HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Ireland

Introduction

Ireland offers a pro-business environment, skilled English-speaking talent, and EU market access — making it a preferred hub for international expansion. Its competitive tax landscape and strong track record in technology, life sciences, and finance attract both startups and global leaders. Positioned at the intersection of Europe and North America, Ireland provides a launchpad for scaling globally.

EOR & PEO Solutions in Ireland

If you’re looking to hire employees in Ireland without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Ireland acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.

This model allows you to expand into Ireland quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.

What Is an Employer of Record in Ireland?

An Employer of Record Ireland (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Ireland employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Ireland, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Ireland but still want to hire full-time staff.

Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Ireland hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Ireland

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Ireland, access top talent in Ireland, and stay focused on business growth — without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in Ireland

Ireland is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Ireland successfully, it’s important to understand your options especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Ireland.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in Ireland makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in Ireland

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Ireland:

The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the Irish market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.

Why Use an EOR to Hire in Ireland?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in Ireland

Understanding how employment in Ireland works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow Irish labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.

That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Ireland to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in Ireland

All employees in Ireland must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Ireland, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a Ireland employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Ireland are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in Ireland involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Ireland handles this for you managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.

Employee Benefits and Leave

Irish labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Ireland receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with Irish employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in Ireland requires careful adherence to statutory notice periods and fair termination practices. Under Irish law, the notice period owed depends on the employee’s length of service, while employers must ensure that terminations follow due process to avoid claims of unfair dismissal. When using an Employer of Record (EOR), these obligations remain consistent with local employment legislation, but the EOR manages compliance on behalf of the client company. This ensures that all notice requirements and termination procedures are handled correctly, mitigating risk while maintaining a professional offboarding experience.

Visas & Permits in Ireland

If you’re planning to hire employees in Ireland or bring in foreign talent, understanding Ireland’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Ireland makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Ireland with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Ireland

Foreign nationals who plan to work in Ireland must secure the appropriate employment permissions, with requirements varying by nationality, role, and industry sector. Navigating these applications can be complex, as they often involve eligibility checks, employer sponsorship, and compliance with evolving immigration policies.

Partnering with an Employer of Record streamlines this process by managing applications, ensuring compliance, and enabling companies to onboard international talent efficiently and legally.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Ireland, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Ireland or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Ireland solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in Ireland, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Ireland and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with Irish labor laws.

Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Ireland to bypass the need for a local entity. The Ireland employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in Ireland.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in Ireland, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in Ireland

Is using an EOR legal in Ireland?

Yes, using an EOR is a legal and common practice in Ireland. EORs act as the legal employer, taking on the responsibility for payroll, taxes, and compliance, while the client company directs the employee's day-to-day work. This model is fully compliant with Irish employment and tax laws.

How does an EOR handle employment contracts in Ireland?

An EOR in Ireland provides a full suite of services, including managing payroll, withholding and remitting PAYE, PRSI, and USC, administering statutory benefits (e.g., annual leave, sick pay), drafting compliant employment contracts, and handling all local tax filings and reporting. They also assist with work permit applications for non-EU/EEA employees.

Does an EOR manage compliance with Irish working time regulations?

Yes, an EOR ensures adherence to the Organisation of Working Time Act, covering maximum weekly working hours, rest breaks, and holiday entitlements, keeping employers compliant with labour laws.

How long does it take to onboard an employee through an EOR in Ireland?

Onboarding an employee through an EOR is much faster than the process of setting up a local entity. For local hires, the process can often be completed in as little as a few days to a week. For non-EEA nationals who require a work permit, the timeline is dependent on the government's processing time for the permit application.

How does an EOR ensure compliance with Irish employment law changes?

The EOR continuously monitors legal and regulatory updates in Ireland and proactively adjusts contracts, policies, and payroll processes to ensure ongoing compliance without disruption to the client company.