Ireland has raised the minimum salary a foreign worker must earn to qualify for a General Employment Permit, introducing a new income benchmark for people planning to work and relocate to the country.
The updated threshold took effect on March 1, 2026, increasing the minimum annual remuneration from €34,000 (about KSh 5.05 million) to €36,605 (about KSh 5.44 million).
New salary roadmap for Ireland employment permits
The announcement was made by Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, who jointly published a Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds.
The roadmap sets out a phased plan to increase salary thresholds across Ireland’s employment permit categories.
Rather than implementing all the increases at once, the government has opted for a gradual approach intended to give employers and prospective workers time to adjust.
The roadmap also provides for the gradual removal of very low salary thresholds applying to certain positions in the agri-food and healthcare sectors.
What the changes mean for permit applicants
For people planning to relocate to Ireland under a General Employment Permit, the new minimum annual salary is €36,605 (about KSh 5.44 million).
Applicants whose eligible employment pays below the applicable threshold may not qualify for a General Employment Permit under the new rules, subject to any exemptions or specific conditions that apply to their occupation.
The changes form part of Ireland’s broader review of employment permit salary thresholds, with the government seeking to align minimum remuneration with labour-market conditions and ensure that employment permit holders receive appropriate pay.
What Kenyan applicants should know
For Kenyans considering employment opportunities in Ireland, the key figure to watch is the €36,605 annual threshold (about KSh 5.44 million) for the General Employment Permit.
That works out to approximately €3,050 per month (about KSh 453,000) before tax.
Applicants should also check whether their specific occupation is eligible for a General Employment Permit and whether any occupation-specific rules or exemptions apply.
Employment permit requirements can change, so prospective applicants should confirm the latest conditions with Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment before applying.
