Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland 2026: Earn €28,000 to €85,000 Annually
Are you preparing to apply for high-paying jobs in Ireland in 2026 with employer sponsorship that can put €28,000 to €85,000 into your annual income, support long-term residency plans, and build a secure future within the European Union.
This page explains how to apply, where to find sponsored jobs, salary expectations, visa pathways, and why Irish employers are actively recruiting international workers right now using verified roles, realistic figures, and employer-driven demand.
What Are Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland?
Visa sponsorship jobs in Ireland are approved employment roles where an Irish employer sponsors a non-EU/EEA worker through an official employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
These jobs pay competitive salaries, usually between €28,000 and €85,000 per year, and allow you to live and work legally in Ireland under structured immigration rules.
These are not goodwill roles. They exist because of severe labour shortages, an ageing workforce, and continued expansion across sectors in cities such as Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford.
When an employer sponsors you, they apply for either a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit, depending on the role and salary level.
In return, you fill positions that cannot be sourced locally, while earning monthly wages ranging from €2,300 to €7,000 before tax, depending on experience and sector.
Many sponsored roles include:
- Employer pension contributions
- Paid annual leave
- Overtime or shift allowances
- Clear pathways to long-term residence and citizenship
Sponsored jobs exist across healthcare, construction, engineering, IT, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Some positions require degrees or professional registration. Others accept basic training, with salaries starting from €28,000 to €32,000 annually.
For international applicants in 2026, Ireland remains attractive because wages are strong, EU mobility is possible, and employment permits lead to Stamp 4 residence after qualifying periods.
Types of Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland
Ireland offers sponsored employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and entry-level international workers, each aligned with different salary bands and permit types.
In 2026, Irish employers are recruiting aggressively because local labour supply cannot meet demand, especially in Dublin and major regional hubs where recruitment costs are high.
Common sponsored job categories include:
Skilled professional roles
- Software engineers: €55,000 to €85,000
- IT specialists: €50,000 to €80,000
- Healthcare professionals: €30,000 to €70,000
Trade and technical roles
- Electricians and mechanics: €35,000 to €55,000
- Welders and technicians: €32,000 to €50,000
Hospitality and service roles
- Chefs: €30,000 to €45,000
- Hotel supervisors: €28,000 to €38,000
Care and support roles
- Care assistants: €28,000 to €34,000
- Senior care staff: up to €40,000
Agriculture and food processing
- Farm workers: €28,000 to €32,000 plus overtime
Each role must meet Irish employment permit salary thresholds and pass labour market compliance checks.
High-Paying Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland
High-income sponsored jobs in Ireland in 2026 are concentrated in sectors where employers must secure talent quickly.
These roles often offer €45,000 to €85,000 annually, fast hiring timelines, and long-term residence benefits.
Top high-paying sponsored roles include:
- Software engineers and data specialists: €60,000 to €85,000
- Medical doctors and specialist nurses: €50,000 to €75,000
- Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers: €45,000 to €70,000
- Pharmaceutical and biotech professionals: €48,000 to €80,000
- Construction project managers: €45,000 to €65,000
Many of these roles include:
- Relocation packages (€3,000 to €10,000)
- Sponsored family permits
- Employer pension schemes
- Paid professional development
Monthly net income often ranges from €3,200 to €5,200, depending on tax band and location.
Salary Expectations in Ireland (2026)
Irish law requires equal pay for sponsored and local workers. Employers cannot underpay international staff.
Skilled workers
€40,000 to €85,000 annually
Semi-skilled and trade roles
€32,000 to €50,000 annually
Entry-level and support roles
€28,000 to €34,000 annually
Typical salary table:
| Job Type | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | €55,000 – €85,000 |
| Nurse / Care Specialist | €30,000 – €70,000 |
| Engineer (Trades) | €35,000 – €65,000 |
| Hospitality Supervisor | €28,000 – €38,000 |
| Care Assistant | €28,000 – €34,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland
To apply for sponsored jobs in Ireland in 2026, you must meet employment permit and employer criteria.
General eligibility includes:
- Minimum age: 18
- Genuine job offer from an Irish employer
- Salary meeting permit thresholds
- Relevant skills or training
- Ability to work full-time
Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Minimum salary: €38,000 to €64,000 depending on role
- Leads to Stamp 4 residency after 2 years
General Employment Permit
- Minimum salary: €30,000
- Renewable with progression to long-term residence
English language ability is required, especially for healthcare, care, and hospitality roles.
Irish experience is not required. Many workers apply directly from abroad.
Visa and Employment Permit Options in Ireland
Ireland does not use a “work visa” system like the UK. Instead, employment is governed by permits.
Main options:
Critical Skills Employment Permit
- High-demand roles
- Fast family reunification
- Stamp 4 residence after 2 years
General Employment Permit
- Broader job access
- Renewable
- Pathway to long-term residence
Seasonal and contract permits
- Agriculture and food processing
- Fixed-term roles
Most permits allow dependants, meaning your family can live and study in Ireland.
Documents Checklist
You will typically need:
- Valid passport
- Signed job offer
- Employment permit approval
- Proof of qualifications or experience
- Police clearance (regulated roles)
- Medical clearance (if required)
Employers often handle permit applications directly, reducing errors and delays.
Processing times in 2026 usually range from 4 to 10 weeks.
How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland
- Apply directly through Irish employer websites or approved job platforms
- Receive a job offer
- Employer applies for your employment permit
- Permit approved
- Apply for entry clearance (if required)
- Travel to Ireland and begin work
Many employers cover permit fees and offer relocation support.
Top Employers Hiring Sponsored Workers in Ireland
Major sponsors include:
- Irish healthcare providers and care home groups
- Multinational tech companies
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Construction and engineering firms
- Hospitality chains
These employers sponsor because local hiring alone cannot meet demand.
Working in Ireland as an International Worker
Ireland offers:
- Predictable monthly income
- Strong worker protections
- Paid leave and public holidays
- Access to public services
- Clear residence progression
Living costs vary, with Dublin being higher, while regional cities offer better affordability.
Why Irish Employers Sponsor International Workers
Employers sponsor because:
- Labour shortages are severe
- Productivity depends on skilled staffing
- Sponsored workers show higher retention
- Permit systems are structured and reliable
Sponsorship costs are small compared to business continuity.
FAQ – Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland
Can I apply without Irish experience?
Yes. International experience is accepted.
Minimum salary in 2026?
From €28,000 to €30,000 depending on permit.
Do I need an agent?
No. Apply directly.
Can my family join me?
Yes, for most permits.
How long does processing take?
Around 4–10 weeks.
Can I change employers?
Yes, with a new permit.
Is permanent residence possible?
Yes. Many workers qualify after 2–5 years.