For Researchers

• You are a non-EU/EEA national with the appropriate higher education qualification (e.g., a PhD or MSc) that entitles you to access doctoral programmes.
• You hold a research contract of employment with an accredited research active organisation or university/IoT in Ireland for a minimum of 3 months.
• Your salary is at least €23,181 per annum if you have no dependants in Ireland, or €30,000 if you have a spouse and/or children in Ireland.

Hosting Agreement Qualifications Criteria Scenarios

Scenario 1: Jane's Situation

Jane is a non-EU national with an MSc in Biotechnology she recently secured a research contract at a prestigious university in Ireland. The contract is for a 6-month project focused on gene therapy research. Jane's annual salary is €25,000, and she has no dependents living in Ireland. With her qualifications and research contract, she meets all the eligibility requirements for the hosting agreement scheme.

 Scenario 2: Joe's Situation

Joe, a non-EEA national, holds a PhD in Computer Science, which qualifies him for further research opportunities. He has been offered a research position at an Irish Research Organization to work on a 12-month project related to artificial intelligence. Joe is married and has two children who will be joining him in Ireland. His annual salary is €32,000. Given his qualifications, research contract, and the fact that his salary exceeds the €30,000 requirement for those with dependents, Joe meets all the criteria to be included in the hosting agreement and add dependents.

 Scenario 3: Jane's Challenge

Jane, who holds a PhD in Environmental Science, is offered a 4-month research contract at a research-active organization in Ireland, focusing on climate change adaptation strategies. She plans to bring her spouse with her to Ireland. However, her annual salary is only €28,000. Although she meets the educational and employment requirements for a hosting agreement, her salary does not meet the €30,000 threshold required for her to add her dependents on the hosting agreement scheme. This means that Jane needs to negotiate a higher salary or consider adjusting her living arrangements to meet the eligibility criteria i.e. Move to Ireland without including the dependents on the hosting agreement.

Scenario 4: Joe's Opportunity

Joe, with an MSc in Data Analytics, has been offered a research contract at a university in Ireland for a cutting-edge project on big data analysis. The contract duration is 3 months, and his salary is €24,000 per annum. Joe is single and has no dependants in Ireland. Given his qualifications, contract length, and salary, Joe satisfies all the eligibility criteria and can be included on the hosting agreement scheme.

Scenario 5: Jane's Part-Time Research Position

Jane, who holds a PhD in Molecular Biology, has been offered a 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) research position at a leading university in Ireland. The project involves groundbreaking work in cancer genomics, and her contract is for 12 months. Although the full-time salary for the position is €48,000 per annum, Jane will be earning €24,000 annually due to her part-time status. Jane has no dependents living in Ireland.

Despite the part-time nature of her job, Jane qualifies under the eligibility criteria because her annual salary of €24,000 meets the minimum requirement of €23,181 for individuals without dependents. Additionally, since she holds the necessary qualifications and has a research contract with an accredited institution, she can be included in the Hosting Agreement Scheme, allowing her to live and work in Ireland.

Note: These are just some examples of scenarios that might occur. Please contact EURAXESS Ireland if you have any doubts about the eligibility criteria.

• Nationals of certain countries require an entry visa to Ireland in addition to a Hosting Agreement. You do not need a visa to land in Ireland if you are a  citizen of a country listed in this table 
• Visa required Hosting Agreement holders need to apply for a long stay visa for Scientific Researchers. This requires applicants to complete an online application form and submit all relevant documents and letters to the Irish immigration authorities/your nearest Irish consulate or embassy.
• The online visa application form and further information about supporting documents is available here.

All incoming researchers arriving on Hosting Agreements must have their original Hosting Agreement issued before coming to Ireland whether they require a visa or not. Contact the HR department in your hosting institution for further information.

The Hosting Agreement allows researchers and their immediate families to move to Ireland and reside there together for the duration of the researcher’s contract. Dependants including de facto partners of Hosting Agreement holders are allowed to access the Irish job market without an Employment Permit. Before travelling to Ireland to join their De Facto partner on a Hosting Agreement, persons will need to apply for an approval letter from the Preclearance Section in Visa Division. Note that the preclearance scheme covers both non-visa required and visa required nationals.

Researchers arriving in Ireland under the Hosting Agreement scheme must bring an original copy of their Hosting Arrangement with them. The researcher is also required to register at their local immigration office/police station to work as a researcher (under stamp 1 immigration permission) after arrival to Ireland. When you receive a permission to live in Ireland and  work as a researcher, you will need to renew your permission after a certain period of time. If you are based outside Dublin check this website for the renewal procedure.

After two years on a Hosting Agreement, researchers can apply for a Stamp 4 for a further two years, renewable after that point. This immigration status offers increased flexibility and makes it easier for researchers to move between sectors and employers without the need for any working permission or a new Hosting Agreement.  

Once you have been issued a hosting agreement, ensure that you apply for Stamp 1 permission which means that you have permission to work in Ireland. Find more information about registering HERE

Organisation

1. Adama Innovations Ltd
2. Airfield Estate
3. Aphelion Ltd
4. Ashland Specialties Ireland Ltd
5. Atlantic Technological Universtiry
6. Aylien Ltd
7. Bantry Marine Research Station (Daithi O’Murchu Marine Research Station)
8. BD Research Centre Ireland Ltd 
9. BioAtlantis Ltd
10. Blafar Ltd
11. Branca Bunus Limited
12. Bridgecastle Information Management Ltd
13. Businesspoint Intelligence Solutions Ltd
14. Capri Medical Limited
15. Cell Stress Discoveries Ltd
16. Collins Aerospace Ireland Limited (formerly United Technologies Research Centre Ireland Ltd.)
17. Crème Software Ltd
18. Critical Path Institute Limited
19. Cumulus Neuroscience Ltd
20. CyberColloids Ltd
21. Deciphex Ltd
22. Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage – Met Éireann Division only”
23. Devenish Research Development and Innovation Limited
24. Dublin City University
25. Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies
26. Dundalk Institute of Technology
27. ÉireComposites Teo 
28. Eirna Bio Ltd
29. EMC Information Systems International
30. FotoNation (previously Digital Optics)
31. Genomics Medicine Ireland Limited
32. Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation 
33. IBM International Holdings - Ireland
34. Institute of Public Health
35. Institute of Technology Sligo
36. Irish Manufacturing Research Limited 
37. KelAda Pharmachem Ltd
38. Kuka Robotics Ireland Ltd
39. LM Ericsson Limited
40. Logitech Ireland Services Ltd
41. Marine Institute
42. Maynooth University
43. Mbryonics Ltd
44. Mental Health Reform
45. Molecule RnD Ltd
46. Munster Technological University 
47. National University of Ireland Galway
48. Norton (Waterford) Ltd, trading as Teva Pharmaeuticals Ltd
49. ORRECO Ltd.
50. Ovagen Group Limited
51. Pilot Photonics Ltd
52. ProPhotonix
53. Realtime Technologies Ltd.
54. Remedy Biologics Limited 
55. Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
56. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
57. Royal Irish Academy
58. SiriusXT Limited
59. South East Technological University
60. St. Vincent's Private Hospital
61. Sulzer Pump Solutions Ireland Ltd
62. Superlum Diodes (formerly Advanced Technologies Forwarding T/A Superlum) 
63. T.E. Laboratories
64. Teagasc  
65. Technological Univeristy of the Shannon : Midlands and Midwest
66. The Economic and Social Research Institute 
67. The National Suicide Research Foundation
68. TobaccoFree Research Institute Ireland
69. Trinity College Dublin
70. University College Cork
71. University College Dublin
72. University of Limerick

For any inquiries contact EURAXESS

Dr. Magdalena Wislocka  magda@iua.ie

Fernandos Ongolly            fernandos@iua.ie 

• Once you get your hosting agreement, you need to update your permission to stamp 1 as soon as possible as the purpose of the hosting agreement is to allow you to upgrade to stamp 1.
• Check out this link on how to register your permission: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission…

You are advisable to apply for stamp 1 permission immediately you get your hosting agreement as only the combination of stamp 1 and hosting agreement will count towards your stamp 4 permission.

Scenario 1:

Jane – Graduate on Stamp 1G with Job Offer and Employer Already HA Accredited

Jane is currently on a Stamp 1G visa, having completed her graduate studies. She has received a job offer from a research institution for at least 21 months. Her employer already holds HA (Hosting Agreement) accreditation, which allows them to hire researchers from abroad with ease.

The employer sees an opportunity to make full use of Jane’s 1G status and is hesitant to issue Jane a Hosting Agreement. Jane realizes that by getting the HA, she could transition to a Stamp 1, allowing her to stay and work in Ireland for the duration of her contract. This would also put her on a clear path towards obtaining Stamp 4, which would give her more long-term residency and employment rights.

Why Should Jane Insist for HA?
Jane will be better on the HA because:

• It simplifies and extends her work permit process.
• It ensures a long-term, structured path for Jane to remain in Ireland.
• It will extend working rights benefits to her spouse.

Scenario 2:

John – Graduate on Stamp 1G with Job Offer from Non-Accredited Employer

John, also on Stamp 1G after graduating, receives a job offer for at least 21 months from a research institution that is not HA accredited. The employer is eager to hire John, recognizing that his graduate visa status could be a good opportunity to fill a critical research position. However, since the employer lacks HA accreditation, they cannot directly hire John under the HA scheme.

John and the employer explore the possibility of the employer applying for HA accreditation. Although it's not guaranteed that they will receive accreditation, it opens up a potential pathway for John to transition into a more secure visa status (Stamp 1 via HA) if the application is successful.

Why Explore Hosting Agreement?
John and his employer consider this because:

• An HA accreditation would allow the employer to hire other researchers with ease in the future.
• For John, securing an HA under his employer would provide a more stable and long-term work visa, especially in research, and place him on the path to Stamp 4.
• It benefits both parties in future hiring flexibility and visa stability.

Apply for accreditation here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/4759a-apply-for-or-renew-accreditation-to…

Scenario 3:

Jane – Dependent on a Stamp 1G (of a CSEP Holder) with a Job Offer in Research

Jane is currently on Stamp 1G as a dependent of her partner, who holds a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) and is working in Ireland. Jane receives a research job offer and begins to consider her visa options. Since her partner is already on a Stamp 1 under a CSEP, she could apply for her own HA (Hosting Agreement) through her research employer, giving her an independent Stamp 1.

By switching to her own HA and becoming a primary holder of Stamp 1, Jane can begin her independent residency track in Ireland. This decision would also allow her to transition to Stamp 4 faster, as she’d be counted as an independent skilled worker in the country.

Why Consider HA and Stamp 1?
Jane may want to switch to Stamp 1 for:

• Gaining independence from her partner's CSEP status, which could benefit her professionally.
• The opportunity to transition to Stamp 4 faster, as she’d accumulate her residency time on her own.
• Improved long-term security and a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.

Scenario 4:

Jonathan – Graduate on Stamp 1G with Short-Term Contract and Option for Hosting Agreement

Jonathan has recently completed his master's degree and is currently on a Stamp 1G visa, which allows him to stay and work in Ireland for up to 12 months. He receives an employment offer as a researcher, but the contract is for less than one year. The employer, eager to take advantage of Jonathan's skills, offers the option for Jonathan to avail of a Hosting Agreement (HA), which would allow him to transition to Stamp 1.

While this seems like a great opportunity, Jonathan knows he needs to carefully consider his options. Transitioning to a Stamp 1 via HA could give him immediate employment rights, but if his contract ends and he doesn't secure a new HA within that time, his Stamp 1 would expire. Once on a Stamp 1, there is no option to revert to Stamp 1G.

In contrast, staying on Stamp 1G is safer for Jonathan in this scenario, as he can still renew his 1G visa for a total of 24 months if he doesn’t rush into accepting the HA. This gives him more flexibility to look for longer-term employment and not lose his residency status if the short-term contract ends without a renewal.

Why Should Jonathan Be Cautious?

• Transitioning to Stamp 1 for a short-term contract limits his visa options if the contract ends without renewal.
• Once on Stamp 1, he can't go back to Stamp 1G, potentially leaving him without a visa if no other employment comes through.
• Staying on Stamp 1G for now gives him up to 24 months to find more stable or long-term employment before considering a Hosting Agreement.

Recommendation for Jonathan:
Given the uncertainty of his short-term contract, it's safer for Jonathan to remain on Stamp 1G. This would allow him the flexibility to renew his visa and continue looking for other opportunities, rather than being locked into a Stamp 1 with limited options if the contract ends. He can explore HA options in the future, once he has a more stable or long-term job offer.

Joan – PhD Student on Stamp 2 with 6 Months Left and a Short-Term Job Offer with Hosting Agreement

Joan is currently on Stamp 2, finishing her PhD, with only six months left to complete her research. Once she completes her PhD, she will be eligible to switch to Stamp 1G, which would give her the right to remain in Ireland for 12 months and renew it for another 12 months, providing a total of 24 months to seek employment or work without the need for sponsorship.

However, Joan has just received a job offer from a research institution, and the employer is offering to sponsor her under a Hosting Agreement (HA), allowing her to transition to a Stamp 1 immediately. The problem is that the position is only for 8 months, and Joan needs to carefully assess whether switching to Stamp 1 is the best choice.

If she accepts the HA and moves to Stamp 1, she forfeits her eligibility to apply for the more flexible Stamp 1G after her PhD. If her 8-month contract expires and she cannot secure another Hosting Agreement, her Stamp 1 would expire, and she would be left without any legal visa status to continue working in Ireland. There would be no possibility of going back and applying for Stamp 1G once she transitions to Stamp 1.

Why Should Joan Be Cautious?

• Transitioning to Stamp 1 through the Hosting Agreement for a short-term contract would deny her the chance to benefit from Stamp 1G, which provides a more flexible and secure employment option for 24 months after completing her PhD.
• If her contract expires and she doesn't secure another Hosting Agreement in time, she would lose her legal right to work in Ireland and would not be able to return to Stamp 1G.
• Staying on Stamp 2 and waiting until her PhD is completed would give her access to Stamp 1G, providing her with two full years to seek long-term employment, giving her more time to secure a stable position.

Recommendation for Joan: Joan should be cautious about transitioning to Stamp 1 for a short-term role. While the Hosting Agreement seems like a great opportunity, the safer route would be to complete her PhD and take advantage of the Stamp 1G, which gives her a total of 24 months to secure stable employment in Ireland. This would provide her with more time and flexibility to find a longer-term role, rather than risking her visa status with an 8-month contract under Stamp 1.

Note: For specific advice about your circumstance, please contact EURAXESS Ireland

Dr. Magdalena Wislocka magda@iua.ie

Fernandos Ongolly fernandos@iua.ie 

Yes, providing you have an employment contract with your university or research-active organisation in Ireland. Contact the Hosting Agreement office of EURAXESS Ireland by emailing magda@iua.ie or fernandos@iua.ie for more information.

Only  immediate family members – that is a spouse, natural children and children over whom the researcher has official guardianship as well as de facto partners - can be included under the scheme. The duration of their stay in Ireland is tight to the permission to remain of their spouse/partner on a Hosting Agreement.

Please check INIS website for information on terms and conditions. Click here for more information.

Yes, the duration of your Hosting Agreement is linked to your employment contract. Please consult your HR department or manager for more information.

Yes, if your spouse/de facto partner has currently a permission to reside in Ireland on Stamp 3 conditions and want to work in Ireland - needs to attend a local immigration office with you (their de facto partner who is resident in Ireland on a Hosting Agreement). The local immigration officer will issue eligible person a  new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) on stamp 1G conditions. This will allow the spouse/de facto partner to work in Ireland without an Employment Permit. 

Yes, from April 2019 can access the Irish job market without an Employment Permit.

visit Immigration website for more information

Yes, from April 2019 can access the Irish job market without an Employment Permit.

visit Immigration website for more information

Yes, but your new institution must hold accreditation for the Hosting Agreement scheme.

No, you may only work for an institution which is accredited for the Hosting Agreement scheme in Ireland.  If your prospective employer has no accreditation at present- please contact Ireland. You can see the full list of accredited institutions here

Yes, it is possible. Your employer will need to apply and be approved for Hosting Agreement-accreditation from  the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)  in Ireland.  Please contact magda@iua.ie of EURAXESS for any further info. 

You should contact your PI/HR to find out if you can have your employment contract/Hosting Agreement extended. You must make sure your immigration permission (stamp 1) is up to date.  Stamp renewal for researchers based in Dublin and outside Dublin.

No, you will not be required to leave the country immediately. It is important to keep your IRP card up to date. Please make sure you have your stamp renewed if you plan to extend your stay for a short term. The decision regarding the renewal of your stay will be taken by the immigration office. You may also contact Magda@iua.ie in EURAXESS Ireland if you need advice. 

Yes, providing at least 70% of your role is research-based.

Note: Please contact Euraxess Ireland if you have any doubts or questions. We are happy to advice regarding your individual applications.  

No, it is illegal to work under two different immigration permissions in Ireland at the same time.

Yes, but only if the job is directly linked to your research. Contact magda@iua.ie at EURAXESS Ireland for further information.

Yes, your dependants may be added and they can travel to Ireland with you or any time after you arrive in Ireland. Please contact your HR department and ensure your Hosting Agreement has been updated with details of all new dependants.

Yes, you will need to report to the GNIB  with your Hosting Agreement in order to change your immigration permission from stamp 2 to stamp 1. Please note that you can also access the Third Level Graduate Programme in Ireland, which allows you to work without a specific permission for one year. 

It depends, if your employment contract with an accredited institution is for at least 24 months you should contact your institution to include you under the Hosting Agreement scheme, change your stamp 1G to stamp 1, by contacting GNIB. Contact EURAXESS Ireland (magda@iua.ie or fernandos@iua.ie) for more information.

Your employer is responsible for issuing a hosting agreement to you, together with your employment contract. Contac HR of your new employer and make sure you have your Hosting Agreement issued to you (posted or emailed to you). A valid agreement must be signed by both your institution and you.

No, you can terminate your contract and your Hosting Agreement any time.

No. Your employer should advice EURAXESS about your redundancy/contract termination and consequently your agreement will have cancelled status in the Hosting Agreement system. EURAXESS would be in a position to advice any relevant authority such as ISD/DETE about your Hosting Agreement status.

Yes. Eligibility criteria (24 months of continues employment on HA/or a combination of HA and CSEP (stamp1 with no gaps in registration) must be met to qualify for the stamp 4.

You can start your application after 21 months under a Stamp 1 on the basis of a Hosting Agreement. For more information CLICK HERE

You may be given Stamp 4, after you have had a permission to work in Ireland as  researcher  with a valid Hosting Agreement  for 2 years. You will be required to present all Hosting Agreements you have been issued by your employer. You might be asked to present your  current employment  contract, and if are not employed at the time of your application  some evidence for actively   searching for a job/study opportunity  in Ireland. Stamp 4 can be granted to people who intend to stay in  Ireland in near future (not to those who wish to leave the country to remain elsewhere).

A letter from DETE/DFHERIS or EURAXESS is not required.

Note: that you should be physically  present in Ireland  for the duration of your research post  for which you received your  hosting agreement.  Make sure you are not creating any  gaps in your stamp 1 registration qualifying you for your stamp 4 permission to remain.

More info regarding different immigration stamps can be found here:   https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/information-on-registering/immigration-permission-stamps/.

You can ONLY  include eligible dependents on your  Hosting Agreement form. Your spouse, de-fact partner, and your children can qualify. Your parents and siblings and other distant family members cannot qualify. For mor info visit: 

ISD web:  https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrive…

No, you do not require any English test such as Duolingo or IELTS to be eligible for a hosting agreement.

Yes. While you may not be eligible to to get a new work permit before you complete your first year on the general skills employment permit. This rule does not apply to a hosting agreement. You will be eligible to get a hosting agreement even before completing your first year on a general skills employment permit when you get your new job in Research & Development and in ac accredited institution.