Ireland•Europe1–2 months
€300–€400 EUR
Varies by filing options
Duration of employment contract (up to 5 years)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
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.
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
IrelandSigned 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
Education
master or higher
Min. Income
23,181 EUR/yr
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
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