ENTERING IRELAND
STATUS CHANGE WITHIN IRELAND
CITIZENSHIP & RESIDENCY
Family Visas Ireland
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with an Irish, UK, EEA or Swiss National or a non-EEA national work permit holder in Ireland, you may be permitted to live in Ireland with your spouse/partner.
Please read here for more information about how to make your application and the requirements your sponsor must fulfil.
Table of Content:
Spouse/Civil Partner Visa
Introduction
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with, an Irish, UK, EEA or Swiss National or a Non-EEA national work permit holder in Ireland. You may be permitted to live in Ireland with your spouse/partner. If you are from a visa-required country and wish to stay in Ireland for over three months with your spouse/ partner, you must apply for a long-stay visa or preclearance to remain in the state. However, if you are from a non-visa-required country, you do not need a visa or preclearance to enter Ireland unless your sponsor is a UK National.
The application process time varies from four to six months. Therefore, you should not make any travel arrangements before the application decision is made to avoid disappointment.
How to apply?
Before you proceed with the application, you will need to make sure:
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Your spouse/partner is eligible to be a sponsor for this family visa
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Did the sponsor meet the minimum level of earnings, the minimum earning level varies depending on the status of the sponsor.
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You are an ordinarily resident outside of Ireland
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Are of good character and good standing
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Intended to live together permanently with your sponsor
The application process is conducted online. You must print, sign and date the Application Form and submit it with your supporting documentation. You may be required to provide your biometrics information as part of the application process.
Important: If you have included any misleading information or documents, your application will be refused. In some circumstances, you may not be allowed to appeal the visa decision and may be blocked from getting an Irish visa for five years.
The process involved providing evidence of the claimed relationship to prove the genuineness of your relationship with your sponsor (spouse/civil partner ) and their proof to be eligible as a sponsor.
Have questions? Contact us now for instant help and assistance on your situation.
Eligibility & Work Permission
Your eligibility to make this application and the permission to work in Ireland depends on your sponsor status in the state.
Spouse/ Civil Partner Sponsored by an Irish National
If your Sponsor is an Irish National, you can make this application immediately and you will be granted a Stamp 4 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is being approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
Spouse/ Civil Partner Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a Critical Skills Employment Permit
If your sponsor is a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted a Stamp 1G permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
Spouse/ Civil Partner Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a General Skills Employment Permit
If your sponsor is a General Skills Employment Permit Holder, you can only make this application after the sponsor is on the permit for one year, and you will be granted a Stamp 3 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you are considered a dependent on the sponsor and are required to obtain a separate work permit to work in Ireland.
Spouse/ Civil Partner Sponsored by a UK National
If your sponsor is a UK National, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 4 permission as a qualifying family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
Spouse/ Civil Partner Sponsored by an EEA or Swiss National
If your sponsor is an EEA or Swiss National, you can make this application immediately, but you should apply for a short-stay visa to enter Ireland first, and you will be granted Stamp 4 permission as a qualifying family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
Note: The approval of the permit and visa are dependent on individual circumstances and are always subject to changes. If you are unsure of your situation and the necessary procedures, don't hesitate to contact us now and let us guide you through the whole process.
De Factor Partner
Introduction
A de facto means partner, including a same-sex partner with whom you are not married. To qualify as a de facto of someone, your relationship must meet all of the following:
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You and your partner are in a mutual and committed relationship like a marriage or civil partnership in practice but not in law
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You have been cohabiting (living together) for at least two years
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Your relationship is genuine and continuing
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You are not related to each other by family
If you are a de facto to an Irish, UK, EEA or Swiss National or a non-EEA national work permit holder in Ireland. You may be permitted to live in Ireland with your partner. If you are from a visa-required country and wish to stay with your partner in Ireland for over three months, you must apply for a long-stay visa to remain in the state. However, if you are from a non-visa-required country, you must have a preclearance letter to enter Ireland.
The application process time varies from four to six months. Therefore, you should not make any travel arrangements before the decision to apply is made to avoid disappointment.
How to apply?
Before you proceed with the application, you will need to make sure:
-
Your partner is eligible to be a sponsor for this family visa
-
Did the sponsor meet the minimum level of earnings, the minimum earning level varies depending on the status of the sponsor.
-
You are an ordinarily resident outside of Ireland
-
Are of good character and good standing
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Intended to live together permanently with your partner
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Are not related by family
The application process is conducted online. You must print, sign and date the Application Form and submit it with your supporting documentation. You may be required to provide your biometrics information as part of the application process.
Important: If you have included any misleading information or documents, your application will be refused. In some circumstances, you may not be allowed to appeal the visa decision and may be blocked from getting an Irish visa for five years.
The process involved providing evidence of the claimed relationship to prove the genuineness of your relationship and your two years of cohabitation with your sponsor (partner) and their proof to be eligible as a sponsor.
Have questions? Contact us now for instant help and assistance on your situation.
Eligibility & Work Permission
Your eligibility to make this application and the permission to work in Ireland depends on your sponsor status in the state.
De Factor Partner Sponsored by an Irish National
If your Sponsor is an Irish National, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted a Stamp 4 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
De Factor Partner Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a Critical Skills Employment Permit
Suppose your sponsor is a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder. In that case, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 1G permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
De Factor Partner Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a General Skills Employment Permit
Suppose your sponsor is a General Skills Employment Permit Holder. In that case, you can only make this application after the sponsor is on the permit for one year, and you will be granted Stamp 3 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you are considered a dependent on the sponsor and must obtain a separate work permit to work in Ireland.
De Factor Partner Sponsored by a UK National
If your sponsor is a UK National, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 4 permission as a permitted family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
De Factor Partner Sponsored by an EEA or Swiss National
Suppose your sponsor is an EEA or Swiss National. In that case, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 4 permission as a permitted family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live and work in Ireland without the requirement for an employment permit.
Note
The approval of the permit and visa are dependent on individual circumstances and are always subject to changes. If you are unsure of your situation and the necessary procedures, don't hesitate to contact us now and let us guide you through the whole process.
Elderly Parent
Introduction
Suppose you are an elderly relative of an Irish, UK, EEA, or Swiss National or non-EEA national work permit holder in Ireland. In that case, You may be permitted to live in Ireland with your children. If you are from a visa-required country and wish to stay with your children in Ireland for over three months, you must apply for a long-stay visa to remain in the state. However, if you are from a non-visa-required country, you do not need a visa or preclearance to enter Ireland unless your sponsor is a UK National.
The application process time varies from four to six months. Therefore, you should not make any travel arrangements before the application’s decision is made to avoid disappointment.
How to apply?
Before you proceed with the application, you will need to make sure:
-
Your children are eligible to be a sponsor for this family visa
-
Did the sponsor meet the minimum level of earnings, the minimum earning level varies depending on the sponsor's status.
-
You are an ordinarily resident outside of Ireland
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Are of good character and good standing
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The sponsor must have been legally resident in Ireland for a minimum of three years
The application process is conducted online. You must print, sign and date the Application Form and submit it with your supporting documentation. You may be required to provide your biometrics information as part of the application process.
Important: If you have included any misleading information or documents, your application will be refused. In some circumstances, you may not be allowed to appeal the visa decision and may be blocked from getting an Irish visa for five years.
The process involved providing evidence of the claimed relationship and their proof to be eligible as a sponsor.
Have questions? Contact us now for instant help and assistance on your situation.
Eligibility & Work Permission
Your eligibility to make this application and the permission to work in Ireland depends on your sponsor status in the state.
Sponsored by an Irish National
If your Sponsor is an Irish National, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 0 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In the case of Stmap 0, you will be allowed to live in Ireland and are not expected to be involved in any employment.
Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a Critical Skills Employment Permit
Suppose your sponsor is a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder. In that case, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 0 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live in Ireland, and you are not expected to be involved in any employment.
Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a General Skills Employment Permit
Suppose your sponsor is a General Skills Employment Permit Holder. In that case, you can only make this application after the sponsor is on the permit for one year, and you will be granted Stamp 0 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live in Ireland, and you are not expected to be involved in any employment.
Sponsored by a UK National
If your sponsor is a UK National, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 0 permission as a permitted family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live in Ireland.
Sponsored by an EEA or Swiss National
Suppose your sponsor is an EEA or Swiss National. In that case, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 0 permission as a permitted family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such cases, you will be allowed to live in Ireland.
Note: The approval of the permit and visa are highly dependent on individual circumstances and are always subject to changes. If you are unsure of your situation and the necessary procedures, don't hesitate to contact us now and let us guide you through the whole process.
Dependent Children
Introduction
Suppose you are a dependent children of an Irish, UK, EEA, or Swiss National or non-EEA national work permit holder in Ireland. In that case, You may be permitted to live in Ireland with your parent. If you are from a visa-required country and wish to stay with your parent in Ireland for over three months, you must apply for a long-stay visa to remain in the state. However, if you are from a non-visa-required country, you do not need a visa or preclearance to enter Ireland unless your sponsor is a UK National.
The application process time varies from two to six months. Therefore, you should not make any travel arrangements before the application’s decision is made to avoid disappointment.
How to apply?
Before you proceed with the application, you will need to make sure:
-
Your parent is eligible to be a sponsor for this family visa
-
Did the sponsor meet the minimum level of earnings, the minimum earning level varies depending on the sponsor's status.
-
You are an ordinarily resident outside of Ireland
-
Are of good character and good standing
-
You are below the age of 18 or 23 if you're in full-time education.
The application process is conducted online. You must print, sign and date the Application Form and submit it with your supporting documentation. You may be required to provide your biometrics information as part of the application process.
Important: If you have included any misleading information or documents, your application will be refused. In some circumstances, you may not be allowed to appeal the visa decision and may be blocked from getting an Irish visa for five years.
The process involved providing evidence of the claimed relationship and their proof of eligibility as a sponsor.
Have questions? Contact us now for instant help and assistance on your situation.
Eligibility & Work Permission
Your eligibility to make this application and the permission to work in Ireland depends on your sponsor status in the state.
Sponsored by an Irish National
If your Sponsor is an Irish National, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 3 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. You are between the ages of 16 and 18. In such a case, you will be allowed to live in Ireland, but you will still need a separate work permit to work in the state.
Dependent Children Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a Critical Skills Employment Permit
Suppose your sponsor is a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder. In that case, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 3 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live in Ireland but still need a separate work permit to work in the state.
Dependent Children Sponsored by a Non-EEA national on a General Skills Employment Permit
Suppose your sponsor is a General Skills Employment Permit Holder. In that case, you can only make this application after the sponsor is on the permit for one year, and you will be granted Stamp 3 permission to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live in Ireland but still need a separate work permit to work in the state.
Dependent Children Sponsored by a UK National
If your sponsor is a UK National, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 3 permission as a permitted family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live in Ireland but still need a separate work permit to work in the state.
Dependent Children Sponsored by an EEA or Swiss National
Suppose your sponsor is an EEA or Swiss National. In that case, you can make this application immediately, and you will be granted Stamp 3 permission as a permitted family member to stay in Ireland if your application is approved. In such a case, you will be allowed to live in Ireland but still need a separate work permit to work in the state.
Note: The approval of the permit and visa are highly dependent on individual circumstances and are always subject to changes. If you are unsure of your situation and the necessary procedures, don't hesitate to contact us now and let us guide you through the whole process.
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FAQ
If you are a visa-required national, then you must apply for a visa before travelling to the State unless you have an in-date EUFAM card or a BIVS visa.
You can apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ visa up to 3 months before your travel date to Ireland.
When you fill in your information online, you will need to select the following.
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Select visa/preclearance type as ‘Short Stay (C)’ or “Long Stay”
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Select journey Type as ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ and
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Select the correct Reason for Travel. For example, if you travel to Ireland for a holiday, you will select ‘Visit Tourist’.
You must apply for your visa from the country where you are ordinarily resident, i.e., where you live. Requests to make a visa application from any other country (e.g., a country you are visiting while on holiday) will not be accepted.
Feel complicated? Contact us now, and let us guide you through the whole process!
You are required to show:
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Strong family, economic, and social ties to your country of current residence/origin
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That you (and the relatives or friends sponsoring your visit) have enough money to travel and support yourself in Ireland without accessing public funds/resources
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That you have provided true and complete information to the visa officer (meaning that you have not left out information), and are of good character
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That you have a valid reason to travel here
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That you will leave Ireland before any permission granted expires
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That you are not applying for a visa to Ireland to get around lawful entry to the rest of the EU or the UK.
The Visa Officer will assess the information you have given and must be satisfied:
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That you have a valid reason to travel
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That the information you have provided is true, complete and that you are of good character
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That you (and the relatives or friends sponsoring your visit) have enough money to support yourself and will not access public funds or resources
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That you have strong ties to your country of current residence/ origin
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That you will not breach the Common Travel Area and seek to enter the UK via Ireland without a valid UK visa if required by the UK authorities
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That your proposed stay in Ireland will be temporary, that you will leave Ireland at the end of your visit, and that you will observe the conditions of the visa sought
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That you do not have a negative Immigration history or criminal history.
The visa officer will also assess any other issue they consider relevant. It is your responsibility to satisfy the visa officer that the visa should be granted. The visa officer may make a decision on your application, without letting you know before the decision is made, that he or she is not satisfied that a visa should be granted to you.