Reactivation Employment Permit
Workers who fell out of the system through no fault of their own and want to return to lawful employment.
The Reactivation 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 Reactivation Employment Permit is for
Workers who fell out of the system through no fault of their own and want to return to lawful employment.
Can build toward Stamp 4 long term residence over time like other permits.
Reactivation Employment Permit - eligibility criteria
- Previously held a valid employment permit
- Fell out of status through no fault of your own or were exploited
- Hold a current immigration permission to apply
- Have a new job offer from an Irish employer
- Meet relevant salary requirements
Reactivation Employment Permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Reactivation 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 |
| Work rights | Work for the named employer in the named role |
| Study rights | Part-time study permitted |
| 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 | Can build toward Stamp 4 long term residence over time like other permits. |
Pathway & next steps
Can build toward Stamp 4 long term residence over time like other permits.
Many applicants also compare GEP · General Employment Permit, Stamp 1 · Stamp 1 Immigration Permission, LTR · Long Term Residence. 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 Reactivation Employment Permit pitfalls we fix
Reactivation Employment Permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the Reactivation Employment Permit cost?
The Reactivation 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 Reactivation 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 Reactivation Employment Permit lead to permanent residence?
Can build toward Stamp 4 long term residence over time like other permits.
Can I work on the Reactivation Employment Permit?
Work rights: Work for the named employer in the named role.
Who can apply for the Reactivation Employment Permit?
Workers who fell out of the system through no fault of their own and want to return to lawful employment.
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