The new Irish Work Permit Application System will replace the current EPOS portal with a new online portal, making the application process easier. Find out what will change to the application process, including the need for user registration, improved security, and new features for tracking application status and e-signatures

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The Irish Employment Permit Application System (EPOS) will be replaced by a new online application portal. While the exact launch date has not yet been set, employers and foreign workers should be prepared to register with the system and for a short period of downtime before the system goes live, during which applications will not be accepted. It is important to note that documents submitted through the current system will not be transferred to the new system until EPOS is taken offline.

The new system will have a number of benefits, including enhanced security features, the ability to track the status of applications, as well as data verification and electronic signing of applications.

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Changes to the Irish Work Visa Portal

Ireland will replace the current EPOS system, which has been in operation since 2016, with a new online application portal (launch date not yet known).

- Portal accounts

The new system will create accounts for foreigners, employers and agents, requiring employers and employees to register with the system. This was not required under the current EPOS. Employers will need to provide important documents to create an account, including company registration documents and proof of income. Agents will be able to continue to submit applications on behalf of employers and employees.

- Data protection

The new portal will improve data protection, with all correspondence being available directly on the portal, rather than being sent via email as is currently the case.

Reasons for the change

The move to an online portal is part of Ireland’s digital transformation in immigration and the expansion of online procedures, including for renewal of residence cards and the creation of a new digital self-service contact centre.

It is expected that other types of applications will be available online in the future.

- Downtime and launch delays

Employers and employees should expect a short period of downtime before the launch, during which applications will not be accepted. It is recommended that urgent applications be submitted before this period. There may be delays in processing applications once the portal has launched.

- Migration of documents from existing applications

Documents already submitted in the current system will need to be submitted before EPOS is taken offline as they will not be automatically migrated to the new system.

Benefits of the new Irish work permit application system

With the new system, foreign nationals will be able to benefit from enhanced security features, track the status of their application in real time, verify their details and sign applications electronically.

The government will provide further updates, including video tutorials, detailed instructions and a FAQ document to make it easier to use the new system.

It remains to be seen how the new system in Ireland will interact with the government's upcoming initiatives to merge work permits and visas into a single application procedure, in line with the European Union's Single Permit Directive. More information will be provided at that time.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to find out all the requirements for employment in Ireland.

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As a reminder! If you want to work in Ireland, you need to have a work permit, which is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Given the current shortage of workers in the country, the local authorities have significantly simplified the procedure for obtaining a permit. We have already told you what has changed for expats in Ireland.