Ireland’s Work Permit System Is Changing in 2025: Here’s What You Need to Know
🚀 What’s New in the 2025 Employment Permit System?
1. Digital Signatures Replace Physical Signatures
The new platform introduces full digital signing capabilities, meaning no more wet (handwritten) signatures or scanned PDFs. This speeds up processing and enables a fully paperless workflow.
2. User Accounts Are Now Mandatory
To access the new system, all parties—employers, foreign national workers, and registered agents—must create individual accounts. Employers will need to provide their Company Registration (CRO) number, Revenue details, and other verification documents during setup.
This new identity verification process adds transparency and trust.
3. Shared Application Process
The revamped system allows employers and prospective employees to jointly complete an application. Each user will be able to log in and fill out the relevant sections, which reduces errors and back-and-forth.
4. Live Status Tracking
You’ll be able to track your work permit application in real-time. From the initial draft stage to submission, payment confirmation, and final decision, the status will be clearly visible through your online dashboard.
5. Secure Internal Messaging and Notifications
All communications about your application—including requests for additional documents or updates—will now take place within the portal, reducing the risk of missed emails and improving data privacy.
6. End of the Trusted Partner Initiative
The existing Trusted Partner scheme will be discontinued. Instead, all companies must go through the new standardized online account verification process. This ensures all employers meet the same criteria before sponsoring employment permits.
🛑 Final Deadline for the Old System: April 17, 2025
The current EPOS system will shut down permanently at 6:00 PM (Irish time) on Thursday, April 17, 2025. From this point on, no further applications can be submitted via EPOS.
💡 Important note: Any work permit applications left in draft status on EPOS will not be transferred to the new system. Only fully submitted applications will be reviewed.
Action Point: Submit all existing drafts before April 17 to avoid delays.
🔧 How to Prepare for the New Work Permit System
To make this a smooth transition, here are some steps you can take now:
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✅ Check your existing applications on EPOS.
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Finalize and submit them before April 17, 2025.
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✅ Collect necessary documents like your CRO and Revenue registration details.
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✅ Create your portal account as soon as the new system opens on April 28.
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✅ Get expert help if you’re unsure how these changes affect your current or future work permit plans.
Need Help Navigating the Change?
We’re already assisting businesses and workers in preparing for the switch. Whether you’re applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, a General Employment Permit, or helping a new hire relocate to Ireland, we’re here to guide you step-by-step.
📞 Reach out today so you don’t risk delays or lost applications during this changeover.
💻 Visit our website for updates and detailed guides once the new portal goes live. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for reminders and tips.
From April 28, 2025, a new Employment Permits Online system will officially replace Ireland’s existing EPOS platform. This change is part of a digital transformation by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), aimed at making the process of applying for employment permits faster, more secure, and fully online.
At Platinum Immigration Consultancy Services (PICS), we’ve broken down the most important updates so you can stay ahead of the curve and avoid any disruption in your application process.
📄 For complete details and official updates, visit the
👉 [Department of Enterprise’s New EPOS System page]