Contract for Services Employment Permit
Foreign workers sent to Ireland by an overseas contractor to deliver a service contract for an Irish entity.
The Contract for Services Employment Permit is a Irish work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months)) and processing time (~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Contract for Services Employment Permit is for
Foreign workers sent to Ireland by an overseas contractor to deliver a service contract for an Irish entity.
Project-based; does not generally lead to long term residence.
Contract for Services Employment Permit - eligibility criteria
- Genuine contract between a foreign and Irish company
- Worker employed by the foreign contractor
- Minimum salary thresholds for the role met
- Labour Market Needs Test where applicable
- Registration of the contractor with Revenue/DETE
Contract for Services Employment Permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Contract for Services Employment Permit (Ireland) is ~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months), with an indicative processing time of ~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Irish Immigration Service.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online via DETE Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years, renewable to a maximum of 3 years |
| Work rights | Work on the specific service contract only |
| Study rights | Not the purpose of the permit |
| Government fee | ~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months) |
| Processing time | ~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE) |
| Route to PR | Project-based; does not generally lead to long term residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Project-based; does not generally lead to long term residence.
Many applicants also compare ICT Permit · Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit, GEP · General Employment Permit, Van der Elst · Van der Elst Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Irish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Contract for Services Employment Permit pitfalls we fix
Contract for Services Employment Permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the Contract for Services Employment Permit cost?
The Contract for Services Employment Permit government fee is ~€500 (up to 6 months) / €1,000 (up to 24 months). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Irish Immigration Service before applying.
How long does the Contract for Services Employment Permit take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Contract for Services Employment Permit lead to permanent residence?
Project-based; does not generally lead to long term residence.
Can I work on the Contract for Services Employment Permit?
Work rights: Work on the specific service contract only.
Who can apply for the Contract for Services Employment Permit?
Foreign workers sent to Ireland by an overseas contractor to deliver a service contract for an Irish entity.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Ireland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Irish Immigration Service - official Ireland immigration authority