Stamp 1 — Hosting Agreement (Researcher)

Ireland•Europe

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Stamp 1 — Hosting Agreement (Researcher)

Working Holiday PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-2 months

Application Fee

460 EUR

Stay Duration

Duration of employment contract (up to 5 years)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Fast-track Stamp 1 for non-EEA researchers under an accredited Irish Hosting Agreement; family work rights and Stamp 4 after 2 years.

Ireland's Hosting Agreement (Stamp 1) is a fast-track route for non-EEA researchers under EU Directive 2005/71/EC, administered by EURAXESS Ireland for DFHERIS. An accredited Irish research body signs the agreement directly with the researcher, bypassing the standard employment permit and Labour Market Needs Test.

The permit lasts the duration of the research contract, up to 5 years, and is renewable. The agreement is free; visa-required nationals pay €60 single (or €100 multi) for the long-stay D visa, plus €300 IRP on arrival. Visa processing takes around 8 weeks. Dependants may join and work without a separate permit, and after 2 years holders can apply directly for Stamp 4.

This visa is ideal for non-EEA researchers with a confirmed post at an accredited Irish university or research body who want fast family residency and a route to Stamp 4.

Fee Breakdown

Long-stay D visa (single entry)	60 EUR
Long-stay D visa (multi entry)	100 EUR
Irish Residence Permit (IRP) registration	300 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Ireland

Stamp 4 Residency

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1-2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Signed Hosting Agreement with an accredited Irish research organisation (university, IoT/TU, or DFHERIS-accredited research body)

Contract of employment for the research role

Higher education qualification giving access to doctoral programmes (typically master's or doctorate level)

Valid passport with at least 12 months' validity beyond the intended stay

Private medical/travel insurance covering the stay

Sufficient funds to support yourself (and dependants, if applicable) without recourse to public funds

KEY CRITERIA

Education

master or higher

Min. Income

23,181 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Signed application letter explaining the purpose and duration of stay

Copy of the signed Hosting Agreement

Copy of the contract of employment with the host institution

Current passport (valid for 12 months beyond intended stay) plus copy of all previous passports

Two recent passport-sized colour photographs

Evidence of private medical insurance

Evidence of finances to support yourself and any accompanying dependants

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No employment permit or Labour Market Needs Test required — accredited host signs directly
Covers the full research contract, up to 5 years, and is renewable
Immediate family can join and work without a separate permit
Direct path to Stamp 4 after 2 years, leading to long-term residence
No fee for the Hosting Agreement itself — only the visa (€60/€100) and €300 IRP
Centralised EURAXESS Ireland processing speeds the visa application

Worth Knowing

Only available through DFHERIS-accredited research organisations
Tied to the specific hosting agreement — changing employer requires a new agreement
Visa-required nationals must obtain a long-stay D visa via AVATS before travel
Visa processing averages around 8 weeks and varies by visa office
No access to public funds while on Stamp 1
Host institution must be accredited by DFHERIS — non-accredited employers cannot sponsor
No formal research contract with an accredited body means no Hosting Agreement

Application Process

Secure a research post with an accredited Irish research organisation (universities and DFHERIS-listed bodies)

Host institution prepares and signs the Hosting Agreement, registered via the EURAXESS Ireland central database

If visa-required, complete the online visa application on AVATS up to 3 months before travel and pay the visa fee (€60 single / €100 multi)

Submit the signed Application Summary Form with supporting documents (passport, hosting agreement, contract, insurance) to the relevant Irish visa office and provide biometrics if requested

On arrival in Ireland, register your immigration permission and pay the €300 IRP fee to receive your Stamp 1 IRP card

Verified Claims (56)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Secure a research post with an accredited Irish research organisation (universities and DFHERIS-list…	irishimmigration.ie
Application Steps	Secure a research post with an accredited Irish research organisation (universities and DFHERIS-list…	irishimmigration.ie
Application Steps	Secure a research post with an accredited Irish research organisation (universities and DFHERIS-list…	irishimmigration.ie
Application Steps	Secure a research post with an accredited Irish research organisation (universities and DFHERIS-list…	irishimmigration.ie
Categories	work	irishimmigration.ie
Categories	work	irishimmigration.ie
Categories	work	irishimmigration.ie
Categories	work	irishimmigration.ie

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