Employment Permits Minimum Annual Remuneration: Outcome of the Roadmap Review 2025

A new roadmap has been published which outlines a gradual approach to increasing minimum salary thresholds across all employment permit types, while removing very low thresholds on a phased basis for certain roles in the agri-food and healthcare sectors. This new roadmap ensures that Ireland remains competitive, protects workers, and supports businesses in a challenging economic environment.

This new roadmap follows a review of the 2023 plan to raise salary thresholds over two years.

The review considered:

• feedback from public consultation, which received over 150 submissions from employers, permit holders, trade unions, and representative bodies
• business challenges linked to rising costs and global economic conditions
• concerns from migrant worker advocacy groups about permit renewals under quickly implemented higher thresholds

Instead of completing the increases by 2026, the new plan introduces a gradual implementation through to 2030. This approach ensures balance between worker rights and business sustainability, in line with the Employment Permits Act 2024.

The first increase will take effect on 1 March 2026, with further adjustments phased in through 2030.