All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations. The employment permit system is underpinned by the existence of an employer/employee relationship and the existence of a contract of employment between the parties.
The prospective employee or the employer can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. The permit allows the prospective employee to be employed in the State by the named employer and in the occupation and location/s specified on the permit. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is only issued in respect of a job offer of 2 years' duration. After two years, CEASP holders can seek stamp 4 permission to reside and work in Ireland without an employment permit.
The employment permit system does not provide employment permission for applications from non-EEA nationals who wish to engage in self-employment, that is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.