Ireland•EuropeStamp 1 — Hosting Agreement (Researcher)
At a Glance
1–2 months
EUR €300–€400
Varies by filing options
Duration of employment contract (up to 5 years)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
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.
Cost Breakdown
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
IrelandRequirements
PUBLISHED 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
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