Ireland Exchange Agreement Employment Permit Checklist

The Exchange Agreement Employment Permit covers foreign nationals coming to Ireland under an established or international reciprocal exchange agreement — mainly students, young people, researchers and professional exchange participants. Based on the official guidance (enterprise.gov.ie), September 2026.

Who it is for

Foreign nationals coming to Ireland under an established or international reciprocal exchange agreement.
Typically students, young people, researchers and professional exchange participants.
An exchange organisation provides a supporting letter for the applicant.

Duration

Valid for a period that depends on the agreement, up to a maximum of 2 years.
Several agreements run for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be renewed.

Changing employer

Under section 12(1)(e) you cannot change employer before 12 months of first employment. Within that 12 months, however, you may apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit instead.

Employer requirements

Registered with Revenue (and, where applicable, the CRO or the Registrar of Friendly Societies) and currently trading.
An employer-employee relationship must exist.
At least 50% of employees must be EEA nationals at the time of application.
No Labour Market Needs Test is required for this permit.

Employee requirements

Remuneration at or above the National Minimum Wage.
Relevant qualification, skills, knowledge or experience.
The agreement applies to you and is supported by the exchange organisation.

How to apply and cost

Apply at least 12 weeks before the intended start date, online through Employment Permits Online.
Three stages: receipt, processing and review; further information within 28 days and a review within 28 days.
No processing fee for this permit.

Coming to Ireland

If you need a visa, apply to the relevant Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
Register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after arrival.
This permit is temporary and does not accumulate long-term residence rights.

Not published

The number of places and deadlines for individual exchange programmes, a fee amount (this permit is fee-free) and a specific processing-time figure are not published here, so none is asserted here.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Exchange Agreement permit for?
Foreign nationals coming to Ireland under an established or international reciprocal exchange agreement — mainly students, young people, researchers and professional exchange participants (for example AIESEC, IAESTE, Fulbright or similar programmes).

How long is it valid?
It depends on the agreement, up to a maximum of 2 years. Several individual agreements (such as AIESEC, IAESTE, Fulbright and others) run for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be renewed.

Can I change employer?
Under section 12(1)(e) you cannot change employer before 12 months of first employment, but within that 12 months you may apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit instead.

Does the employer have to run a labour market test?
No. The Exchange Agreement permit does not require a Labour Market Needs Test.

What does the employer have to show?
The employer must be registered with Revenue (and, where applicable, the CRO or the Registrar of Friendly Societies), currently trading, and there must be an employer-employee relationship. At least 50% of the employees must be EEA nationals at the time of application.

What does it cost?
This permit has no processing fee. Apply through Employment Permits Online at least 12 weeks before the intended start date.

Source: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (enterprise.gov.ie), "Exchange Agreement Employment Permit" — retrieved 2026-09-29. Requirements change, so confirm the current position on the official page before you apply.