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 Reactivation Employment Permit in Ireland is designed for non-EEA nationals who previously held an employment permit but whose permission lapsed through no fault of their own. This solicitor-handled service handles the Reactivation Employment Permit application for those former permit holders and the employers who want to employ them. Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
What’s included
- A solicitor-handled Reactivation Employment Permit application for permit holders whose previous permission lapsed through no fault of their own
- 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
- Former employment permit holders who became undocumented through no fault of their own
- Workers whose previous employer failed to renew their permit or meet its obligations
- Employers who want to employ a person in this situation
- Applicants who want a solicitor to set out their history clearly
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 review your employment and immigration history and prepares the Reactivation Employment Permit application.
- The completed work is delivered to you by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Reactivation Employment Permit application cost 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.
Who is the Reactivation Employment Permit for?
It is aimed at people who entered Ireland on a valid employment permit but fell out of the system through no fault of their own. The circumstances of how the permission lapsed are central, so a solicitor would review your history carefully.
Can a solicitor guarantee my permit will be granted?
No. Employment permits are decided by the Department with responsibility for employment permits, and each application is assessed on its own merits. A carefully prepared application helps present your circumstances clearly.
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.

