Last Updated on November 23, 2025 by TrendyAcads

“Ireland will need more than 50,000 additional workers annually to support healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing industries.” — Irish Government Labour Forecast 2024

Ireland is one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, with massive worker shortages across industries that do not require a degree. Unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship remain a straightforward path for foreigners who want stable income, long-term opportunities, and a gateway into the European Union.

Whether you’re coming from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America, or Europe, Ireland continues welcoming foreign workers—especially under the General Employment Permit and Critical Skills Employment Permit pathways.

This guide explains everything you need: job types, salaries, visa sponsorship, hiring companies, and how to apply in 2025.

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Why Ireland Needs Foreign Workers in 2025

Ireland’s worker shortage is driven by several factors:

1. Fast-growing economy

Ireland is home to global giants like Apple, Google, Pfizer, Meta, Amazon, and Intel. The economy expands faster than the labour supply.

2. Ageing population

The elderly population is growing, increasing demand for care and support workers.

3. Reliance on foreign labour in agriculture & food processing

Farms and food factories consistently need seasonal and full-time workers.

4. Expanding tourism & hospitality

Hotels, restaurants, and accommodation services need thousands of workers annually.

5. Low unemployment rate

Ireland’s unemployment rate remains below 5%, meaning not enough local workers to fill essential roles.

Result:
Ireland actively recruits foreigners for unskilled and low-skilled roles.

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What Counts as Unskilled Jobs in Ireland?

Unskilled or low-skilled jobs require:

• no degree

• minimal or no experience

• basic English

• physical ability for manual tasks

Most roles provide full training, making them beginner-friendly.

These jobs are ideal for foreigners seeking entry-level opportunities with sponsorship.

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Top Unskilled Jobs in Ireland with Visa Sponsorship

Here are the most in-demand unskilled roles in Ireland for 2025:

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1. Care Support Worker / Healthcare Assistant

The care industry is the top employer of foreign workers.

Roles include:

• home care assistant

• residential support worker

• elderly care assistant

• disability support worker

Salary: €24,000 – €32,000 per year
Visa route: General Employment Permit

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2. Farm Worker / Agricultural Labourer

Ireland’s farming towns need:

• dairy farm assistants

• livestock hands

• vegetable pickers

• general agricultural workers

Salary: €11.50 – €14/hour
Peak hiring: March–October

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3. Food Production & Factory Workers

Factories hire foreigners for:

• meat processing

• packaging

• quality sorting

• machine assisting

• food assembly line work

Salary: €12 – €16/hour
Major employers:

• Dawn Meats

• ABP Food Group

• Kepak Ireland

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4. Hospitality & Hotel Staff

The tourism boom has increased demand for:

• kitchen assistants

• housekeepers

• hotel cleaners

• waiters/waitresses

• restaurant staff

• front-of-house assistants

Salary: €11.50 – €15/hour

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5. Warehouse & Logistics Assistants

Roles include:

• pickers & packers

• forklift helpers

• delivery assistants

• stockroom clerks

Salary: €12 – €17/hour
Popular locations: Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Galway

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6. Cleaning & Domestic Staff

Includes:

• office cleaners

• home cleaners

• janitorial staff

• school cleaning assistants

Salary: €11.50 – €14/hour

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Visa Options for Unskilled Workers in Ireland

Foreigners can migrate and work legally through:

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1. General Employment Permit (Most Common)

Used for unskilled and lower-skilled jobs.

Requirements:

• job offer from an Irish employer

• employer cannot find a local worker

• salary usually €30,000/year minimum

• contract of employment

Validity:

• 2 years (renewable)

• Leads to Stamp 4 and permanent residency after 5 years

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2. Critical Skills Employment Permit

Mostly for skilled roles but some care supervisors qualify.

Not recommended for unskilled roles.

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3. Seasonal Worker Options (Short-term)

Used in agriculture and food processing sectors.

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4. Intra-Company Transfer Permit

For workers transferred by multinational companies (less common for unskilled roles).

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Top Companies in Ireland Sponsoring Unskilled Workers

Care Sector

• Comfort Keepers

• Home Instead Ireland

• HSE (Health Service Executive)

• Irish Wheelchair Association

• Bluebird Care

Agriculture

• Greenfield Global

• Irish Dairy Services

• Meadow Meats

• Local farm cooperatives

Food Processing

• ABP Food Group

• Dawn Meats

• Kerry Group

• Kepak Foods

Hospitality

• Dalata Hotel Group

• Clayton Hotels

• Radisson Blu

• Marriott Ireland

Warehousing & Retail

• Tesco Ireland

• Musgrave Group

• Lidl & Aldi Warehouses

• DHL Ireland

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Salary Breakdown for Unskilled Jobs in Ireland

Minimum wage in Ireland (2025): €12/hour

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Cost of Living in Ireland (Monthly Estimates)

Affordable cities:

• Limerick

• Waterford

• Cork outskirts

• Galway (certain areas)

Expensive cities:

• Dublin

• Cork city centre

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Requirements to Work in Ireland

General Requirements:

• valid passport

• clean police clearance

• job offer from an Irish employer

• employment contract

• English communication (basic)

Care Workers require:

• training (provided by employer)

• willingness to work shifts

• compassionate attitude

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How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in Ireland (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare an Irish-style CV

Short, clear, and focused on duties, not long descriptions.

2. Search Verified Job Platforms

Use:

• JobsIreland.ie

• Indeed Ireland

• IrishJobs.ie

• LinkedIn Ireland

• Company career pages

3. Filter by “Visa Sponsorship” or “Permit Assistance”

Especially in care and food processing sectors.

4. Apply & Attend Interviews

Most interviews are:

• online

• short

• based on attitude and willingness to learn

5. Employer Submits Permit Application

Your employer applies for:

• a General Employment Permit

6. Apply for Long Stay Visa (D Visa)

This is your entry visa.

7. Travel to Ireland & Begin Work

Processing time: 6–12 weeks, depending on employer & industry.

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Pathway to Permanent Residency (Stamp 4)

Ireland offers an excellent settlement pathway:

Step 1: Work for 2 years under General Employment Permit

Step 2: Renew for another 3 years

Step 3: After 5 years total → Apply for Stamp 4 (permanent residency)

Step 4: Eligible for Irish citizenship after continued residence

Ireland is immigration-friendly for long-term workers.

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FAQs

1. Can foreigners get unskilled jobs in Ireland?

Yes — especially in care, farming, food production, hospitality, and warehouses.

2. Do I need IELTS?

No, basic English is enough.

3. Can Ireland employers sponsor visas?

Yes, many companies offer sponsorship under the General Employment Permit.

4. Can I bring my family?

Yes — once you secure a stable employment permit.

5. Can unskilled jobs lead to residency?

Yes — after 5 years you can get Stamp 4 (similar to permanent residency).

Ireland offers one of the most realistic opportunities for foreigners seeking unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship. From farming and food processing to hospitality, care assistance, and warehousing, Ireland’s growing economy continues relying on international workers to fill crucial positions. With competitive salaries, a strong settlement pathway, and a welcoming immigration framework, Ireland is an excellent destination to start your career abroad in 2025.

If you’re ready to relocate, start preparing your CV, apply to accredited employers, and follow the visa process outlined in this guide.