Guidance on ongoing compliance once the employee is in post
Who this is for
- You are hiring your first employee from outside the EEA and are unsure where to start.
- You have found the right candidate and want to choose the right employment permit route.
- You want your contracts to reflect the position of an employee holding an employment permit.
- You want to understand your compliance responsibilities as an employer of permit holders.
How it works
- Contact a solicitor of your choice — choose the service and place your order, or contact us if you’d like to confirm details first.
- Complete a short questionnaire — tell us about your situation and upload any documents that are relevant.
- A solicitor would review your matter
- Delivered by email — you receive the solicitor’s work by email, with follow-up arranged where needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire an international employee in Ireland?
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.
Which employment permit do I need to hire someone from outside the EEA?
It depends on the role, salary and the candidate’s circumstances. Ireland has several employment permit types, and choosing the right one at the start helps avoid delays and refusals. Permit selection is part of this pack.
What are an employer’s compliance obligations for permit holders?
Employers of permit holders need to meet the terms on which the permit was granted and keep appropriate records. The pack includes guidance on ongoing compliance so you know what to monitor after the employee starts.
For more background, see our Immigration and 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.