Ireland's General Employment Permit now requires a minimum annual salary of €36,605, up from €34,000, with the change effective on 1 March 2026.

The increase was announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, who published a Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds.

Roadmap and sectoral adjustments

The salary roadmap outlines a phased approach, gradually raising thresholds across permit categories and phasing out very low salary limits for certain agri‑food and healthcare roles.

The government says the review aims to align remuneration with labour‑market conditions and ensure permit holders receive appropriate pay.

Implications for prospective applicants

Applicants whose job offers fall below €36,605 may be ineligible for a General Employment Permit unless specific exemptions apply to their occupation.

For Kenyan nationals, the new threshold translates to roughly €3,050 per month, or about KSh 453,000 before tax, and they should verify occupation eligibility and any sector‑specific rules.

What applicants should do next

Prospective workers are advised to check the latest conditions on Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment website before submitting an application.