Seasonal Employment
Permit

The Seasonal Employment Permit is a newer type of Irish employment permit, created by the Employment Permits Act 2024 for work that recurs each season. It opened as a pilot in February 2025 for horticultural operatives in the soft fruit and vegetable growing sector, an industry that has long struggled to find seasonal labour. Under the 2025 pilot, only approved seasonal employers could use it, with no more than six employers approved per season, and each had to employ at least two permit holders. Workers could be employed for up to 7 months a year, between 14 April and 13 November, with pay of at least €30,000 a year (€14.79 an hour) and at least 30 hours a week. The permit can be renewed for further seasons, up to a maximum of 3 years, so the same workers can return each year. DETE's evaluation, published in June 2026, recommended a second pilot phase for the 2027 growing season, and the terms may change.

Yes. The permit is designed for recurring seasonal work and can be renewed for up to 3 years in total.

Year-round roles can use a General Employment Permit at the reduced horticulture threshold of €32,691 a year, where a quota place is available.

Not at present. The pilot covers horticultural operatives in soft fruit and vegetable growing. The scheme may be extended in future.

Well before the season starts on 14 April. We recommend starting as soon as DETE publishes the 2027 pilot details.

Workers from visa-required countries need an employment visa once the permit is approved. We'll guide them through it.

Yes. Workers staying more than 90 days must register their permission after arriving, and the registration fee is €300.