Ireland Increases Minimum Salary for Foreign Workers in 2026

Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has officially raised the minimum salary thresholds for foreign workers across multiple employment permit categories, effective in 2026. The General Employment Permit (GEP) and ICT Trainee category will see the minimum annual remuneration increase from €34,000 to €36,605.

Healthcare assistants, home carers, and care workers will now earn a minimum of €32,691, up from €30,000. Holders of the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) with a relevant degree will have their minimum threshold rise to €40,909, while those without a relevant degree will face a new minimum of €68,911.

Intra-company and contract-for-services arrangements will have a new minimum of €49,522. Two new permit classifications, the GEP Irish Graduate category and the Critical Skills Graduate category, will be introduced with minimum salaries of €34,009 and €36,849, respectively.

These updates reflect a strategic effort to attract foreign talent and align wage floors with rising living costs.