Definition
The researcher permit, governed by EU Directive 2016/801/EU, allows non-EU nationals to reside in a member state for the purpose of conducting a research project approved by a recognised research organisation. The key requirement is a hosting agreement — a contract between the researcher and the host organisation (university, research institute, or company) detailing the project scope, funding, and working conditions. Researchers may also bring family members and can move between member states for short stays under a researcher mobility permit.
Official sources
Related terms
Hosting Agreement
A formal contract between a recognised research organisation and a non-EU researcher, required to apply for a researcher residence permit in the EU.
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Residence Permit
An official document or authorisation that entitles a non-citizen to legally reside in a country for a specified period, often but not always including the right to work.
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Third-Country National
TCN
A person who is not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland — the primary applicant group for European work and residence permits.
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