On 19th February 2025, Ireland rolled out a new immigration initiative aimed at addressing labour shortages in seasonal industries. The introduction of the Seasonal Employment Permit marks the first time Ireland has provided a dedicated work permit for seasonal workers, offering employers an important new pathway for sourcing talent, particularly in the horticulture and food production sectors.
The Seasonal Employment Permit is available exclusively to non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals. This new permit allows foreign workers to take on seasonal roles in sectors such as soft fruit and vegetable growing, with a maximum duration of seven months per year. Specifically, the work period runs from 14th April to 13th November each year, aligning with the peak seasons for these industries.
One of the notable features of the Seasonal Employment Permit is its flexibility in terms of renewals. Workers can apply to renew their permits up to two times, allowing them to continue their employment across multiple seasons if they meet the necessary criteria. This offers employers a level of stability and continuity in their workforce, which is particularly valuable in sectors that rely heavily on seasonal labour.
For those holding a Seasonal Employment Permit, the minimum annual salary requirement is set at EUR 30,000, ensuring that workers are compensated fairly for their contributions during the season. However, not all employers are eligible to hire workers under this new scheme. Only employers designated as “approved seasonal employers” can sponsor applications for the permit. Currently, a select number of employers ( just six annually) will be granted this status, and they must employ at least two workers on Seasonal Employment Permits during their approval period.
The Seasonal Employment Permit is a promising development for both employers and workers, offering a more streamlined process for seasonal labour recruitment while maintaining a level of oversight and regulation to ensure fair compensation and compliance with labour standards.
Contact and Disclaimer
Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794. For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
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