Family Reunification
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Non-EEA nationals living in Ireland can apply for family reunification to bring their spouse, civil partner, de facto partner, and dependent children to join them. The process varies depending on the sponsor's immigration status. Holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits can apply for family reunification immediately, while General Employment Permit holders must wait 12 months after the permit is granted.
Ireland does not have a statutory right to family reunification for non-EEA nationals outside of the international protection system. The process is handled through administrative policy set by the Department of Justice. For refugees and persons with subsidiary protection, family reunification is a statutory right under the International Protection Act 2015, section 56, which allows reunification with spouses and children under 18 if the application is made within 12 months of receiving a protection declaration.
When does it apply?
This applies when:
- You are a non-EEA national living in Ireland and want your spouse, partner, or children to join you
- You are the spouse, partner, or child of a non-EEA national living in Ireland
- You are a refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection and want to reunite with your family
- You are an Irish or EU citizen and want to bring your non-EEA family member to Ireland
Key categories:
- Spouse/civil partner of a CSEP holder: Can apply immediately after the permit is granted. The spouse receives Stamp 1G (permission to work without a separate permit). No minimum income requirement specified, but the sponsor must demonstrate ability to support the family without recourse to public funds.
- Spouse/civil partner of a GEP holder: Can apply after 12 months. The spouse may need a separate employment permit to work. Must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
- Spouse of a Stamp 4 holder: Can apply for family reunification. The spouse receives immigration permission appropriate to the sponsor's status.
- Family of a refugee/subsidiary protection holder: Statutory right under the International Protection Act 2015, section 56. Must apply within 12 months of receiving protection status. Covers spouse/civil partner and children under 18 at the time of the application. No income requirement. Free of charge. After the 12-month window, applications may still be made under the Minister's discretion but are assessed under the non-EEA family reunification policy.
- De facto partner: For couples who have been in a committed, cohabiting relationship for at least 2 years. Treated similarly to spouses under the family reunification policy but may face additional scrutiny regarding the genuineness of the relationship.
Key costs:
- Join Family visa application (visa-required nationals): EUR 60 (single entry) or EUR 100 (multi-entry)
- Irish Residence Permit (IRP) registration: EUR 300 per person
- Family reunification for refugees: no government fee
- No specific minimum income threshold is published, but financial independence from State support must be demonstrated
What to Do If You Want to Bring Your Family to Live in Ireland
Step 1: Determine which policy applies to your situation. For refugees, apply under the International Protection Act 2015, section 56, within 12 months of your declaration. For employment permit holders, check the waiting period (immediate for CSEP, 12 months for GEP).
Step 2: If your family member requires a visa, they must apply for a Join Family (D) visa through the online application system at visas.inis.gov.ie. Complete the online form and print the summary sheet. Submit the application with supporting documents at the nearest Irish embassy or consulate or designated visa application centre.
Step 3: Gather supporting documents: marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (or evidence of 2+ years cohabitation for de facto partners), birth certificates for children, sponsor's employment permit and contract, proof of accommodation in Ireland, evidence of financial resources (bank statements, payslips, tax returns), and a letter from the sponsor explaining the application.
Step 4: For refugee family reunification, submit the application to the Family Reunification Unit of the International Protection Office. Include the declaration of refugee status, proof of family relationship, identity documents for family members, and passport photos.
Step 5: Wait for a decision. Processing times vary: Join Family visa applications typically take 6 to 12 months. Refugee family reunification: 6 to 12 months. Follow up through the online visa tracking system or by contacting the Immigration Service Delivery office.
Step 6: Upon arrival, family members must register with the immigration authorities (Burgh Quay in Dublin, local Garda station elsewhere) within 90 days and obtain an IRP card (EUR 300 per person). They will receive the appropriate immigration stamp (Stamp 1G for spouses of CSEP holders, Stamp 3 for dependants of most other categories).
What should you NOT do?
Don't miss the 12-month deadline for refugee family reunification. Under section 56 of the International Protection Act 2015, the statutory right to family reunification applies only if the application is made within 12 months of receiving the protection declaration. After this period, applications are assessed under ministerial discretion with a higher threshold.
Don't submit applications without proof of the relationship. The Department of Justice closely scrutinises family reunification applications for genuineness. Include extensive documentation: wedding photos, communication records, evidence of shared finances, travel together, and statutory declarations from people who know the relationship.
Don't assume Stamp 3 holders can work. Stamp 3 is a dependant stamp that does not permit employment. If your family member receives Stamp 3 and wants to work, they must apply for a separate employment permit or seek to change their stamp to Stamp 1G (if eligible). This is a common source of confusion.
Don't let family members enter Ireland as tourists intending to stay. Entering Ireland as a visitor with the intention of remaining permanently is a breach of immigration law. Family members should apply for the correct visa category (Join Family D visa) before travelling. Attempting to switch from a visitor permission to a family residence permission from within Ireland is very difficult.
Don't forget to maintain your own immigration status. If your employment permit expires or your immigration permission lapses while a family reunification application is pending, the family application may be affected. Ensure you renew your permit and IRP on time.
Common Questions
When does it apply — family reunification?
This applies when:You are a non-EEA national living in Ireland and want your spouse, partner, or children to join youYou are the spouse, partner, or child of a non-EEA national living in IrelandYou are a refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection and want to reunite with your familyYou are an Irish or EU citizen and want to bring your non-EEA family member to IrelandKey categories:Spouse/civil partner of a CSEP holder: Can apply immediately after the permit is granted. The spouse receives Stamp 1G (permission to work without a separate permit). No minimum income requirement specified, but...
What should I do if I want to apply for family reunification to bring my spouse or children to Ireland?
Step 1: Determine which policy applies to your situation. For refugees, apply under the International Protection Act 2015, section 56, within 12 months of your declaration. For employment permit holders, check the waiting period (immediate for CSEP, 12 months for GEP).Step 2: If your family member requires a visa, they must apply for a Join Family (D) visa through the online application system at visas.inis.gov.ie. Complete the online form and print the summary sheet. Submit the application with supporting documents at the nearest Irish embassy or consulate or designated visa application centr...
What should you NOT do — family reunification?
Don't miss the 12-month deadline for refugee family reunification. Under section 56 of the International Protection Act 2015, the statutory right to family reunification applies only if the application is made within 12 months of receiving the protection declaration. After this period, applications are assessed under ministerial discretion with a higher threshold.Don't submit applications without proof of the relationship. The Department of Justice closely scrutinises family reunification applications for genuineness. Include extensive documentation: wedding photos, communication records, evid...
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