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Compliantly hire and expand your business in Ireland
When it comes to employing and managing employees in Ireland, there are specific procedures and regulations that must be followed.
Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George’s Channel. Ireland is the second-largest island of the British Isles, the third-largest in Europe, and the twentieth-largest in the world. Geopolitically, the island of Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), an independent state covering five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
Dublin
Capital
$112,247
GDP per Capita
$589.569 billion
Total GDP
5,281,600
Total Population
0.950
Human Development Index
UTC (DST +1)
Time Zone
Irish & English
Official Languages
Euro (EUR)
Currency
70,273 km2 (27,133 mi2)
Land Area
Here's what you need to know
Overall, employing workers in Ireland requires careful attention to the specific requirements and regulations. Working with a local expert in employment and payroll can help ensure that you’re meeting all the legal requirements and providing a positive employment experience for your staff.
Employment contracts are not mandatory in Ireland, but highly recommended. They should clearly outline:
Job title, duties, and responsibilities
Salary and benefits
Working hours and overtime pay
Leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, etc.)
Termination terms (notice period, severance pay)
Confidentiality clauses (if applicable)
Minimum Wage
Ireland has a national minimum wage, currently set at €10.50 per hour.
Payroll Terms
Salaries are typically paid monthly by bank transfer on the last working day of the month or within a few days after. Payslips with details of gross pay, deductions, and net pay are mandatory.
Taxes
Ireland operates a progressive income tax system. Employees pay income tax based on their annual earnings, with rates ranging from 20% to 40%. Employers withhold income tax at source and remit it to the Revenue Commissioners along with social security contributions (PRSI).
PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance)
Both employers and employees contribute to social security programs (PRSI) covering pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and maternity benefits. Contribution rates vary depending on the employee's salary and type of employment.
Ireland has a standardized leave policy mandated by the Employment (Minimum Rest Periods) Acts:
Annual Leave
Minimum of 20 working days per year, increasing with service duration (up to 30 days).
Sick Leave
Statutory sick leave is not mandated, but employers may offer paid sick leave as a benefit.
Maternity Leave
Up to 26 weeks of paid leave for female employees, followed by an optional unpaid parental leave (up to 2 years).
Paternity Leave
Up to 2 weeks of paid leave for male employees.
Public Holidays
10 paid public holidays per year.
Probationary Period
There's no mandatory probationary period in Ireland. However, employment contracts often include one, typically lasting between 1 and 3 months. During this time, termination can be easier for both employer and employee.
Termination of Employment
Termination of employment should follow the terms outlined in the contract or the relevant employment legislation. Notice periods vary depending on the reason for termination and the employee's length of service. Severance pay may also be required under certain circumstances.
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