VisaIreland lets accredited employers issue hosting agreements for overseas researchers
Eligible researchers use the agreement for approved work and follow separate Irish visa and residence registration procedures where required.
Official announcement date: not established (undated guidance)
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Edited and checked by the VisaWand editorial team
Confirm that the job and the host qualify
Researchers from outside the European Economic Area who are recruited for eligible research in Ireland can use a hosting agreement issued by an accredited research organisation. The agreement covers the approved research job without the usual separate employment permit. The scheme is aimed at research roles, and its employer guide excludes technical and administrative staff. Someone offered a support role should check the basis of employment with the institution before preparing a researcher visa application.
EURAXESS Ireland, which administers the agreement process, says an applicant needs an appropriate qualification giving access to doctoral programmes and a research employment contract lasting at least three months. Its researcher guide lists minimum annual pay of €23,181 without dependants in Ireland or €30,000 with a spouse or children there. Tell the host who plans to accompany you before it prepares the agreement, so it can assess the relevant salary category and record the intended arrangements.
Have the accredited employer prepare the agreement
The employer guide describes an online system used by authorised staff at accredited organisations. Ask the institution to confirm its accreditation and identify the office that handles agreements. Give that office the current passport and contract details. EURAXESS says the employer must issue an updated original if details such as the passport number or salary change. Check that the version you receive matches the passport and employment records before using it for travel or registration.
EURAXESS lists no fee for issuing the hosting agreement. It advises employers to prepare a new case at least eight weeks ahead of the proposed start date, taking account of funding, employment paperwork, entry visas and post. This is planning guidance for the host. Keep the research start date separate from any estimate for the visa decision and agree how the employer will handle a delay.
Submit the researcher visa application if your nationality requires it
The hosting scheme guidance says visa-exempt researchers still need their hosting agreement. Where a visa is required, Immigration Service Delivery accepts the Employment (Scientific Researcher) application up to three months before the proposed travel date. Start through AVATS and follow the instructions on the generated form for the submission office. Print, sign and date the form, then provide the supporting documents and biometrics if requested.
The researcher visa checklist calls for the hosting agreement, employment contract if issued, a signed letter explaining the stay and recent photographs. It requires a bank statement covering six months even when the host pays the costs, with separate proof of third-party funding. Visa-required family members need their own applications. Follow the instructions for the family member’s relationship category before travel.
Separate the visa fee from the border decision
The Irish entry-visa fee table lists €60 for a single entry and €100 for multiple entries, with exceptions and possible local charges. The application summary provides payment directions. A visa charge covers processing and is generally retained if the application is withdrawn or refused. Check the applicable fee and local payment method before sending the document packet.
At the border carry the passport, visa where required, the agreement, evidence explaining the job and evidence of insurance. The border officer can ask for proof of accommodation or funds and decides whether to admit the traveller. Check the dates and conditions in the landing stamp immediately. The border guidance also directs people arriving via Northern Ireland who are engaging in employment to report to an immigration officer within seven days.
Register the research permission after arrival
For a stay over 90 days, use the first registration process and book after arrival through the Immigration Service Delivery customer account. The service directs first registrations to Burgh Quay in Dublin. Check the deadline in the landing permission and the first registration guide, which specifies registration within 90 days of permission being granted. Keep the appointment confirmation and raise any timing problem through the service.
The Stamp 1 researcher checklist asks for a current passport and the institution’s hosting agreement, as well as the original insurance policy in the applicant’s name. It specifies hospital cover for 12 months or the full stay if shorter. Also bring address evidence and the relevant entry records. The standard registration certificate fee is €300 by card, subject to prescribed exemptions. An individual appointment or fee exemption was not confirmed.
