For many businesses in Ireland's food manufacturing, logistics, and construction sectors, sourcing enough local workers to meet demand has become increasingly difficult. Recruiting from Eastern Europe is a proven and compliant solution — but it comes with questions. This guide answers the most common ones.
Who Can Work in Ireland from Eastern Europe?
EU citizens — including those from Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, and other EU member states — have the full right to live and work in Ireland without a work permit. This makes Eastern Europe the most straightforward international source of labour for Irish employers. There are no visa requirements, no permit applications, and no sponsorship obligations on the employer's part.
What Does the Process Look Like?
When Perform Recruitment manages international sourcing for a client, the process typically works as follows:
- We identify and screen candidates in their home country, verifying qualifications, work history, and language proficiency
- Candidates are briefed fully on the role, salary, location, and any accommodation arrangements
- Right-to-work checks are completed — EU passport or national ID verified — before the candidate travels
- Candidates arrive in Ireland ready to work, with induction materials already covered in their language
- We stay in contact post-arrival to ensure the placement is working for both sides
What About Accommodation?
Some employers — particularly in rural or regional areas where housing availability is limited — provide accommodation for international workers. Perform Recruitment can advise on how to structure accommodation support in a compliant and fair way, ensuring it does not contravene the Payment of Wages Act. Deductions from wages for accommodation must be lawful, documented, and agreed in writing before the worker arrives.
Which Sectors Benefit Most?
Food Manufacturing
High-volume production and packing roles where local supply consistently falls short of demand.
Logistics & Driving
Van drivers and forklift operators — EU licence holders whose qualifications are directly recognised in Ireland.
Construction
Site operatives and skilled tradespeople for Ireland's ongoing construction boom.
What Languages Are Spoken?
Perform Recruitment's consultants can communicate with candidates in Polish, Romanian, Lithuanian, and other Eastern European languages. All candidates receive full role information, contracts, and induction materials in their native language before they travel. This means they arrive prepared — not confused — and can integrate into your team from day one.
Common Employer Questions
The main difference is right-to-work verification — you need to check an EU passport or national ID card and retain a copy. Everything else — contracts, payroll, PRSI, and employment rights — works the same as for Irish employees.
For roles with a clear brief and standard requirements, we can typically have candidates ready to travel within 2–4 weeks. Complex or specialist roles may take longer. We always give you a realistic timeline upfront.
We stand behind our placements. If a candidate does not work out within the agreed trial period, we will source a replacement. We discuss our rebate and replacement policy with every client before any placement is made.
Ready to Explore International Recruitment?
Perform Recruitment has established sourcing networks across Eastern Europe and manages the complete process — from candidate identification to arrival in Ireland and the UK. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Talk to our team about international sourcing
We can advise on the process, timelines, costs, and what to expect — with no obligation.