The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has announced the publication of a new roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds. The first increase will take effect March 1, 2026, with further adjustments phased in through 2030.
The Roadmap outlines a gradual approach to increasing salary thresholds across all employment permit types, while removing very low thresholds on a phased basis for certain roles in the agri-food and healthcare sectors.
Key changes
- From March 1, 2026:
- The minimum salary for the General Employment Permit (GEP) will rise by 7.66% from EUR 34,000 to EUR 36,605, instead of the previously planned 14.7%;
- The minimum salary for the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) will increase by 7.66% from EUR 38,000 to EUR 40,904, instead of 15.8%;
- The minimum salary for meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers will increase by 9% from EUR 30,000 to EUR 32,691 and will be phased out by 2030 rather than by 2026.
- Lower starting thresholds will apply for recent graduates, reflecting their early career stage.
Background
Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) is the lowest annual salary that must be paid to a non-EEA worker for an employment permit to be issued or renewed. There is also an associated hourly rate for each MAR that must also be satisfied
In 2023, alongside a review of the occupations lists, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) reviewed Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) thresholds. It found that thresholds had stagnated since 2014 and had not kept pace with inflation and economic changes.
The original roadmap announced increases from January 2024, but following consultation with the healthcare sector, increases for health care assistants, home carers, and care workers were deferred to January 2025.
In response to concerns about rising business costs—including statutory sick leave and pension auto-enrolment—a further review commenced in Summer 2024. Submissions from sectors and CSO data informed this process.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.