Ireland makes a lot of food and drinks. This industry is very big for the country. It sells food all over the world. Because of this, factories always need more workers. Food packaging jobs are very important. Workers pack the food safely and quickly. These jobs are not high-skill, but they are necessary every day. Many factories are looking for people right now. They need workers on the production line. They need people who can work fast and carefully.
Key Job Opportunities in the Agri-Food Sector
- Meat and Dairy Jobs: A lot of work in places like Limerick, Cork, and Tipperary. They process meat and milk every day.
- Ready Meals and Drinks: Many jobs near Dublin and Cork because big trucks and ships are there.
- Other Jobs: Warehouse workers, quality check workers, and packing workers. These jobs are often the same or very similar.
Ireland needs people who want to work hard. If you are reliable, you have a good chance.
Salary & Compensation: Data for 2025
Ireland pays workers well. The law protects workers. Everyone gets at least the minimum wage.
Ireland Minimum Wage 2025 & Annual Salary
From 1 January 2025, the new minimum wage is €13.50 per hour for people 20 years and older. If you work 39 hours a week, you can earn about €27,378 per year before tax. This is the lowest pay. Many factories pay more than this.
Salary Food Packaging Jobs Ireland 2025 & The Permit Threshold
For most foreign workers, the job must pay enough to get a work permit. In 2025, normal packaging jobs need to pay at least €39,000 per year (this number can change a little). Only meat processing workers have a lower limit – around €32,000.
Packaging jobs are different from meat processing, so most need the higher €39,000. That is why only some jobs can give work permits. Good companies pay this amount so they can hire people from outside Europe.
Logistics and Benefits
Many food companies help new workers a lot because Ireland has a big housing problem.
- Some give free or cheap place to stay (Jobs with Accommodation Ireland Food).
- Some pay for your flight when you arrive.
- Some give extra money for the first weeks.
These benefits make life much easier when you move to Ireland.
Immigration Requirements Ireland Work Permit (Non-EU)
If you are not from the EU or EEA, you cannot just come and work. The company must apply for a work permit for you. This is called sponsorship. The company does all the paperwork. You cannot apply for the permit yourself.
The General Employment Permit Process
This is the most common permit for food packaging jobs.
Rules for the company:
- The job must pay at least €39,000 per year (2025 rule for most packaging jobs).
- They must advertise the job in Ireland and Europe for 28 days. This is called Labour Market Test. They must prove no European person wanted the job.
- Packaging jobs are allowed. They are not on the “banned list”.
- The company cannot have more than 50% workers from outside Europe.
If everything is okay, you get the permit for 2 years. You can renew it for 3 more years. After 5 years of legal work, you can apply for Stamp 4. Stamp 4 means you can stay and work in Ireland without any permit. This is almost like permanent stay.
Applying for No Experience Food Packaging Jobs Ireland
Many companies say “no experience needed”. This is true for packing and general factory work. But getting a work permit is very hard. Thousands of people want these jobs.
Top Tips for Success
- Show you are reliable. Companies want people who come to work every day and on time.
- Show you can follow rules. Food factories have strict safety and cleaning rules (HACCP rules).
- Speak English well. You need to understand safety training and talk with team members.
- Apply to big companies. Big companies like Kerry Group, Glanbia, Dawn Meats, Kepak, ABP Food Group know how to do work permits. Small companies usually cannot do it.
- Look for job ads that say “visa sponsorship” or “work permit available”.
- Check jobs on JobsIreland.ie, Indeed.ie, and recruitment agencies that help food factories.
Atypical Work Route
Some short jobs (3–6 months) use a different system called Atypical Working Scheme. It is faster, but it is only temporary. You cannot stay long or get Stamp 4 with this.
Actionable CTA
Food packaging jobs in Ireland can change your life. You get good money, legal work, and a chance to stay forever after 5 years.
But remember: only apply to jobs that pay €39,000 or more per year in 2025. If the salary is lower, the permit will be refused.
Start today:
- Make a simple CV in English.
- Write a short cover letter.
- Apply only to companies that can sponsor.
Download our free Checklist for General Employment Permit – it has every document you need. Subscribe now and get new sponsored job alerts every week.
Good luck! Ireland needs hardworking people like you.
Dynamic Disclaimer
This information is only to help you learn. Salary numbers and permit rules can change any time. The Irish government (DETE and Immigration Service) can update everything. Always check the official websites or ask the company directly before you pay money or buy tickets. Never pay anyone who promises you a job or permit – that is usually a scam.