New employment permit portal launched

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has launched a new online Employment Permits System, which launched on 28 April 2025.  

This new system, called Employment Permits Online, replaces the existing EPOS system that was used for employment permit applications until now.  

The department has stated that this new system will deliver an improved customer experience and a more efficient and responsive service. 

Key information for employers 

• The EPOS system was permanently taken offline on 17 April 2025 
• There was a downtime period between this date and the launch of the new system on 28 April.  
• Any draft employment permit applications that were not submitted before 17 April will not have been transferred to Employment Permits Online. Only fully submitted applications will migrate.  

Key features of the new system 

The new system will introduce the following changes: 

• Each employer, employee, and agent will have their own individual portal account.  
• Multi-factor authentication will be required to access accounts, providing greater security.  
• The application process will move to electronic signatures, removing the need for physical documentation. 
• The system will allow users to manage renewals, variations and appeals online.  
• There will be a new ‘status update’ feature. 
• After registration, users will be able to view historic and current applications.  

Employers will need to register a new account once the system launches. Registration will require the verification of company details with the CRO and Revenue.  

Advice for employers 

To ensure continuity, employers should familiarise themselves with the new system and the requirements set out by the new portal platform. There are specific requirements in place for the setting up of a new account, and employers should ensure that they submit all documentation required to register.  

Employers have been advised to register early, to avoid delays in the processing of applications. It is also recommended that employment permit applications be submitted 8 – 12 weeks before the proposed start date of employment, to allow for any queries that may arise, and to allow time for the Visa application process.  

It is important to note that the initial email address used to create an account will be registered as the ‘administrator’ for that account, but multiple users can then be added once the administrator is registered.  

Lastly, employers should train any relevant staff in how to navigate the new platform and to perform any tasks they will need to carry out.  

Who needs an employment permit to work in Ireland? 

The Employment Permits Act 2024 governs the employment of all non-EEA nationals in Ireland. Under this legislation, all non-EEA nationals require a valid employment permit to work in Ireland.  

This does not apply to non-EEA workers who are legally employed in a different Member State and are temporarily sent to work in Ireland on a contract basis. It also does not apply to those who receive relevant immigration permission from the Minister of Justice which allows them to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit.  

Additionally, British citizens are entitled to move freely between Ireland and the United Kingdom, and do not require an employment permit to work.  

The EEA area comprises states of the European Union, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.