European rules on facilitated admission of third-country scientific researchers

The Directive

The purpose of Council Directive 2005/71/EC is to contribute to the objectives of the Lisbon Agenda to make Europe the most competitive and knowledge-based economy of the world, by fostering the admission and mobility of third country researchers in order to enhance the Community’s attractiveness for researchers from around the world and boost its position as an international centre for research.

How does the procedure work?

The Directive provides for a fast track procedure for the admission of researchers. Accredited research organisations play a major role in this process, as they will have to certify the status of the researchers in a hosting agreement which will acknowledge the existence of a valid research project, as well as the possession by the researcher of the necessary scientific skills, sufficient resources and sickness insurance. Delivery of a residence permit to a researcher will automatically imply the right to work without an «economic needs test» to be carried out.

Equal treatment and right to EU mobility

On the basis of the hosting agreement, the immigration authorities of the host country will deliver a residence permit in an accelerated procedure. Holders of such residence permit enjoy equal treatment with nationals in a number of areas, for example social security or working conditions. Once such permit is granted, the researcher will also be free to move within most Member States (Schengen countries & Ireland) to carry out the research project.

Applications within the EU

Member States are encouraged to allow third country researchers who are already legally present in a Member State to submit applications for residence permits for research purposes directly to the authorities in that Member State without returning home first. Moreover, researchers who intend to make use of their right of mobility between Member States need not return to their country of origin to submit an application.

MEMO/07/409

Brussels, 15 October 2007

Source : Europa