Work authorisation
Work Authorisation Permissions:
Please note that should you be successful through Open Competition and require Work Authorisation, the HR Research Team will be in touch with you.
Work Authorisation
The HR Research team will support non-EEA employees in obtaining valid work authorisation (Work Permits, Hosting Agreements and Immigration Stamps). When a new employee has been identified, the HR Representative at Recruitment along with PI/Line Manager will work with HR Research to begin the work authorisation process in advance of commencement.
Employment Permits
In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempt, must hold a valid Employment Permit. Employment permits are processed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE). The Human Resources Office will process and make contact with DETE in relation to all work permit applications in respect of prospective employees or renewal of work permits for existing employees of UL. For more information on different types of employment permits, and eligibility criteria, please click Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment website.
Hosting Agreement
Non-EEA Researchers applying for research positions in accredited research organisations can use a fast-track work permit (Hosting Agreement) scheme. This allows the host research organisation to employ the researcher without the need for a work permit. Additionally, the Hosting Agreement allows researchers and their immediate family members to move to Ireland and reside there for the duration of the researcher’s contract. The University of Limerick is an accredited research organisation and can apply on the Researchers behalf. More information on this scheme can be found on EURAXESS IRELAND
Immigration Stamps
Stamp 4 indicates permission to stay in Ireland for a specified period, subject to conditions. Stamp 4 is reckonable as residence when applying for citizenship by naturalisation.
You may be given Stamp 4, after you have had a permission to work in Ireland:
With a valid Critical Skills Employment Permit for 21 months
With a valid employment permit for 57 months
As a Researcher (with a valid Hosting Agreement) for 21 months.
Entry Visa
It is the responsibility of the employee to obtain the correct Visa to enter Ireland. Please note if you are travelling to Ireland to commence a contract of employment you must get the appropriate Visa. Your embassy or consulate will assist should you have queries.
Details on countries requiring a visa and the visa process can be found at the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
Register with Immigration
If you are coming to Ireland from outside the EU and Switzerland, and wish to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for an immigration permission and then register it once it’s granted. When you have successfully registered you will receive an Irish Residence Permit card by post and that is your proof that you are legally in the State.
First time registration for all residents in the Republic of Ireland will be carried out by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
Registration Office is located at: 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70
You will need to make an appointment as per the guidance here: Information on registering your immigration permission for the first time - Immigration Service Delivery
You will need:
Your Contract of Employment
Hosting Agreement / Employment Permit
Current Passport and your Visa (if applicable).
Currently, an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card costs €300. Please see the immigration website for potential changes in cost. The Immigration office will only accept debit/credit card. Please note that it is the responsibility of the employee to familiarise themselves with their immigration requirements and keep their visa and immigration stamps up to date. The onus is on the individual to main a valid IRP card and provide UL HR with a copy.
Should you have any mobility queries please contact us at hrresearch@ul.ie
Please note that employees cannot commence employment with the University until their Employment Permit/Hosting Agreement has been issued. Individuals cannot commence a post from abroad as they must be within the jurisdiction of Ireland to uptake a position in the University of Limerick.
Visiting Academics/Researchers
Visiting Academics/Researchers to the University of Limerick must engage with Immigration Services before leaving their source country to ensure they hold the correct visa permission to enter and remain in Ireland for an approved period of time. More information on Visiting academic - Immigration Service Delivery.
