Career guide · Technology

Software developer.

Also known as Software engineer, Programmer, Developer

Software developers design, build and maintain applications and platforms, working across programming languages, APIs and cloud services in Ireland's large technology sector.

What this role involves

Software developers and programmers design, write and maintain the applications, services and platforms that businesses rely on. The work spans understanding requirements, writing and reviewing code, building and integrating APIs, testing, and deploying to cloud infrastructure. Ireland hosts a large concentration of technology employers, from multinationals to start-ups, across Dublin, Cork, Galway and beyond. Developers typically specialise in areas such as backend, frontend, data or mobile, and collaborate closely with product, design and operations teams.

When this role fits

Likely a fit when

  • your duties include software design, development or architecture
  • you work with programming languages, APIs and cloud services

Likely not a fit when

  • your role is purely people management with no technical delivery
  • your work is general IT support rather than development

Official occupation classification

Roles like this usually map to the following SOC 2010 occupation code, which Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment uses on its occupation lists.

Employment permit route signal

Critical Skills Employment Permit may be relevant

This is an occupation-level signal only. The exact duties, salary, qualifications, employer and permit route decide the outcome.

Check an occupation permit signal Explore employment permits

This is an occupation-level signal only. It is not a determination of eligibility, sponsorship, or permit approval.

Typical skills and qualifications

Technical skills

  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • SQL

Language

  • English (CEFR B2)

Transferable skills

  • Communication

Find licensed recruitment agencies

IrishTalents does not select or submit candidates and is not a licensed employment agency. The agency listings below reflect the wording found on agency websites only — not vacancies, sponsorship, or suitability.

Before you rely on a permit pathway

Depending on the exact duties, salary and employer, some roles in this area may be considered under Ireland's General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit routes, while others may fall on the ineligible list. This is general information only, not immigration advice, and official eligibility depends on the current occupation lists and your individual circumstances.

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About this guide

IrishTalents provides this information for general guidance only. IrishTalents is not a licensed employment agency and does not select, submit, or place candidates. This page does not determine eligibility, sponsorship, or agency suitability.

Source: IrishTalents editorial content, aligned to the UK SOC 2010 occupation classification used by Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.