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Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
IrelandIreland•Europe
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Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

Working Holiday PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €360–€400

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Non-renewable 12-month employment permit for non-EEA nationals on prescribed international exchanges such as AIESEC, IAESTE, Fulbright, or Vulcanus in Ireland.

The Exchange Agreement Employment Permit (EAEP) authorises non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland under specific international or reciprocal agreements to which the State is a party. Current qualifying agreements include AIESEC, IAESTE, the Fulbright Programme, the St Joseph's University-UCC/Bord Bia exchange, and the Vulcanus in Europe Programme.

Permits are issued for the length of the placement, capped at 12 months under every listed agreement, and are non-renewable. There is no permit fee; visa-required nationals also pay EUR 60 single-entry (EUR 100 multi-entry) and EUR 300 for IRP registration. Applications go via the Employment Permits Online portal at least 12 weeks before start; current backlog is roughly 12 weeks.

This visa is ideal for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals selected for a structured placement under a prescribed exchange scheme where the experience is the goal.

Cost Breakdown

Permit FeeEUR €0
Visa Fee (Single)EUR €60
Visa Fee (Multiple)EUR €100
IRP Registration FeeEUR €300
TotalEUR €360–€400

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

CSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit
Ireland flagIreland

CSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit

ValidityDuration of contract
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details
GEP — General Employment Permit
Ireland flagIreland

GEP — General Employment Permit

ValidityUp to 24 months
Processing2–3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Non-EEA national coming under specific international exchange agreements

Must have a valid job offer

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Income

28,696 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Signed employment contract

Evidence of exchange agreement participation

Passport

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No permit application fee under the official DETE fee schedule
  • Either the foreign national or the employer can lodge the application via EPOS
  • Holders may transfer to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit within the first 12 months
  • Facilitates structured cultural and professional exchange under recognised programmes such as Fulbright and Vulcanus
  • Permit is issued directly to the foreign national, who keeps a copy of the authorisation

Worth Knowing

  • Capped at 12 months and explicitly non-renewable under every listed exchange agreement
  • Restricted to the specific occupation and location named on the permit
  • Current processing backlog is roughly 12 weeks; submit at least 12 weeks before the start date
  • Visa-required nationals must also obtain an entry visa (EUR 60/100) and register for IRP (EUR 300) on arrival
  • Not enrolled in a currently-prescribed exchange agreement (AIESEC, IAESTE, Fulbright, UCC/Bord Bia, or Vulcanus)
  • No signed contract or confirmed placement with an Irish host employer

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

2

Apply via EPOS

3

Apply for entry visa if required

4

Register for IRP

Application Forms

EPOS Online SystemFill online

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