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Occupation Lists

Ineligible Occupations

The following occupations are generally ineligible for an employment permit under DETE rules (Schedule 4 of the Regulations). However, some have specific exceptions, so filter below to see which roles may still qualify under certain circumstances.

Source: DETE Ineligible List of Occupations, effective May 2026 (SI 213 of 2026)

285

Total ineligible occupations

74

With DETE exceptions

211

Fully ineligible (no exceptions)

Some Exceptions Apply

74 occupations on this list have documented DETE exceptions. These include roles such as senior chefs, HGV drivers, bus drivers, language-specific customer service and credit control roles, disability service roles, construction safety officers, genetic counsellors, CNC operatives, paramedics, farm assistants, and many others. Where an exception is noted, a General Employment Permit may be granted if specific conditions are met.

Showing 285 of 285 ineligible occupations

122 - Managers in Hospitality and Leisure Services

3
SOC 1225Leisure Centre Manager
SOC 1225Sports Facility Manager
SOC 1226Travel Agency Manager

124 - Managers in Health and Care Services

3
SOC 1242Residential Care ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

SOC 1242Day Care ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

SOC 1242Domiciliary Care ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

125 - Managers in Other Services

14
SOC 1251Property Manager
SOC 1251Housing Manager
SOC 1251Estate Manager
SOC 1252Garage Manager
SOC 1253Hairdressing Salon Manager
SOC 1253Beauty Salon Manager
SOC 1254Shopkeeper
SOC 1255Waste Disposal Manager
SOC 1255Environmental Services Manager
SOC 1259Betting Shop ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Graphic Design ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Library ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Plant Hire ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Production ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

222 - Therapy Professionals

1
SOC 2229Other Therapy Professionals (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of orthoptists, chiropractors who are members of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland, and Play Therapists working in disability services)

244 - Welfare Professionals

2
SOC 2443Probation Officer
SOC 2449Other Welfare Professionals (not elsewhere classified)

312 - Draughtspersons and Related Architectural Technicians

1
SOC 3121Town Planning Technician

321 - Health Associate Professionals

6
SOC 3219AcupuncturistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219HomeopathExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219HypnotherapistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219Massage TherapistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219ReflexologistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219Sports TherapistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

323 - Welfare and Housing Associate Professionals

6
SOC 3231Youth WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Family Support Workers working in disability services)

SOC 3231Community WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Family Support Workers working in disability services)

SOC 3233Child and Early Years Officer
SOC 3234Housing Officer
SOC 3235Counsellor
SOC 3239Other Welfare and Housing Associate Professionals (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of Project Officer working in disability services and Support Worker)

331 - Protective Service Occupations

6
SOC 3311NCO
SOC 3312Police Officer
SOC 3313Fire Service Officer
SOC 3314Prison Service Officer
SOC 3315Police Community Support Officer
SOC 3319Other Protective Service Associate Professionals (not elsewhere classified)

344 - Sports and Fitness Occupations

1
SOC 3443Fitness Instructor

352 - Legal Associate Professionals

2
SOC 3520Legal ExecutiveExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a State which is not a member of the EEA and who has market knowledge of that non-EEA state)

SOC 3520ParalegalExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a State which is not a member of the EEA and who has market knowledge of that non-EEA state)

354 - Sales, Marketing and Related Associate Professionals

6
SOC 3544Estate Agent
SOC 3544Auctioneer
SOC 3546Conference Manager
SOC 3546Exhibition Manager
SOC 3546Conference Organiser
SOC 3546Exhibition Organiser

356 - Public Services and Other Associate Professionals

10
SOC 3563Vocational TrainerExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors and Guide Dog mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3563Industrial TrainerExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors and Guide Dog mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3563Vocational InstructorExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors and Guide Dog mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3563Industrial InstructorExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors and Guide Dog mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3564Careers AdviserExceptions apply

(with the exception of career guidance teachers in secondary schools)

SOC 3564Vocational Guidance SpecialistExceptions apply

(with the exception of career guidance teachers in secondary schools)

SOC 3565Standards Inspector
SOC 3565Regulations Inspector
SOC 3567Health and Safety OfficerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Construction Safety Officers)

SOC 3561Public Services Associate Professionals

411 - Administrative Occupations: Government and Related Organisations

2
SOC 4112Government Administrator
SOC 4113Local Government Administrator

412 - Administrative Occupations: Finance

8
SOC 4121Credit ControllerExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, in a role in credit control where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4122Book-keeperExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA in a role in accounts payable where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4122Payroll ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA in a role in accounts payable where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4122Wages ClerkExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA in a role in accounts payable where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4123Bank Clerk
SOC 4123Post Office Clerk
SOC 4124Finance Officer
SOC 4129Other Financial Administrative Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

413 - Administrative Occupations: Records

7
SOC 4131Records Clerk
SOC 4132Pensions Clerk
SOC 4132Insurance Clerk
SOC 4133Stock Control Clerk
SOC 4135Library Clerk
SOC 4135Library Assistant
SOC 4138HR Administrator

415 - Other Administrative Occupations

2
SOC 4151Sales Administrator
SOC 4159Other Administrative Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

416 - Administrative Occupations: Office Managers and Supervisors

2
SOC 4161Office Manager
SOC 4162Office Supervisor

421 - Secretarial and Related Occupations

8
SOC 4211Medical Secretary
SOC 4212Legal Secretary
SOC 4213School Secretary
SOC 4214Company Secretary
SOC 4215Personal Assistant
SOC 4215Secretary
SOC 4216Receptionist
SOC 4217Typist

511 - Agricultural and Related Trades

7
SOC 5111FarmerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Pig Manager)

SOC 5112Horticulturist
SOC 5113Gardener
SOC 5113Landscape Gardener
SOC 5114Groundsman
SOC 5114Greenkeeper
SOC 5119Other Agricultural and Fishing Trades (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of sea fisher in the Irish fishing fleet and speciality forestry harvesting technician)

523 - Vehicle Trades

3
SOC 5236Boat Builder
SOC 5236Ship Builder
SOC 5237Rolling Stock Engineer

524 - Electrical and Electronic Trades

4
SOC 5244TV Engineer
SOC 5244Video Engineer
SOC 5244Audio Engineer
SOC 5249Other Electrical and Electronic Trades (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of lineworker working on behalf of ESB Networks)

531 - Construction and Building Trades

1
SOC 5319Other Construction and Building Trades (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of Plastic Lining Technicians, Steel Fixers, Fencing Operators / Erectors and Curtain Wallers)

541 - Textiles and Garments Trades

5
SOC 5411Weaver
SOC 5411Knitter
SOC 5413Footwear Maker
SOC 5413Leather Worker
SOC 5419Other Textiles, Garments and Related Trades (not elsewhere classified)

542 - Printing Trades

3
SOC 5421Pre-press Technician
SOC 5423Print Finisher
SOC 5423Bookbinder

543 - Food Preparation and Hospitality Trades

5
SOC 5432Flour Confectioner
SOC 5433FishmongerExceptions apply

(with the exception of fish filleter)

SOC 5433Poultry DresserExceptions apply

(with the exception of fish filleter)

SOC 5434ChefExceptions apply

(with the exception of - Executive Chef with minimum of 5 years' experience Head Chef with minimum of 5 years' experience Sous Chef with minimum of 5 years' experience Chef de Partie with minimum of 2 years' experience Commis Chef with minimum of 2 years' experience who will be employed in establishments other than fast food outlets)

SOC 5435Cook

544 - Other Skilled Trades

5
SOC 5441Glass Maker
SOC 5441Ceramics Maker
SOC 5441Glass Decorator
SOC 5443Florist
SOC 5449All Other Skilled Trades (not elsewhere classified)

612 - Childcare and Related Personal Services

5
SOC 6121Nursery Nurse
SOC 6121Nursery Assistant
SOC 6122Childminder
SOC 6125Teaching Assistant
SOC 6126Educational Support Assistant

613 - Animal Care and Control Services

3
SOC 6131Veterinary Nurse
SOC 6132Pest Control Officer
SOC 6139Animal Care WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of work riders)

614 - Caring Personal Services

10
SOC 6142Ambulance WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of paramedics)

SOC 6142Emergency Medical TechnicianExceptions apply

(with the exception of paramedics)

SOC 6143Dental Nurse
SOC 6144Houseparent
SOC 6144Residential Warden
SOC 6146Senior Care WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

SOC 6147Care Escort
SOC 6148Undertaker
SOC 6148Mortuary Assistant
SOC 6148Crematorium Assistant

621 - Leisure and Travel Services

6
SOC 6211Sports Assistant
SOC 6211Leisure Assistant
SOC 6212Travel Agent
SOC 6214Air Travel Assistant
SOC 6215Rail Travel Assistant
SOC 6219Other Leisure and Travel Service Occupations (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of tourist guides fluent in the official language of a State which is not a member of the EEA and is not an official language of an EEA state)

622 - Hairdressers and Related Services

4
SOC 6221Hairdresser
SOC 6221Barber
SOC 6222Beautician
SOC 6222Beauty Therapist

623 - Housekeeping and Related Services

2
SOC 6231Housekeeper
SOC 6232Caretaker

624 - Cleaning and Housekeeping Managers and Supervisors

4
SOC 6240Cleaning Manager
SOC 6240Housekeeping Manager
SOC 6240Cleaning Supervisor
SOC 6240Housekeeping Supervisor

711 - Sales Assistants and Retail Cashiers

9
SOC 7111Sales Assistant
SOC 7111Retail Assistant
SOC 7112Retail Cashier
SOC 7112Check-out Operator
SOC 7113Telesales Agent
SOC 7114Pharmacy Assistant
SOC 7114Dispensing Assistant
SOC 7115Vehicle Sales Adviser
SOC 7115Parts Adviser

712 - Sales Related Occupations

10
SOC 7121Credit Agent
SOC 7121Door-to-Door Collector
SOC 7122Debt Collector
SOC 7122Rent Collector
SOC 7123Van Sales Representative
SOC 7124Market Trader
SOC 7124Street Trader
SOC 7125Merchandiser
SOC 7125Window Dresser
SOC 7129Other Sales Related Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

713 - Sales Supervisors

1
SOC 7130Sales Supervisor

721 - Customer Service Occupations

6
SOC 7211Call Centre AgentExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency and is in- a customer service and sales role with relevant product knowledge, a specialist online digital marketing and sales role, or a specialist language support and technical sales support role)

SOC 7211Contact Centre AgentExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency and is in- a customer service and sales role with relevant product knowledge, a specialist online digital marketing and sales role, or a specialist language support and technical sales support role)

SOC 7213Telephonist
SOC 7214Communication Operator
SOC 7215Market Research Interviewer
SOC 7219Other Customer Service Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

722 - Customer Service Managers and Supervisors

2
SOC 7220Customer Service Manager
SOC 7220Customer Service Supervisor

811 - Process Operatives

11
SOC 8111Food Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative, Meat processor operative and Seafood Operative)

SOC 8111Drink Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative, Meat processor operative and Seafood Operative)

SOC 8111Tobacco Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative, Meat processor operative and Seafood Operative)

SOC 8112Glass Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8112Ceramics Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8114Chemical Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8115Rubber Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8116Plastics Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8117Metal Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8118ElectroplaterExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8119Other Process Operatives (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

812 - Plant and Machine Operatives

9
SOC 8121Paper Machine OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8122Coal MinerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8123Quarry WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8124Energy Plant OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8125Metal Working Machine OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8126Water Treatment OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8126Sewerage Plant OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8127Printing Machine AssistantExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8129Other Plant and Machine Operatives (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative and Saw Doctor)

813 - Assemblers and Routine Operatives

14
SOC 8131Electrical AssemblerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Armature Rewinder)

SOC 8131Electronic AssemblerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Armature Rewinder)

SOC 8132Vehicle Assembler
SOC 8132Metal Goods Assembler
SOC 8133Quality Inspector
SOC 8133Product Tester
SOC 8134Weigher
SOC 8134Grader
SOC 8134Sorter
SOC 8135Tyre Fitter
SOC 8135Exhaust Fitter
SOC 8135Windscreen Fitter
SOC 8137Sewing MachinistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Industrial Machine Knitter)

SOC 8139Other Assemblers and Routine Operatives (not elsewhere classified)

814 - Construction Operatives

4
SOC 8142Road Construction Worker
SOC 8143Rail Construction Worker
SOC 8143Rail Maintenance Worker
SOC 8149Other Construction Operatives (not elsewhere classified)

821 - Road Transport Drivers

7
SOC 8211HGV DriverExceptions apply

(with the exception of heavy goods vehicle drivers who have- a category CE or C1E driving licence, or an equivalent category to a category CE or C1E driving licence identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction)

SOC 8212Van Driver
SOC 8213Bus DriverExceptions apply

(with the exception of bus and coach drivers who have- a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence, or an equivalent category to a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction).

SOC 8213Coach DriverExceptions apply

(with the exception of bus and coach drivers who have- a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence, or an equivalent category to a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction).

SOC 8214Taxi Driver
SOC 8214Chauffeur
SOC 8215Driving Instructor

822 - Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives

3
SOC 8222Fork-lift Truck Driver
SOC 8223Agricultural Machinery Driver
SOC 8229Other Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of Concrete Pump Operator)

823 - Other Drivers and Transport Operatives

7
SOC 8231Train Driver
SOC 8231Tram Driver
SOC 8232Marine Transport Worker
SOC 8232Waterways Worker
SOC 8233Air Transport Worker
SOC 8234Rail Transport Worker
SOC 8239Other Drivers and Transport Operatives (not elsewhere classified)

911 - Elementary Agricultural Occupations

2
SOC 9111Farm WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of dairy farm assistants) (with the exception of pig farm assistants)

SOC 9119Other Fishing and General Agriculture Occupations (not elsewhere classified)Exceptions apply

(with the exception of horticulture worker)

912 - Elementary Construction Occupations

1
SOC 9120Construction Labourer

913 - Elementary Process Plant Occupations

5
SOC 9132Industrial Cleaner
SOC 9134Packer
SOC 9134Bottler
SOC 9134Canner
SOC 9139Other Elementary Process Plant Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

921 - Elementary Administration Occupations

5
SOC 9211Postal Worker
SOC 9211Mail Sorter
SOC 9211Messenger
SOC 9211Courier
SOC 9219Other Elementary Administration Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

923 - Elementary Cleaning Occupations

12
SOC 9231Window Cleaner
SOC 9232Street Cleaner
SOC 9233Cleaner
SOC 9233Domestic Worker
SOC 9234Launderer
SOC 9234Dry Cleaner
SOC 9234Presser
SOC 9235Refuse Collector
SOC 9235Salvage Worker
SOC 9236Vehicle Valeter
SOC 9236Vehicle Cleaner
SOC 9239Other Elementary Cleaning Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

924 - Elementary Security Occupations

6
SOC 9241Security Guard
SOC 9242Parking Attendant
SOC 9242Civil Enforcement Officer
SOC 9244School Crossing Patrol
SOC 9244Lunchtime Supervisor
SOC 9249Other Elementary Security Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

925 - Elementary Sales Occupations

2
SOC 9251Shelf Filler
SOC 9259Other Elementary Sales Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

926 - Elementary Storage Occupations

1
SOC 9260Warehouse Worker

927 - Other Elementary Services Occupations

10
SOC 9271Hospital Porter
SOC 9272Kitchen Assistant
SOC 9272Catering Assistant
SOC 9273Waiter
SOC 9273Waitress
SOC 9274Bartender
SOC 9274Bar Worker
SOC 9275Leisure Attendant
SOC 9275Theme Park Attendant
SOC 9279Other Elementary Services Occupations (not elsewhere classified)

All - Work in the private home

1
SOC ALL1Domestic Worker (Private Home)

Think an exception might apply to your role?

Check Your Eligibility

Based on official figures

Ineligible occupations and their exceptions are set by DETE. This list reflects the official Ineligible List of Occupations; confirm any specific role there.

Official government sources · last checked 12 October 2026.