First check that you are allowed to work, then use free services like JobsIreland and Intreo, and send a short Irish-style CV. Most people find work in their first three months. Know your rights from day one, including the minimum wage.
What you need
- Proof of your right to work: EU/EEA, Swiss or UK passport, or an IRP card with the right stamp
- Your PPS number (employers need it to pay you correctly)
- An Irish bank account for your wages
- A 1-2 page CV in English and a short cover letter
- Copies of qualifications and references, translated if needed
Step by step
- Check your right to work. EEA, Swiss and UK citizens can work without an employment permit. People with Stamp 4 can work without a permit. Students with Stamp 2 can work part-time (20 hours) in term and full-time in holidays. Stamp 2A holders cannot work. Others usually need an employment permit.
- Write an Irish-style CV. Keep it to 1-2 pages. Do not add a photo, date of birth or marital status. Put your most recent job first.
- Register on JobsIreland. It is a free recruitment service from Intreo, the Public Employment Service. You can search jobs, use CV templates and get job matching.
- Visit your local Intreo Centre. Ask about training, job advice and supports for jobseekers.
- Apply widely. Use job websites, company career pages, recruitment agencies and LinkedIn. Many jobs are also found through people you know.
- Prepare for interviews. Practise short answers about your experience. Interviews are often by video first.
- Check your contract. Your employer must give you core written terms within five days of starting, and a full written statement within one month.
Employment permits for non-EU workers
If you need a permit, you or your employer must usually apply before you come to Ireland, through Employment Permits Online. For a General Employment Permit, the job must pay at least €36,605 per year (from 1 March 2026), with a lower threshold of €32,691 for some roles such as healthcare assistant and home carer. The job must not be on the Ineligible List of Occupations, and the application fee is €1,000. Rules and thresholds change, so check enterprise.gov.ie or Citizens Information first.
Your pay and rights
| Right | What it means |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage | €14.15 per hour for workers aged 20+ since 1 January 2026. Announced to rise to €14.94 from 1 January 2027. |
| Written terms | Core terms within 5 days, full statement within 1 month |
| Payslip | You should get a payslip showing your pay and deductions |
| Tax | Register your job in Revenue myAccount to avoid emergency tax |
| Problems | Contact the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) |
Lower minimum rates apply to workers aged under 20. Check the current table on Citizens Information.
Avoid job scams
- Never pay a fee to get a job or a "guaranteed" work permit.
- Never let anyone use your bank account to move money. This is a money mule crime.
- Be careful with jobs offered only by WhatsApp or Telegram with very high pay for easy work.
Do it faster with GetKG
- How to write a CV in Ireland — follow the format Irish employers expect
- PDF to Word — edit an old CV saved as a PDF
- Merge PDF — send your CV, cover letter and certificates as one file
- English for work emails and meetings — sound confident in applications and interviews
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Ireland without a permit?
Yes, if you are an EEA, Swiss or UK citizen, or if you have an IRP with Stamp 4. Students with Stamp 2 can work limited hours. Others usually need an employment permit.
Is JobsIreland free?
Yes. JobsIreland is a free service from Intreo, the Public Employment Service of the Department of Social Protection.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
No. Irish CVs normally do not include a photo, date of birth or marital status.
What if my employer pays less than the minimum wage?
Talk to your employer first. If it is not fixed, you can contact the Workplace Relations Commission for information and to make a complaint.
This page is general information, not legal, immigration, medical or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so always check the official site before you act.
Next step: plan your daily commute. Read Getting around Ireland: Leap card, buses, trains and driving.