Ireland | EU Immigration Portal

Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to carry out research in Ireland? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

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Conditions

If you are a researcher who is planning on working in an Irish research institution, you may be eligible to participate in a Hosting Agreement Scheme for accredited research organisations.

The entry of third country researchers and their families into Ireland for research purposes and accreditation of research organisations is managed by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Once accredited, the Irish Universities Association (IUA) manages the day to day operation of the scheme on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and maintains a database of all hosting agreements issued by the research organisations, which is directly linked to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Researchers are included in the eligible categories of employment for Critical Skills Employment Permit purposes.

You must obtain a visa unless you are visa-exempt

Procedures

Where and how to apply	Hosting Agreement The Third Country Researchers Directive (Council Directive 2005/71/EC) provides for a fast track procedure (Hosting Agreement) for admitting third-country nationals, (i.e. persons from countries outside of the European Economic Area) for a period of between three months to five years, to carry out a research project with an accredited research institution More on accredited research organisations.
Documents required	You must show: that your research project has been accepted by the research organisation after examination of the purpose and duration of the research, the necessary financial resources and your qualifications; sufficient monthly resources to support yourself and return travel costs without recourse to the social assistance system; that you have sickness insurance; presentation of a valid travel document; presentation of a Hosting Agreement; that the hosting agreement specifies the legal relationship and your working conditions. Where applicable, you must present a statement of financial responsibility issued by the research organisation. You will not be admitted if you pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health. Visa You must obtain a D-visa unless you are visa-exempt. You must apply online
Duration of validity of hosting agreement	Accreditation under the scheme is normally made for a period of 5 years but may be renewed for a further period of 5 years on the basis of a signed letter confirming continuing compliance with the criteria of the scheme.
Further requirements	Following admission to Ireland, you must register with your local immigration officer and obtain a certificate of registration. If you live in Dublin City or county, you must register at Burgh Quay Immigration Registration Office. This office is managed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). If you live outside Dublin City or county, you must register at your local immigration registration office. These offices are managed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (police) and located at Garda stations nationwide.
Appeals	More on appeals
Further information	More on visas More on registration More on Critical Skills Employment Permits Jobs Portal for Researchers More information on the Hosting Agreement, including application details is available from www.euraxess.ec.europa.eu/.

Rights

Family Reunification

You may be accompanied by your spouse and dependants if you have been issued with a hosting agreement, provided that they comply with the same admission conditions which applied to you. Normal immigration rules regarding visas, entry and registration apply.

Your family members will be granted residence permits of the same duration as the one granted to you. Your spouse, partner or dependant may be eligible for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit.

Long-term residence status

Currently, there are no arrangements in place for researchers or holders of hosting agreements to apply for long-term residence.

It is proposed that in the future, after two years of legal residence, researchers or holders of hosting agreements may be entitled to apply for a long-term residence permit.

All holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits, including researchers, may apply for a Stamp 4 immigration permission at the expiry of their Critical Skills Employment Permit. This permission allows a foreign national to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit.

Mobility

No information available at the moment.

Links

Hosting Agreement Scheme

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (visas)

Garda National Immigration Bureau

Department of Justice and Equality

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Citizens Information (Coming to Work in Ireland)