How to Apply for an Employment Permit
Step-by-step guide for the new EPOS portal (launched April 2025)
Updated April 2025
New Online System (EPOS)
DETE replaced the previous portal with a modern cloud-based Employment Permits Online System. All applications — new and renewals — must now go through this portal. The old Trusted Partner Initiative no longer exists; every employer uses the same portal.
STEP 1
Create your portal account
- Both the employer and employee must create separate individual accounts at epos.enterprise.gov.ie.
- Employers must provide Revenue and CRO documentation and wait for validation by the Employment Permits Unit before the account is activated.
- Multiple administrators can be assigned to an employer account.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) via mobile phone is required for all accounts.
STEP 2
Start a joint application
- Applications are now completed jointly — the employer fills their sections and the employee fills their personal information directly.
- Both parties work on the same application in real time through their separate accounts.
- No more emailing forms back and forth.
STEP 3
Sign digitally
- All parties sign the application with e-signatures through the portal.
- No physical signatures or scanned documents required.
STEP 4
Pay the application fee
- Fees are paid online through the portal after the application is submitted.
- The application status will show "Awaiting Payment" until the fee is confirmed.
STEP 5
Track your application
- Real-time status updates are visible in your portal account: Draft, Awaiting Payment, Processing, Decision Issued.
- Non-core details (contact info, business locations) can be updated directly; core changes require unit validation.
- Support: epos@enterprise.gov.ie
What's new vs. the old system
Joint online application: Employer and employee fill the same form together — no more splitting PDFs.
E-signatures: Fully digital signing, no wet ink or scanning required.
MFA security: Mobile phone authentication protects all accounts.
Trusted Partner Initiative removed: All employers now use the same portal — no priority queue.
Real-time status tracking: Know exactly where your application is at every stage.
Cloud-based infrastructure: Designed for better reliability and faster processing.
Current Processing Times
Applications processed in date order of receipt. Dates shown are the latest applications currently being processed.
Critical Skills (new)
May 11, 2026~2 weeks
Intra-Company Transfer (new)
Apr 22, 2026~5 weeks
General & other new applications
Mar 8, 2026~12 weeks
Renewals (all types)
Feb 28, 2026~3 months
Reviews / Appeals
Dec 9, 2025~6 months
You will need your mobile phone to complete registration — MFA is mandatory for all portal accounts.
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