Ireland has confirmed a major rise in pay levels as the national minimum wage and key work permit salaries increase from 2026.
The minimum wage will rise to €14.15 per hour from January 1, 2026, while new pay thresholds for work permits will apply from March 1, 2026. This update on salary in Ireland affects local workers, businesses and thousands of migrant employees.
New Salary in Ireland Rules for 2026
The government confirmed that salaries increased in Ireland across several job categories. General Employment Permit holders must earn at least €36,605 from March. Healthcare assistants, home carers, meat processing staff and horticulture workers will need a minimum of €32,691. Recent graduates and those under the Atypical Working Scheme will also face higher salary requirements.
Critical Skills Employment Permit salaries in Ireland will also rise. Degree holders in approved roles must earn at least €40,904. Workers not on the critical list or without a relevant degree must meet €68,911. Intra company transfer salaries will range from €36,605 to €49,523. Some public and community roles will follow separate pay scales.
These salary in Ireland changes are part of a long term plan running until 2030 to support fair wages and maintain strong labor standards. Employers must pay in euros and meet the thresholds or risk refusals.
This matters for workers planning careers, employers managing costs and foreign workers already working in Ireland.
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