General Employment Permit: Overview for Nigerians ₦2,036,830
The General Employment Permit is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Ireland. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
General Employment Permit fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,566,792 (~$1,147 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Other government fees | ₦470,038 (~$344 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦2,036,830 (~$1,491 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦2,036,830 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦1,566,792: Paid to the Ireland immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Other government fees — ₦470,038: Includes residence permit issuance, VFS Global service charge, or biometric enrolment fees where applicable.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 6–12 weeks (online application)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the General Employment Permit requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦2,036,830 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 6–12 weeks (online application).
Expert tip
General Employment Permit
The General Employment Permit covers occupations not on the Critical Skills list — roles in hospitality, retail, construction, and general business. The permit fee is €1,000 for 2 years (or €500 for 6 months or less). From March 2026, the minimum salary is €36,605 (up from €34,000). Unlike the Critical Skills permit, the General permit requires a labour market needs test — your employer must prove no suitable EU/EEA candidate was available by advertising the role for at least 28 days. After 5 years on a General permit (not 2 like Critical Skills), you can apply for Stamp 4. The occupation must NOT appear on the Ineligible Categories of Employment list. Irish graduates (Level 8+) from the last 12 months qualify at a lower threshold of €34,009.
Where Nigerians settle in Ireland
Once your General Employment Permit is approved, most Nigerians head to Dublin or Cork. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Dublin: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,904,833/month · Lagos–Dublin flights from ~$650 · Nigerian community: Large
- Cork: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,246,780/month · Lagos–Cork flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Galway: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,510,001/month · Lagos–Galway flights from ~$720 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Dublin
Dublin is where the jobs are — Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Salesforce, and dozens of other tech companies have European HQs here. But the housing crisis is brutal: a 1-bed apartment in the city centre averages €2,000/month ($2,300), and there were fewer than 1,800 rental homes listed nationwide in February 2026. Most newcomers spend 4–8 weeks in temporary accommodation (Airbnb or hostels at €50–€100/night) before finding a rental. Tips: join Daft.ie and Facebook housing groups immediately, be ready to pay 1 month rent + 1 month deposit upfront, and consider house-sharing (€800–€1,200/month for a room). The Nigerian community is the largest African group in Ireland — concentrated in areas like Blanchardstown, Tallaght, and Balbriggan. Dublin Bus and Luas tram cost about €100/month with a Leap card.
6% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Ireland as their destination. Average Japa Score: 65/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦400K–₦900K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the General Employment Permit cost for Nigerians moving to Ireland?
- Total government fees for the General Employment Permit are ₦2,036,830 (about $1,491). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does General Employment Permit processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the General Employment Permit is 6–12 weeks (online application). Apply from the Ireland High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the General Employment Permit from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Ireland?
- Dublin is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Ireland. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦2,904,833 per month. The Nigerian community in Dublin is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Ireland.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02