Named programmes
Participants in AIESEC, IAESTE, the Fulbright Programme, the Vulcanus in Europe Programme or the St Joseph's University (Philadelphia)–University College Cork exchange with Bord Bia
What you get
- Confirmation that the programme and role qualify
- A review of the exchange organisation's letter, the contract and the employer's documents
- Preparation and submission of the application on Employment Permits Online
About this service
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
The Exchange Agreement Employment Permit covers non-EEA nationals coming to work in Ireland under recognised international exchange programmes. There's no government fee and no Labour Market Needs Test, but the application must be supported by the exchange organisation. We prepare the application with the employer and the programme, so it's complete first time. These permits are usually short, so delays can eat into the programme. We make sure the exchange organisation's letter, the contract and the employer's documents all match before submitting, so the application isn't held up by queries.
€1538
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
5
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Other agreements
Participants in other international reciprocal agreements that Ireland is party to
Host employers
Irish employers hosting exchange participants
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Programme
The exchange or international agreement applies to the participant
02
Letter of support
A letter of support from the exchange organisation
03
Pay
Pay is at least the National Minimum Wage (€14.15 an hour from 1 January 2026)
04
Participant
The participant has the qualifications, skills or experience for the role
05
Employer
The employer pays the participant directly, is registered with Revenue and trading, and at least 50% of its staff are EEA nationals
Our promise
What's included
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
€1538
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 5 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We confirm the programme and role qualify.
- 2Step 2
You send the documents, and we prepare the application.
- 3Step 3
We submit it, ideally at least 12 weeks before the start date.
- 4Step 4
We track the application and respond to queries.
- Step 5
After approval, we guide the participant through the visa and registration steps.
Good to know
Our fee
€1,538 VAT included.
Government fee
None. DETE charges no processing fee for this permit.
Processing time
DETE, October 2026: about 8 weeks for this type of new application.
Permit length
For AIESEC, IAESTE, Fulbright and the Bord Bia exchange, permits are limited to 12 months and can't be renewed. Other agreements may allow up to 2 years.
DETE requests
Requests for further information from DETE must be answered within 28 days.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The Exchange Agreement Employment Permit covers non-EEA nationals who come to work in Ireland under recognised international exchange programmes. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment names AIESEC, IAESTE, the Fulbright Programme, the Vulcanus in Europe Programme and an exchange between St Joseph's University in Philadelphia and University College Cork with Bord Bia, and the permit can also cover other international reciprocal agreements that Ireland is party to. The application must be supported by a letter from the exchange organisation, and the participant must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage directly by the employer. There's no government fee and no Labour Market Needs Test, although the employer must meet the 50:50 rule. Permits under most of these programmes last up to 12 months and can't be renewed, so participants who want to stay longer need a different permit.
The application is made through Employment Permits Online and must include a letter from the exchange organisation. We coordinate with the employer and the programme.
Most programme permits are non-renewable. To stay longer, the participant would need a different permit, such as a General or Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Yes. At least half of the employer's staff must be EEA nationals when the application is made.
The permit doesn't give family members a right to join. They would need their own permission.
Yes. If they meet the rules, they can apply for a General or Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Yes. The employer must pay at least the National Minimum Wage directly to the participant.
Ready when you are
Get started with Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
€1538
€1538
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit