Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) Rules for Locum GPs in Primary Care
Non-EEA locum GPs can work in Primary Care / General Practice for up to 6 months under the AWS. You must be registered with only ONE recruitment agency (such as MedConnect), hold active IMC registration, and apply from outside Ireland before travel (€250 fee).
Verify on Official Regulator Portal1. Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for Locum GPs in Primary Care
Administered by Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) at the Department of Justice, the Atypical Working Scheme for Locum GPs allows non-EEA doctors to provide short-term locum services in the Primary Care sector (General Practice and Out-of-Hours co-ops) for up to 6 months.
- Strict Sector Separation: AWS permission is granted strictly for Primary Care (General Practice) or the Hospital Sector. You cannot work across both sectors under the same AWS approval letter.
- Single-Agency Rule: During your 6-month permission, you must be contracted with only one employment agency in the State. MedConnect provides the official contract and support letter required for your application.
- Core Requirements: Active Irish Medical Council (IMC) registration, contract/letter of offer from MedConnect, valid passport, €250 non-refundable application fee, and you must submit your application from outside Ireland and await your Letter of Approval before travelling.
2. Critical Skills Employment Permits (Permanent Clinicians)
Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Registered Nurses are listed on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List. For permanent roles of 2+ years:
- Fast-Track to Stamp 4 Residency: Holders of a Critical Skills Employment Permit can apply for Stamp 4 permission (allowing you to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit) after completing 21–24 months.
- Immediate Family Reunification: Spouses and dependents can accompany you immediately and have full access to the Irish labour market via a Stamp 1G permission.