Exchange in Ireland: is it possible to work legally?
Dreaming of an exchange in Ireland that combines quality study and paid work? The good news is that the country offers exceptional conditions for international students, with a minimum wage of €13.50 per hour and permission to work during the study period. Discover how this experience can transform not only your resume, but also your life.
Permits and regulations for international students
One of Ireland's great advantages for Brazilians who wish to study abroad is the possibility of working legally while studying. With a student visa (Stamp 2), you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and an incredible 40 hours a week during school holidays. This flexibility allows you not only to practice the language in real situations, but also to finance part of your expenses during your stay.
Obtaining an Irish student visa has a unique process, different from most countries. You don't need to apply for a visa before traveling - the process is done only after you arrive in Ireland. Brazilians enter as tourists and then schedule an interview with Irish immigration to obtain a student visa. For full details of this process, see our Complete guide on the student visa to Ireland.
Irish minimum wage and financial benefits
In 2025, the minimum wage in Ireland is €13.50 per hour, one of the highest in Europe. Working 20 hours a week (limit during term time), you can earn approximately €1,080 a month before taxes. During school holidays, with permission to work 40 hours, this amount can double, reaching €2,160 per month.
The financial advantages of working in Ireland include:
- Significantly higher purchasing power than in Brazil
- Possibility to cover a large part of housing and food expenses
- International professional experience for the curriculum
- Practical improvement of English in the work environment
- Global networking with professionals of different nationalities
For more details about the salary reality in the country, check out our Complete guide to salaries in Ireland in 2025.
How to find a job in Ireland
The Irish job market is very receptive to international students, especially in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and services. The country's economy is constantly growing, creating opportunities in various segments, especially in major cities such as Dublin, Cork and Galway.
To stand out in the job search, it is essential to adapt your resume to the Irish format: concise (1-2 pages), focused on relevant experiences and transferable skills. Networking is also essential — attend Brazilian community events, job fairs and use platforms such as LinkedIn, Jobs.ie and Indeed Ireland. Many students get their first opportunities through referrals from friends or direct approaches to establishments.
Most common jobs for exchange students
Most international students find their first opportunities in sectors that offer greater flexibility in schedules and do not require extensive prior experience. Fluency in English is valued, but even at an intermediate level it is possible to find good options.
The most accessible sectors and functions for exchange students include:
- Hospitality: waiters, baristas, kitchen assistants and receptionists in hotels, restaurants, cafés and pubs
- Retail: attendants, cashiers, and stockists in stores and supermarkets
- Delivery services: couriers, order separators, and logistics assistants
- Care: nannies and caregivers for the elderly, especially if you have any previous experience
- Events: temporary work at shows, festivals and cultural events
For detailed information on available opportunities, visit our page about Jobs in Ireland for exchange students in 2025.
Documentation required to work legally
To formally work in Ireland, you will need to obtain the PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number), equivalent to our Brazilian CPF. This document is essential not only to work legally, but also to open a bank account, access public services and receive your salary correctly, with appropriate taxation.
The PPS Number application process is done online through the portal MyWelfare.ie, but you can only start the order once you have arrived in Ireland and obtained a fixed address. You will need to present your passport, proof of Irish address, and most importantly, a letter from the employer confirming your employment. The current processing time is between 6 and 15 weeks, so it is recommended to start this process as soon as possible. For a detailed guide on how to obtain your PPS, see our Complete guide to PPS in Ireland.
Cost of living in major Irish cities
The cost of living in Ireland varies significantly depending on the city chosen for your exchange. Dublin, the capital, is considerably more expensive than cities like Cork, Galway, or Limerick. Knowing these values is essential for proper financial planning.
Average monthly costs in Dublin:
- Shared accommodation: €500-700
- Food: €250-350
- Public transport: €140 (monthly pass)
- Internet and utilities: €100-150
- Leisure and extras: €200-300
In smaller cities like Cork and Galway, these values can be 15-25% lower, especially when it comes to accommodation. With the Irish minimum wage, working 20 hours a week, it is possible to cover approximately 70-80% of these costs in Dublin and practically all costs in smaller cities.
Financial proof for the visa
In addition to understanding the cost of living, it is essential to understand the financial requirements for obtaining a visa. The Irish government requires international students to prove that they have a minimum of €4,680 (valid until June 29, 2025) or €6,665 (as of June 30, 2025).
This proof can be done through:
- Brazilian bank account statement (with card authorized for international use)
- Prepaid international travel card (such as VTM or Revolut)
- International bank account
For full details on how to meet these requirements, see our Guide to financial proof for a student visa in Ireland.
Comparison: working in Ireland vs. minimum wage in Brazil
When we compare the purchasing power of the minimum wage in Ireland with that of Brazil, the differences are striking. The Brazilian minimum wage in 2025 is approximately R$1,518 per month, while in Ireland, even working only 20 hours a week, a student can earn around €1,080 (approximately R$6,600, considering the current price).
A concrete example illustrates this difference: to buy an iPhone for €1,000 (approximately R$6,945), a Brazilian earning minimum wage would have to work about 4 full months, while in Ireland, even working part-time (20 hours a week), it would be possible to purchase the same product with less than a month of work. This disparity is reflected in virtually every aspect of the cost of living and demonstrates how the experience of study and work in Ireland can be financially transformative.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support for your exchange experience in Ireland, from choosing the ideal course to guidance for finding employment in the country. Our expert team is deeply knowledgeable about the Irish market and offers personalized advice at every stage, ensuring that you make the most of work and study opportunities. Get in touch today and discover how to make your exchange dream in Ireland a reality!
