Sports clubs
Sports clubs and governing bodies recruiting players, coaches or specialists
What you get
- An eligibility check and advice on whether this permit or another route fits better
- Help to present evidence of the candidate's standing and track record
- Preparation and submission of the application on Employment Permits Online
About this service
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
The Sport and Cultural Employment Permit is for people whose skills, experience or knowledge are needed to develop, run or staff sporting and cultural activities in Ireland, including the entertainment sector. It suits athletes, coaches, performers, artists and cultural professionals with an Irish employer. There's no Labour Market Needs Test, and the permit can cover a full-time contract of up to 2 years or seasonal work. Because DETE can consult governing bodies and cultural organisations, the strength of the candidate's track record matters. We help you present it clearly, with records, reviews and letters of support.
€1538
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
6
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Arts and entertainment
Theatres, arts organisations, festivals and entertainment employers
Sports and cultural professionals
Non-EEA sports and cultural professionals with an Irish job offer
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Skills and experience
The candidate has relevant qualifications, skills, experience or knowledge for the sporting or cultural role
02
Pay
Pay is at least the National Minimum Wage (€14.15 an hour from 1 January 2026)
03
Contract
A full-time contract of up to 2 years, or seasonal work
04
Employer
The employer is registered with Revenue and trading in Ireland
05
Consultation
DETE may consult governing bodies or other relevant organisations about the application
Our promise
What's included
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
€1538
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 6 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We assess the role and the candidate's evidence.
- 2Step 2
We help you build a strong supporting file.
- 3Step 3
We prepare and submit the application.
- 4Step 4
We track it and respond to any queries.
- Step 5
After approval, we guide the candidate through the visa and registration steps.
Good to know
Our fee
€1,538 VAT included.
Government fee
€500 for 6 months or less, or €1,000 for up to 24 months. Renewals cost €750 or €1,500. 90% is refunded if refused.
Processing time
DETE, October 2026: about 8 weeks for this type of new application.
First employer
New holders are expected to stay with their first employer for 12 months, unless the work is seasonal.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The Sport and Cultural Employment Permit is for non-EEA nationals whose qualifications, skills or experience are needed to develop, run or staff sporting and cultural activities in Ireland, including the entertainment sector. It's used by sports clubs signing players and coaches, and by theatres, arts organisations and festivals bringing in performers, artists and specialist staff. Unlike the General Employment Permit, there's no fixed salary threshold beyond the National Minimum Wage, and no Labour Market Needs Test. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment may consult governing bodies or cultural organisations about the application, so evidence of the candidate's standing matters. The permit can cover a full-time contract of up to 2 years or seasonal work, and it can be renewed for up to 3 years. Short engagements are handled differently: paid events of 14 days or less can use a short stay performance or tournament visa, and engagements of up to 90 days may use the Atypical Working Scheme.
Paid events of 14 days or less can be covered by a short stay Performance or Tournament visa. Engagements of 15 to 90 days may need the Atypical Working Scheme.
Yes. After the first period of up to 24 months, it can be renewed for up to 3 years. Seasonal permits can be renewed where the contract continues without a break.
Pay must be at least the National Minimum Wage. The standard GEP thresholds don't apply.
Yes, if their skills or experience are needed to develop, run or staff the sporting or cultural activity.
Yes. Each person needs their own application, but we can prepare them together so the supporting evidence is consistent.
Ready when you are
Get started with Sport and Cultural Employment Permit
€1538
€1538
Sport and Cultural Employment Permit