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 Sport and Cultural Employment Permit in Ireland allows a non-EEA national with the relevant skills or experience to work in the State in the sporting or cultural sector. This solicitor-handled service handles the Sport & Cultural Employment Permit application for athletes, coaches, performers and cultural professionals working in Ireland, and for the Irish clubs, organisations and employers engaging 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 Sport & Cultural Employment Permit application
- 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
- Professional athletes and coaches offered a role with an Irish club or sporting body
- Performers, artists and other cultural professionals engaged to work in Ireland
- Irish sporting and cultural organisations that want to bring in non-EEA talent
- Applicants who want a solicitor to check their application and documents before submission
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 prepare the Sport & Cultural Employment Permit application, checking the information and supporting documents for consistency.
- 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 Sport & Cultural 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 can apply for a Sport and Cultural Employment Permit?
The permit is aimed at people whose skills or experience will contribute to sporting or cultural activities in Ireland, such as athletes, coaches, performers and cultural professionals. a solicitor would review your circumstances and the role on offer before the application is prepared.
Can a solicitor guarantee my employment permit will be granted?
No. Employment permits are decided by the Department with responsibility for employment permits, and every application is assessed on its own merits. A solicitor-prepared application helps make sure the information is complete and consistent, but the decision rests with the Department.
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.