Being apart from your family while you wait for a decision is hard. Family applications succeed or fail on the evidence, so it is worth getting it right the first time.
Who can apply to join family in Ireland
Spouses, civil partners, de facto partners and children of Irish citizens, and of people living legally in Ireland, can apply to join them here. We often help:
- Couples who are married or in a civil partnership
- Partners who have lived together for at least 2 years but are not married
- Parents who want their child to join them in Ireland
- People who are separated or divorced from an Irish or EU spouse and worried about their permission
Join Family visa or preclearance
The route depends on your nationality and your sponsor. If you need a visa to enter Ireland, you apply for a long stay Join Family visa before you travel. Some partners who do not need a visa apply for preclearance instead. Family members of EU citizens who are not Irish apply under EU Treaty Rights. Choosing the wrong route costs months, so we confirm it with you first.
The evidence you will need
ISD needs to see that your relationship is genuine and lasting. Strong applications show the relationship over time, not just today. Useful evidence includes:
- Proof of living together, such as a shared lease, bills or bank statements at the same address
- Shared finances and money sent between you
- Messages and calls over the length of the relationship
- Photos from different times and places
- Your marriage or civil partnership certificate, where relevant
What counts depends on your situation, so we go through it with you before anything is submitted.
The sponsor income rule
Since 12 June 2026, an Irish citizen sponsor must show €75,000 gross income over the previous 3 years, which is about €25,000 a year. State benefits do not count. If your income is close to the limit, we check the figures with you before you apply.
Separated or divorced from an Irish or EU spouse
If your permission is based on your marriage, a separation or divorce can affect it. Family members of EU citizens may be able to keep their residence after a divorce if the marriage lasted at least 3 years, including 1 year in Ireland. Separation without divorce is treated differently. If your spouse has left Ireland, act quickly and talk to us before your card expires.
If your Join Family visa was refused
Long stay Join Family visa refusals can still be appealed, and family members covered by the EU Free Movement Directive keep their right of appeal. An appeal has to deal with the reasons for the refusal, so it is worth getting advice before you reply. We review the refusal and tell you the best next step.
Since 1 June 2026, most short stay (Type C) visa refusals can no longer be appealed. We help with Join Family and other long stay visas only. We do not handle visit, tourist or other short stay visa applications.
How we can help
We confirm the right route, build the evidence file with you, check the income figures and deal with ISD or the visa office if they ask for more. Our fee is fixed and agreed in writing before any work starts.
Reviewed by Emma Carey, Solicitor · Last reviewed October 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can my partner join me if we are not married?
Yes. De facto partners can apply, but you must show you have lived together in a relationship for at least 2 years. We check whether you meet this and which evidence to send.
How long does a Join Family application take?
Processing times change and can run for many months. We give you the current timeline when we review your case and make sure the application is complete so it is not delayed by missing documents.
What is the €75,000 income rule?
Since 12 June 2026 an Irish citizen sponsor must show €75,000 gross income over the previous 3 years, about €25,000 per year, not counting State benefits. We check this figure with you before you apply.
What we don’t handle
So you can get the right help quickly, these are matters we do not take on.
- Stamp 1G and stand-alone Stamp 4 applications
- IRP or stamp renewals on their own, without a full application
- Visit, tourist and other short stay visas
- Student visas
- Visas for other countries
- One-off advice on an application that someone else is handling
- Deportation, detention and refused asylum cases
For protection, deportation or detention matters, contact the Legal Aid Board or the Irish Refugee Council. Citizens Information has clear guidance on visas, stamps and renewals.
