You need a job offer first, and then an employment permit. There are two main kinds: the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit.
Watch: 7 Legal Ways to Move to Ireland from the USA
The video starts at the part that answers this question. For the whole picture, read 7 Legal Ways to Move to Ireland from the USA (2026).
Subscribe to Love Ireland on YouTube for a new plain-English guide to Ireland every week. The full video is on YouTube: 7 Legal Ways to Move to Ireland from the USA (2026).
Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Mainly for jobs on a shortage list, like engineers and technology professionals.
- It usually needs a relevant degree.
- For jobs on that list, the pay must be at least €40,904 a year.
- The job offer must be for at least two years, and your family can join you right away.
- After 21 months, you can move to a Stamp 4 and work without a permit.
General Employment Permit
- Covers most other jobs, paying at least €36,605.
- It lasts two years, and can be renewed for three more.
The fee, and the longer view
A new two-year permit costs €1,000. Five years of legal residence opens the door to citizenship.
The catch
You cannot arrive as a tourist and then apply to work. And for most General permits, the employer must advertise the job first.
Rules and fees change, so check the official pages before you apply. For the full process — visas, taxes, and remote-work options — see our complete guide: Working in Ireland as an American.
General information, not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Facts checked against official Irish government pages on October 12, 2026.
Official sources
- Department of Enterprise: Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Department of Enterprise: General Employment Permit
- Department of Enterprise: Employment Permit Fees
- Immigration Service Delivery: Stamp 4 Upgrades
- Citizens Information: Residence Rights of Non-EEA Nationals
Subscribe to Love Ireland on YouTube for a new plain-English guide to Ireland every week. The full video is on YouTube: 7 Legal Ways to Move to Ireland from the USA (2026).
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