Step-by-Step Guide to Ireland’s New Online Employment Permit System

Big Changes Are Coming

Ireland’s new online employment permit system is launching this month, and it’s going to change how work permits are applied for and managed completely. Whether you’re an employer bringing in overseas talent or a professional applying for a job in Ireland, you need to understand how this new system works — and what to do before and after the change.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly delays

What Is Ireland’s New Online Employment Permit System?

From April 28, 2025, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is replacing its old system — known as EPOS — with a brand new portal for all employment permit applications.

Ireland’s new online employment permit system is being introduced to improve speed, security, and the user experience. It’s designed for both employers and overseas workers to submit information in one place, track progress in real time, and reduce errors that delay approvals.

This marks one of the biggest updates to the employment permit process in recent years — and if you rely on overseas talent or you are in the middle of a permit application, you need to act now.

When Is the Change Happening?

⛔ April 17, 2025, at 6pm – The current system shuts down.
🔄 April 28, 2025 – Ireland’s new online employment permit system goes live.
That means there will be a 10-day window where no applications can be submitted at all. If you’re mid-application or have permits you need processed quickly, this downtime could create a backlog.

Old System vs. New System: What’s Different?

Let’s break it down simply:

Bottom line: Ireland’s new online employment permit system is a fresh start — but you need to prepare properly to benefit from it.

What You Need to Do Before April 17 2025

If you’re in the middle of an application, take action today. Here’s what we’re advising all our clients:

Submit Draft Applications
Any applications saved as drafts in the current system will be deleted after April 17. You must submit them before the system goes offline.
Download and Save Documents
Keep a record of all submitted materials, reference numbers, and supporting documents. These won’t transfer across.
Prepare for Re-Registration

Everyone — employers and applicants — will need to create new accounts in the upcoming system. That means uploading documents again and verifying identity and business information.

How to Prepare for Ireland’s New Online Employment Permit System

Once the new system opens on April 28, here’s what you’ll need to do:

Register a New Account :Even if you’ve used the old system, you’ll start from scratch. You’ll need to upload:
Company details
Proof of identity
Any supporting documentation for the role or applicant

Understand the Joint Application Process: For the first time, employers and applicants can complete the form together — each filling out their own section.

This will:

Improve accuracy
Reduce delays due to missing info
Streamline communication

Use Real-Time Tracking: The new system will allow you to monitor application progress at each stage — a major step up from the old, silent waiting game.

Why This Change Matters for Employers and Applicants

This isn’t just a tech update — Ireland’s new online employment permit system is a shift in how immigration is managed.

For employers, it means faster hiring timelines, fewer rejected applications, and better visibility.
For international jobseekers, it gives you more control, transparency, and collaboration with your potential employer.

But only if you’re prepared.

Need Help? ORC Is Here to Guide You

At ORC, we help clients across Ireland navigate the complex world of employment permits — from understanding which permit is right, to preparing flawless applications, to staying compliant as rules evolve.

Whether you need:

✅ Support with General Employment Permits
✅ Guidance on Critical Skills applications

✅ Stamp 1G Extension

✅ Stamp 4
✅ Help transitioning to the new online system

We’ve got you covered.

📞 Get in touch today. We’ll make sure you’re set up for success.