Volunteer Development Worker Scheme

A person is a Volunteer Development Worker (VDW) if they are working temporarily outside Ireland in a developing country and their work has been arranged through Irish Aid.

VDW’s who work in developing countries do not have to pay Social Insurance contributions while they are out of Ireland, subject to certain conditions.

They are awarded credited contributions for the duration of their absence, up to a total of 5 years, subject to certain conditions. For more information click here.

To qualify as a VDW you must be:

• employed under conditions of pay which are similar to local conditions in the developing country
• over 16 years of age
• resident in Ireland prior to departure

The work should be arranged through:

• a non-governmental agency in Ireland, or
• a governmental or non-governmental agency in any member of the European Union (other than Ireland), or
• the government of the developing country

Comhlámh, on behalf of Irish Aid, confirms the credentials of the Sending Agency and confirms that a VDW is working on “Volunteer Terms”.

Following that process, Comhlámh contacts the Special Collection Section and takes note of the period of assignment.

Note: Members of religious orders doing pastoral duties do not qualify for this scheme.

To apply, complete the form below:

Send the completed form to: