In 2022, Emerald Isle hit a record number of emerging tech startups, going beyond the pre-pandemic benchmark for employment in Ireland.

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As of summer 2023, the hiring potential of the nation’s tech industry is going strong, with an impressive 5.2% of local workforce currently employed in tech in contrast with an average of 3.7% in the rest of Europe. The demand for tech professionals is backed up by the highest salary rate compared to other sectors, attracting native and foreign job seekers alike.

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With a variety of financial support programs and accelerator schemes for IT companies, Ireland is becoming a safe space for business owners looking for a solid, low-risk ground to launch a startup on or relocate an established business to. Finally, Ireland is the only country in the after-Brexit EU with English officially spoken, making it even a friendlier environment for tech minds from around the world. With all this said, no wonder Ireland is increasingly referred to as Europe’s key tech hub.

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In a nutshell, the benefits of hiring IT specialists in Ireland are:

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• a thriving tech ecosystem and robust growth of the industry
• a low-risk business environment with governmental aid
• effective communication with English as an official language

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Hiring a team in Ireland: Key Facts

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Work permit

For employees from outside the European Economic Area (the EU, Norway, Iceland or Lichtenstein), the UK or Switzerland, a work permit is required. A candidate applies for the work permit before entering the country, and then for a long-stay visa after the arrival. Once on-site, registering with a local immigration office within a period stated in the passport stamp is a must. An average processing time for work permits in Ireland is 8 to 10 weeks.

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Employment contract

In Ireland, an individual working for a regular wage or salary is considered as automatically having an employment contract, no matter if it is agreed upon orally or in writing. An employer must provide a written statement of employment terms within 2 months after the cooperation starts.

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The average maximum of legal workload is 48 hours per week, with average hours calculated for a 4-month period. While there are no statutory obligations to compensate overtime work, many employers cover overtime hours at a higher rate. Any requirements as for overtime work as well as pay rates should be clearly stated in the employment contract.

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Pre-employment medical checks are not a must, but may be required in the case health or fitness is relevant to the future role.

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Vacation days, types of leave and employee bonuses

Employees in Ireland received 4 weeks of basic paid leave, with additional days offered by some employers and stated in the contract.

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There are no statutory obligations as for paid sick days – each company decides on their own policy as for sick leave compensation (or the absence of such), which in any case must be clearly stated in the employment contract.

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The minimum period of maternity leave guaranteed by the state is 26 paid weeks and additional 16 unpaid weeks if necessary. This period is guaranteed to full-time and part-time female employees, regardless of the duration of their current employment. Male employees, in their turn, are entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave that can be taken at any time during the first 6 months after the birth/adoption of a child.

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Employers in Ireland must subscribe to mandatory Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax or Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions.

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Termination and notice period

Legal grounds for contract termination on the employer’s side include the employee’s conduct, inadequate qualifications/competencies required to perform the job, redundancy, and other case-specific reasons.

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Both employers and employees are typically required to provide notices when terminating an employment contract, and notice periods depend on the duration of current employment. For individuals who have been employed for at least 13 weeks, the notice periods are as follows:

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• 1 week for those who have been employed from 13 weeks to 2 years
• 2 weeks for those who have been employed from 2 to 5 years
• 4 weeks for those who have been employed from 5 to 10 years
• 6 weeks for those who have been employed from 10 to 15 years
• 8 weeks for those who have been employed over 15 years

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In case of a collective redundancy layoff, an employer in Ireland must notify their employees at least 30 days prior the planned dismissal date.

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Termination of employment in Ireland without a notice period is possible in case of serious misconduct or breach of contract, with the right to appeal the decision reserved for the employee.

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Planning to hire tech specialists in Ireland or relocating your current team? We’ll help you do it in a faster and safer way

Ireland is welcoming towards tech minds from around the globe, but when it comes to employment and migration, there still are many bureaucratic intricacies and compliance issues involved. With a relatively long visa processing period and a lot to agree upon in the contract, the process may get bumpy for you and your employee.

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‍Let us give you a helping hand: Acvian’s trusted team of experts will design a personalized employment contract that is 100% compliant with the Irish law and tailored to your best interests, ensure a speedy relocation of your team, and provide outstanding Customer Care to you and your employees alike at all stages of the process. You can reach out to us for a solution that suits your case best – just submit your request or schedule an immediate meeting.