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Government Announces Roadmap for New Employment Permit Salary Thresholds
Ireland is preparing for significant changes to its employment permit system, following the Government’s announcement of a new Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds). The update, introduced by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke and Minister of State Alan Dillon, marks a major shift in how Ireland will manage labour market access for non-EEA workers in the years ahead.
These changes build on Ireland's long‑standing Employment Permits System, which categorises occupations into Critical Skills, General Employment and Ineligible Lists, meaning salary thresholds directly influence which roles employers can recruit from abroad.
Under the new plan, the first salary threshold increase will take effect from 1 March 2026, with further gradual adjustments scheduled over the coming years. This phased approach is designed to help employers adapt while ensuring Ireland continues to attract highly skilled international talent in a way that supports fair pay and sustainable workforce development.
The phased increases are expected to have the greatest impact on sectors that rely heavily on non‑EEA talent, such as healthcare, hospitality, construction and agri-food, all of which have consistently appeared across Ireland’s labour market shortage lists.
The roadmap also signals the Government’s continued effort to modernise Ireland’s economic migration system. By aligning salary thresholds more closely with market conditions, the aim is to boost competitiveness, reduce skills shortages, and ensure Ireland remains an attractive destination for global talent.
For employers, now is the time to review workforce plans, assess future skills needs, and ensure compliance with the upcoming changes. While the transition will require preparation, the Government’s staged approach provides a clear pathway and ample time to adjust.
As Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation and growth, these updates reflec
What We Know So Far
| Item | Details (as published so far) |
| Policy | New Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds |
| First Implementation Date | 1 March 2026 (first threshold increase) |
| Approach | Gradual, phased increases over several years |
| Who Is Affected | All employment permit holders and employers hiring non-EEA workers |
| Government Goal | Align thresholds with labour market conditions and encourage sustainable workforce planning |
| Recommended Employer Actions | Plan ahead for salary adjustments, review future hiring needs, assess budget impacts |