Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
Spouses, civil partners and dependants of certain employment permit holders who want to work in Ireland.
The Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit is a Irish work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (No application fee) and processing time (~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit is for
Spouses, civil partners and dependants of certain employment permit holders who want to work in Ireland.
Follows the primary holder's pathway; spouses of CSEP holders often hold Stamp 1G and can work freely.
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit - eligibility criteria
- Be the spouse, civil partner or dependant of an eligible permit holder
- Primary holder on a CSEP or other qualifying permit
- Have a job offer from an Irish-registered employer
- No Labour Market Needs Test or salary threshold applies
- Lawfully resident in Ireland as a dependant
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit (Ireland) is No application fee, 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 | Tied to the primary permit holder's permission |
| Work rights | Work for any employer in any occupation |
| Study rights | Study permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | No application fee |
| Processing time | ~4-8 weeks (current processing dates published by DETE) |
| Route to PR | Follows the primary holder's pathway; spouses of CSEP holders often hold Stamp 1G and can work freely. |
Pathway & next steps
Follows the primary holder's pathway; spouses of CSEP holders often hold Stamp 1G and can work freely.
Many applicants also compare CSEP · Critical Skills Employment Permit, Stamp 1G · Stamp 1G Immigration Permission, Family Reunion · Join Family (Non-EEA Sponsor Reunification). 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 Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit pitfalls we fix
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit cost?
The Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit government fee is No application fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Irish Immigration Service before applying.
How long does the Dependant/Partner/Spouse 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 Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit lead to permanent residence?
Follows the primary holder's pathway; spouses of CSEP holders often hold Stamp 1G and can work freely.
Can I work on the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit?
Work rights: Work for any employer in any occupation.
Who can apply for the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit?
Spouses, civil partners and dependants of certain employment permit holders who want to work in Ireland.
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