April 3, 2025
Ireland is an exceptional choice for business establishment and hiring, driven by several compelling factors. The nation's population of roughly 4.9 million provides a substantial and diverse talent pool. What truly sets Ireland apart is its well-educated workforce, making it particularly appealing for business owners seeking global expansion.
Notably, 53% of the populace holds tertiary-level education, positioning Ireland among the most highly educated nations in Europe. The abundance of skilled professionals across various domains guarantees access to a highly competent and flexible workforce.
This not only underscores the country's educational diversity but, in combination with modern Ireland labor laws, fosters a welcoming environment for businesses, whether local or international.
Ireland is an attractive destination for companies seeking a foothold in international business. Read on to learn how to hire employees in Ireland and how an Employer of Record (EOR) can help navigate the country's employment laws, permits, and payroll system.
Labor Laws in Ireland
Labor laws in Ireland are in place to safeguard the employment rights of both parties and ensure fair and ethical practices in the workplace. The key aspects of these laws include:
- The Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015 prohibit discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and other factors and require employers to prevent workplace mistreatment.
Working Hours in Ireland
- In Ireland, the maximum working hours are 48 per average week.
- These hours are calculated over a specific period, but different rules apply if you're under 18.
Probation Period in Ireland
- The probation periods in Ireland are capped at six months.
- However, in rare situations, this probation period can be extended by an extra six months, resulting in a maximum of 12 months.
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Talk to an expertTaxes and Payroll in Ireland
When managing the hiring process in the country, employers need to grasp the regulations that oversee payroll in Ireland. These regulations cover different aspects of an employee's compensation, including benefits, contributions, and taxes.
Tax responsibilities of employers in Ireland cover the following:
- Income Tax (IT): Employers in Ireland must use the PAYE system to deduct income tax from their employees' salaries. Employees can apply for tax credits and deductions via the Revenue Commission.
The tax rates based on circumstances include:
| Personal Circumstances | Income Tax Rate |
| Single, widowed, or served by a civil partner (no qualifying children) | €40,000 at 20%
Balance at 40% |
| Single, widowed, or survived by a civil partner (qualifying for Single Person Child Carer Credit) | €44,000 at 20%
Balance at 40% |
| In a marital or civil partnership, where only one spouse or civil partner has income | €49,000 at 20%
Balance at 40% |
| In a marriage or civil partnership where both spouses or civil partners have income | €49,000 (with an increase of €31,000 max) at 20%
Balance at 40% |
Minimum Wages in Ireland
- The minimum wage in Ireland is currently set at €11.30 per hour.
- However, it is subject to annual government reviews to ensure fair compensation for all employees older than 18.
- The payroll frequency in Ireland depends on the employer. Salaries are credited on a monthly, fortnightly or weekly basis and are usually paid to the employees by the last day of the month.
Employer Tax in Ireland
- Employers are also obligated to make PRSI contributions. These contributions, which fund social insurance, are split between employers and employees.
Employers contribute 8.8% of income up to €441 per week and 11.05% of income exceeding €441 per week to the Social Insurance Fund.
Employee Benefits in Ireland
Employers in Ireland offer various benefits to enhance job satisfaction, well-being, and work-life balance. These generally include:
Leave Policy in Ireland
Ireland provides various employee leave entitlements, each governed by specific regulations. Here's an overview:
- Paid Time Off: Employees get four weeks of annual leave. Part-time workers receive 8.00% of hours worked, up to four weeks.
- Sick Days (from Jan 1): Employees get three days of paid sick leave at 70% of regular pay (up to €110 daily) after working for at least 13 weeks.
- Maternity Leave: Maternity leave in Ireland provides 26 weeks of paid leave to new mothers. This can be extended to 16 weeks of unpaid leave.
- Paternity Leave: New fathers can avail of two weeks of paternity leave in Ireland during the initial six months. It doesn't come with employer pay but may involve eligibility for benefits.
- Adoptive Leave: Parents who adopt can take as much as 24 weeks of unpaid leave from the day their child is placed with them.
- Recent Changes: Recent legislative adjustments extend parents’ leave and address adoption by male same-sex couples.
- Public Holidays:
- Lá Caille (New Year's Day)
- Lá Fhéile Pádraig (Saint Patrick's Day)
- Aoine an Chéasta (Good Friday)
- Luan Cásca (Easter Monday)
- Lá Bealtaine (May Day)
- Lsaoire i mí an Mheithimh (June Holiday)
- LubSaoireiMi Lunasa (August Holiday)
- Lá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair (October Holiday)
- Lá Nollag (Christmas Day)
- Lá Fhéile Stiofáin (St Stephen's Day)
Statutory Benefits in Ireland
- Pension Plans/Retirement Contributions: Occupational pensions are not legally required but are offered, typically regulated by the Pensions Authority.
- Overtime: Extra pay for Sunday work varies per contract, and overtime pay terms are usually detailed in employment agreements.
- Insurances: Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions are mandatory for employed individuals, with both employees and employers contributing. Compliance is strictly monitored, and non-compliance can result in fines and penalties.
Cost of Hiring in Ireland
According to the HR Barometer Report by Adare Human Resource Management, the cost of hiring in Ireland has significantly increased, particularly for larger companies with over 250 employees. The expense of employee recruitment has risen to €7,491, compared to €4,215, and can be as high as €14,690 per employee for larger businesses. With an 18% turnover rate, recruitment expenses can accumulate rapidly.
Establishing a Subsidiary vs. Employer of Record (EOR) in Ireland
When considering hiring approaches in Ireland, businesses have two primary options: setting up a subsidiary or partnering with an established EOR like Skuad.
Each approach comes with its distinct benefits and factors to consider. Here's a comparative overview:
| Parameters | Setting up a Subsidiary | Partnering with Skuad |
| Initial Cost | High setup and legal costs. | Due to Skuad’s existing presence, you just need to pay a nominal per-employee fee. |
| Duration for setup | It takes several months to set up. | Skuad infrastructure already exists so you can start hiring within days. |
| Employment liabilities | The subsidiary is responsible for the employment risks. | Skuad takes on employment responsibilities, which reduces employment risks. |
| Operational overhead | Includes substantial costs, including HR and taxes. | Skuad manages HR and compliance, leading to minimal overhead costs. |
| Flexibility | Long-term commitment and hard to exit. | Flexible for short-term or trial projects. |
| Local compliance | Subsidiaries are responsible for compliance with local regulations. | Skuad has expertise in local compliance, simplifying compliance requirements. |
| Parameters | Partnering with Skuad | Setting up a Subsidiary |
| Initial Cost | Due to Skuad’s existing presence, you just need to pay a nominal per-employee fee. | High setup and legal costs. |
| Duration for setup | Skuad infrastructure already exists so you can start hiring within days. | It takes several months to set up. |
| Employment liabilities | Skuad takes on employment responsibilities, which reduces employment risks. | The subsidiary is responsible for the employment risks. |
| Operational overhead | Skuad manages HR and compliance, leading to minimal overhead costs. | Includes substantial costs, including HR and taxes. |
| Flexibility | Flexible for short-term or trial projects. | Long-term commitment and hard to exit. |
| Local compliance | Skuad has expertise in local compliance, simplifying compliance requirements. | Subsidiaries are responsible for compliance with local regulations. |
Top Job Listing Sites in Ireland
These job listing platforms in Ireland connect companies with potential candidates and help individuals find suitable positions:
- LinkedIn: A professional networking platform for employers and job seekers.
- Indeed: A comprehensive job search engine aggregating listings from multiple sources.
- Irishjobs: A dedicated Irish job board connecting employers and job hunters.
- Snaphunt: A user-friendly platform using AI for personalized job recommendations.
- Monster: A global job board with a presence in Ireland featuring diverse opportunities.
- RecruitIreland: Tailored to the Irish job market, enabling employers to post job listings.
- Jobs.ie: A well-established job board offering a wide range of job listings.
- Gumtree: A classified ads platform featuring job listings, particularly for local and part-time positions.
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Talk to an expertCompliance Risks Employers Face While Hiring in Ireland
Let's explore the key compliance risks employers face when hiring in Ireland:
- Adhering to labor laws and regulations: Employers must have a comprehensive understanding of and adherence to Irish labor laws and regulations to mitigate potential legal complications.
- Ensuring proper documentation for work permits and visas: Employers must verify that employees needing work permits or visas possess the requisite paperwork. Work permits, which come in various forms like General Employment Permits, are typically obligatory for non-Irish citizens. Employees can get it through the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE).
- Promoting equitable treatment and preventing discrimination: Irish employment laws prohibit discrimination on various grounds, including gender, age, race, religion, etc. Employers must cultivate an inclusive workplace and proactively prevent discrimination or harassment.
- Complying with taxation and social insurance requisites: Accurately calculating and remitting employee taxes and contributing to social insurance programs is a fundamental facet of compliance. Employers are obligated to ensure employees' financial well-being through these contributions.
How Strategic Approaches to Hire Employees in Ireland
When hiring in Ireland, it's crucial to have a transparent process. Here are the strategic approaches to hiring employees in Ireland:
Option 1: Establish a Subsidiary
- Creating a regular subsidiary in Ireland for a global company is akin to making a separate legal entity under the parent company's wing.
- This entity will have financial and legal responsibilities but can tap into the parent company's support and resources.
- However, it's important to note that this process can be time-consuming and costly.
Option 2: Hire as a Contractor
- Opting to hire contractors is a more flexible and cost-effective step.
- Assess your company's requirements, and then choose a contractor with the expertise required in your industry.
Option 3: Choose An Employer of Record (EOR) - Skuad
- Consider teaming up with an Employer of Record (EOR) in Ireland.
- An EOR can make your life easier by managing the employment of full-time employees and contractors, taking care of payroll, benefits, and HR tasks, and ensuring compliance with local laws.
Hiring Trends in Ireland in 2025
Ireland's job market is adapting to global work trends, impacting hiring in various ways:
- Remote and Hybrid Work: The prevalence of flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid models, is transforming the hiring landscape.
- Diverse Skill Sets and Skill Development: Employers are increasingly valuing candidates with varied skill sets and investing in their professional growth through upskilling programs.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Organizations are placing a significant emphasis on fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces.
- Data-Driven Hiring: Data analytics and technology play a pivotal role in driving recruitment decisions and enhancing the overall efficiency of the process.
- Sustainable Recruitment: An increasing awareness of environmental responsibility shapes hiring practices focusing on sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Make Hiring in Ireland Easy with Skuad
Given the comprehensive nature of Irish labor laws, it's vital to take a simplified approach to hire in Ireland to prevent legal issues and non-compliance. You can navigate the complexities of hiring in Ireland with the expert assistance of an Employer Of Record (EOR) like Skuad.
Skuad makes it easy to hire, manage, and pay employees in Ireland and 160+ countries. By teaming up with Skuad, you can concentrate on core business activities, ensuring better efficiency and productivity.
To discover the potential of our distinctive platform and how it can significantly boost your global expansion efforts, book a demo with Skuad.
FAQs
How to hire staff in Ireland?
To hire employees in Ireland, you must comply with labor laws and offer employment terms in writing. Advertise jobs, review applications, conduct interviews, and craft contracts that align with Irish employment regulations. For non-EU/EEA/Swiss hires, address work permits and visas. Register employees with Irish Revenue, handle tax deductions, and ensure staff are informed about their rights in line with Irish employment laws.
Can a US company employ someone in Ireland?
Yes, but you must comply with Irish labor laws, including registration and legal obligations.
How much does it cost to employ someone in Ireland?
Costs vary, including salary, PRSI, benefits, and other onboarding expenses. Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) in Ireland will help you navigate these expenses and ensure a cost-effective hiring process.
