Fast Track Work Permit for Non EU R&D (Hosting Agreement) Scheme
Find out more about the key immigration arrangements for foreign academics and researchers carrying out research in Ireland, with a particular focus on the Fast Track Work Permit for Non-EU R&D (Hosting Agreement) Scheme.
Non EU/EEA nationals require permission to work and study in Ireland. Additionally, some non EU/EEA nationals require an visa to enter the country.
The good news is that None -EEA researchers including qualified experts in business institutions, applying for research positions in accredited research organisations can use a fast-track work permit (Hosting Agreement) scheme to reside and work in Ireland. The scheme allows the host research or business organisation to employ eligible personnel from outside EU without any additional Work Permit.
- This scheme allows the researcher’s immediate family to reside in Ireland for the duration of the agreement and work without any permission to work.
- All universities, Technological Universities and a number of research-active organisations are accredited for the Fast Track Work Permit for Non EU R&D Personnel (Hosting Agreement) scheme in Ireland.
If you are a research active institution, or an enterprise interested in employing a researcher/expert from outside EU to ioin your business in Ireland, the Hosting Agreement scheme is for you. The free of charge accreditation process is managed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science DFHERIS.
The Hosting Agreement procedure is free of charge, swift and simple.
- List of accredited institutions in Ireland is here
EURAXESS Ireland is a Central Processing House for Hosting Agreements on behalf of DFHERIS in Ireland.
Over 7000 researchers from more than 100 different countries, across all research disciplines have used the scheme since its introduction in 2007. We can guide you through the process, provide information. Our services are free !
- Check if you need visa to enter Ireland
- Visa procedure for Hosting Agreement holders can be found here: Irish Immigration website
- Click here for visa process for spouses of Hosting Agreement holders
- A preclearance process for a De Facto Partner of a Hosting Agreement Holder. This scheme applies to both visa required and non-visa required nationals.You must apply for a visa or preclearance before you travel to Ireland.
- NOTE: researchers who are not visa required, being exempt from an entry visa requirement, would still need their Hosting Agreement in Ireland.
Click here on the DFHERIS website
Institutions who wish to apply for the accreditation should send their completed application, with signed forms and supporting documentation, to: Researcher_HostAccred@dfheris.gov.ie