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Right to Work

Right to Work

The legal requirement to ensure every employee has valid permission (citizenship or visa) to work in Ireland.

Employing a non-EEA national without a valid permit is a criminal offence. You must check original documents (GNIB/IRP cards) and track their expiry dates. Student visas often have strict caps on weekly hours (20 hours term-time).

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I accidentally hire someone without a visa?

Employing a non-EEA national without a valid employment permit is a criminal offence. The employer can face fines of up to €3,000 per employee or imprisonment. It is a "strict liability" offence, meaning "I didn't know" is not a valid defence. You must proactively check and record their status before they start working.

What documents do I need to check to prove an employee's Right to Work?

You must see an original passport (EU/EEA/Swiss/UK) or a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card that indicates the correct stamp (e.g., Stamp 4 allows full work, Stamp 2 is restricted student work). Keeping a copy of this on file is essential defence against prosecution under the Employment Permits Acts. A PPS number alone does not prove a right to work.