Researchers
Researchers and postdoctoral scientists with a hosting agreement from an Irish university or research organisation
What you get
- A review of your hosting agreement and contract
- Completion and submission of your online application (AVATS)
- Your application letter
About this service
Scientific Researcher Visa (Hosting Agreement)
Researchers coming to Ireland to carry out research under a hosting agreement with an accredited Irish research organisation can apply for a long stay 'D' researcher visa without needing an employment permit. Researchers enjoy some of the best conditions in the Irish system: family can join immediately and you can move to Stamp 4 after 21 months. We prepare your visa application and guide you through registration. Universities and research institutes issue hosting agreements to researchers they've recruited, and the visa application should match the agreement exactly. We check your hosting agreement, contract and finances so the application is consistent.
€615
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
7
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Research institutions
Research institutions bringing in international researchers
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Hosting agreement
You have a hosting agreement with a research organisation accredited by ISD
02
Research
You'll carry out the research described in the hosting agreement
03
Passport validity
Your passport is valid for at least 12 months after you arrive
04
Funds
You have the funds described in your hosting agreement and contract
05
Conditions
You won't take up other work outside your approved research or use public funds
Our promise
What's included
Scientific Researcher Visa (Hosting Agreement)
€615
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 7 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We review your hosting agreement and documents.
- 2Step 2
We complete your online application and draft your letter.
- 3Step 3
You sign the summary form, pay the fee and post your originals within 30 days.
- 4Step 4
We support you until a decision is made.
- Step 5
After arrival, you register your permission within 90 days.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. The government visa fee is separate.
Government fee
€60 single entry or €100 multiple entry, non-refundable.
Processing time
About 8 weeks at most visa offices. Apply up to 3 months before travel.
Stamp 4
After 21 months on a hosting agreement, you can apply to ISD for Stamp 4.
Registering in Ireland
You must register your permission within 90 days of arriving. The registration fee is €300.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The scientific researcher visa is a long stay 'D' visa for non-EEA researchers coming to Ireland under a hosting agreement with an accredited Irish research organisation, such as a university or research institute. The hosting agreement takes the place of an employment permit, so no permit is needed, and the researcher registers on Stamp 1. It's one of the most favourable routes in the Irish system. Researchers are treated much like Critical Skills permit holders: spouses, de facto partners and children can apply to join them straight away, spouses and partners receive Stamp 1G, which lets them work without a permit, and the researcher can apply for Stamp 4 after 21 months. The visa application includes the hosting agreement, the employment contract where one has been issued, bank statements and an application letter. Researchers can apply up to 3 months before travel, and decisions take about 8 weeks at most visa offices.
Yes. Spouses and de facto partners of researchers get Stamp 1G, which lets them work without an employment permit.
Researchers are Category B sponsors, so your spouse, partner and children can apply to join you straight away. Each needs their own join family visa.
No. Your hosting agreement takes the place of an employment permit.
Yes. Long stay visa refusals can be appealed within 2 months of the refusal letter, free of charge.
Researchers on hosting agreements register on Stamp 1 and can apply for Stamp 4 after 21 months.
Up to 3 months before you travel. If you'll pass through another country on the way, get that country's visa first.
Ready when you are
Get started with Scientific Researcher Visa (Hosting Agreement)
€615
€615
Scientific Researcher Visa (Hosting Agreement)