EOR.net.au
Employing in Ireland
Ireland is an English-speaking member of the European Union, which makes Dublin a popular alternative to London for Australian businesses that need an EU base. Many global technology companies run their European operations from there.
Irish law gives employees clear written terms quickly, and pension auto-enrolment started in January 2026, adding a new employer contribution. An EOR keeps up with PRSI changes and auto-enrolment so your first EU hires are set up correctly.
Why Australian businesses go there
- English-speaking country inside the EU
- Large technology and life sciences sector
- Common law system similar to Australia
- Working Holiday Authorisation for Australians aged 18 to 35
What to watch
- 5 core terms must be given in writing within 5 days of starting
- Probation cannot normally run past 6 months
- Pension auto-enrolment (My Future Fund) began on 1 January 2026
- Statutory sick pay is payable by the employer
Hiring and contracts
- Employment contracts
- Employers must provide a written statement of 5 core terms within 5 days of the start date and a complete written statement within 1 month.
- Probation
- Probation is usually capped at 6 months and can be extended to 12 months only in exceptional circumstances.
- Working hours
- The Organisation of Working Time Act caps the average working week at 48 hours.
- Minimum wage
- From 1 January 2026 the national minimum wage is €14.15 an hour for workers aged 20 and over.
Leave and holidays
- Annual leave
- Employees receive 4 working weeks of paid annual leave each year, which is 20 days on a five-day week.
- Sick leave
- After 13 weeks of service, employees are paid statutory sick pay by the employer for a fixed number of days each year. The rate is 70% of normal earnings, subject to a daily cap.
- Parental leave
- Mothers get 26 weeks of maternity leave plus up to 16 unpaid weeks, fathers get 2 weeks of paternity leave, and parent's leave and unpaid parental leave are also available. State benefits fund the paid parts.
- Public holidays
- Ireland has 10 public holidays a year.
Employer costs
- Retirement and social security
- Since 1 October 2026, employer PRSI for most employees has been 11.40% (previously 11.25%). The My Future Fund pension auto-enrolment scheme began on 1 January 2026, with employers paying 1.5% for eligible employees in its first phase.
- Payroll taxes
- Income tax, Universal Social Charge and employee PRSI are deducted through PAYE and reported to Revenue in real time.
- Mandatory benefits
- Employers must handle PRSI, statutory sick pay, pension auto-enrolment and the statutory leave entitlements.
Ending employment
- Notice periods
- Minimum statutory notice runs from 1 week for 13 weeks to 2 years of service up to 8 weeks for 15 years or more.
- Dismissal protection
- Protection from unfair dismissal generally starts after 12 months of continuous service, and fair procedures are expected in every case.
- Severance
- After 2 years of service, statutory redundancy pay is 2 weeks of pay for each year of service plus 1 extra week, with weekly pay capped at €600.
Contract terms and visas
- IP and restraint clauses
- A restrictive covenant is enforceable only if it is reasonable and needed to protect a legitimate interest.
- Visas and right to work
- People from outside the EEA need an employment permit to work, for example a Critical Skills Employment Permit. Australians aged 18 to 35 may qualify for a Working Holiday Authorisation.
Compared with Australia
| Ireland | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual leave | Employees receive 4 working weeks of paid annual leave each year, which is 20 days on a five-day week. | Full-time employees get 4 weeks of paid annual leave a year (5 weeks for some shift workers), built up progressively. Unused leave is paid out when employment ends, and many awards add 17.5% leave loading. |
| Sick leave | After 13 weeks of service, employees are paid statutory sick pay by the employer for a fixed number of days each year. The rate is 70% of normal earnings, subject to a daily cap. | Full-time employees get 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave a year, plus 2 days of unpaid carer's leave and 2 days of paid compassionate leave per occasion. Every employee can also take 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave a year. |
| Notice | Minimum statutory notice runs from 1 week for 13 weeks to 2 years of service up to 8 weeks for 15 years or more. | Under the National Employment Standards an employer gives 1 week of notice for up to 1 year of service, rising to 4 weeks for more than 5 years, plus an extra week for employees over 45 with at least 2 years of service. Pay in lieu is allowed, and awards set the notice employees must give. |
| Retirement and social security | Since 1 October 2026, employer PRSI for most employees has been 11.40% (previously 11.25%). The My Future Fund pension auto-enrolment scheme began on 1 January 2026, with employers paying 1.5% for eligible employees in its first phase. | On top of wages, employers pay the Superannuation Guarantee at 12% of qualifying earnings. Payday Super has applied since 1 July 2026, so contributions go out with each pay and must arrive in the fund within 7 business days. Australia has no separate employer social security levy. |
| Dismissal protection | Protection from unfair dismissal generally starts after 12 months of continuous service, and fair procedures are expected in every case. | After the minimum employment period, employees can claim unfair dismissal if an award or agreement covers them or they earn under the high income threshold, $190,100 from 1 July 2026. Protection against adverse action under the general protections starts on day one, and small businesses may rely on the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code. |
Frequently asked questions
How much annual leave do Irish employees get?
4 working weeks of paid annual leave a year, which is 20 days for a five-day week, plus 10 public holidays.
What is My Future Fund?
Ireland's pension auto-enrolment scheme, which started on 1 January 2026. Employers contribute 1.5% for eligible employees in the first phase.
When does unfair dismissal protection start?
Generally after 12 months of continuous service, although fair procedures are expected in every case.
