Which Irish permit route actually applies?
The permit routes and immigration permissions people most often mistake for each other, compared row by row against what the Department publishes. Every figure is dated and linked back to its source.
The comparisons
Each page answers one pair of routes across the same published criteria. Checked against official guidance on 18 August 2026.
GEP vs CSEP
General Employment Permit vs Critical Skills Employment Permit
The two routes most Irish hires run on, and the seven rules that actually separate them.
See the comparisonCSEP vs Stamp 1G
Critical Skills Employment Permit vs Stamp 1G
One is a permission that runs out on a fixed clock, the other is a permit route. They are not alternatives so much as consecutive steps.
See the comparisonPermit vs Stamp 4
Employment permit vs Stamp 4
A permit is permission to do one job for one employer. Stamp 4 is permission to work without one.
See the comparisonGEP vs Dependant permit
General Employment Permit vs Dependant, Partner or Spouse Employment Permit
One is applied for on the strength of the job. The other is applied for on the strength of a relationship to another permit holder.
See the comparison
Where a comparison stops and the data starts
A comparison sets out how two routes differ. These surfaces carry the underlying lists and records the rules are applied to.
Ireland employment permit guides
One route at a time, in full, with the thresholds and the sequence.
Permit and immigration glossary
Every term used in the tables, defined and cross-linked.
Ineligible List of Occupations
The published list that closes both permit routes for a role.
Employment permit directory
Issued-permit records by period, employer and occupation.
Check the actual occupation
Which routes are in scope at all depends on the occupation code, and that is published. The occupation permit check looks a code up against the current lists before any comparison of routes matters.
Important
IrishTalents is not a licensed employment agency and does not select or submit candidates. Any agency information reflects the wording found on agency websites only, not vacancies, sponsorship, or suitability.
An occupation (SOC) code classifies the kind of work. It does not by itself determine permit eligibility, Critical Skills status, or sponsorship. Job duties, salary, employer and permit route also matter.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. IrishTalents is not affiliated with the Irish government.