Ireland remains one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for international job seekers in 2026, particularly within the transport, logistics, and delivery sector. The rapid growth of online food ordering platforms, restaurants offering takeaway services, and expanding urban populations has fueled a strong demand for food delivery drivers. Cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford have seen a steady increase in delivery orders, leading many employers and delivery platforms to recruit candidates — including offering work visa sponsorship for suitable foreign workers.
Food delivery driving is a flexible and accessible job for those with a valid driver’s license, reliable mobility skills, and strong customer service orientation. For international workers willing to relocate, these roles can provide stable employment, legal work status, and opportunities for daily income with tips and bonuses on top of base pay.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about food delivery driver jobs in Ireland with work visa sponsorship in 2026 — including job details, visa options, eligibility criteria, required documents, salary expectations, application steps, challenges, practical tips, FAQs, and a helpful summary.
Job Details
Job Country: Ireland
Job Title: Food Delivery Driver
Who Can Apply?: All Nationalities
How to Apply?: Online / Employer Recruitment
Minimum Experience: 0–2 Years (Varies by Employer)
Visa Sponsorship: Yes, Available
Also Check: Supermarket Cashier Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship 2026
Visa Sponsorship in Ireland
To employ non-EU/EEA workers, Irish employers must sponsor candidates through official immigration pathways. In the food delivery sector, sponsorship typically happens when:
- A delivery company or restaurant can demonstrate a genuine shortage of local drivers,
- The employer has a job offer with defined terms and conditions,
- The employer submits a nomination to Irish immigration authorities supporting the worker’s visa application.
Once approved, the candidate receives a work visa / employment permit that allows them to live and work legally in Ireland under terms of sponsorship. Work visas also protect employee rights, including regulated working hours, wage protections, and access to Irish social benefits.
Types of Work Visas for Delivery Drivers
Ireland offers several work permit options that delivery drivers may use depending on circumstances and eligibility:
General Employment Permit
This is the main work visa for employer-sponsored roles in Ireland. The employer must meet minimum salary requirements (which may vary by job type) and demonstrate a labor need.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
This is a faster route with favorable conditions if the role meets the criteria for critical skills — typically higher-skilled jobs — though delivery driving may not often qualify.
Working Holiday Authorization
Available to eligible young applicants from select countries, this allows temporary work (including delivery roles) without full employer sponsorship for a limited period.
Types of Food Delivery Driver Jobs in Ireland
Delivery driver positions come in several forms across the Irish food service landscape:
App-Based Delivery Driver:
Working for platforms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, or Uber Eats to deliver food orders.
Restaurant or Takeaway Delivery Driver:
Employed directly by restaurants or takeaway chains to deliver meals to customers.
Grocery Delivery Driver (Food Focused):
Delivering grocery orders that include prepared foods and meal kits.
Parcel & Food Hybrid Delivery Driver:
Some companies combine food and courier services in multi-service delivery roles.
Eligibility Criteria
While exact requirements vary by employer and visa type, general standards include:
Age Requirement:
Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old.
Valid Driver’s License:
A full, valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle used (car, motorbike, scooter) is essential.
Experience:
0–2 years of experience is often sufficient; on-the-job training is common.
Language Skills:
Basic English communication assists with instructions, navigation, and customer interaction.
Good Character:
A clean police record is often required for visa processing.
Health & Fitness:
Drivers should be physically capable of handling deliveries and safe operation of vehicles.
Job Offer:
A formal employment offer from an Irish sponsor employer is critical for visa sponsorship.
Required Documents
Candidates preparing to apply for delivery driver roles with visa sponsorship should have:
- Valid passport with at least 12–18 months’ validity
- Passport-size photos
- Updated CV / resume
- Valid driver’s license (and international license if needed)
- Job offer letter / employment contract
- Police clearance certificate
- Driving history / record (if requested)
- Proof of English ability (if required)
- Medical fitness certificate (if required)
Advantages of Food Delivery Driver Jobs in Ireland
Working in food delivery in Ireland offers several practical benefits:
Flexible Work Schedules:
Delivery roles often offer various shift patterns — flexible part-time or full-time options.
Competitive Earnings:
Drivers receive hourly or per-delivery pay, tips, and performance bonuses.
Workplace Protections:
Ireland’s employment laws ensure regulated pay, breaks, holiday entitlements, and safe conditions.
On-the-Job Training:
Many employers provide route planning, app usage, and customer service support.
Career Mobility:
Delivery drivers can advance to supervisory roles, logistics support, or fleet management with experience.
Multicultural Work Environment:
Ireland’s workforce is diverse — making it welcoming for international workers.
Also Check: Factory Worker Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026
Salary Expectations
Pay for delivery drivers in Ireland varies by employer, region, and delivery type:
Hourly Wage: €12 – €18
Weekly Earnings: €480 – €720
Monthly Salary (Full-Time Equivalent): €1,800 – €2,700
Tips and bonuses (for high traffic times or performance) can increase overall income.
How to Apply for Delivery Driver Jobs in Ireland
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Your CV & Documents
Compile your resume, driver’s license, and supporting paperwork.
Step 2: Search Job Vacancies
Check job boards, company sites, recruitment agencies, and delivery apps with employer listings.
Step 3: Submit Applications
Apply online or contact employers directly with your CV and a cover message.
Step 4: Attend Interviews
Interviews can be conducted online or by phone for international applicants.
Step 5: Receive Job Offer
If selected, you’ll receive a formal employment contract with visa sponsorship support.
Step 6: Work Permit Application
Your employer files your nomination with Irish authorities for a work permit.
Step 7: Submit Visa Application
Submit your work visa application with supporting documents to the Irish consulate/embassy.
Step 8: Visa Processing
Processing times vary but typically take several weeks.
Step 9: Travel to Ireland & Begin Work
Once your visa is approved, plan your travel and start your delivery driver role.