Bringing Family to Ireland
One of the most important considerations for international workers is bringing family members. Ireland offers pathways for spouses, partners, and children of permit holders.
Who Can Join You?
Eligible Family Members
- Spouse (legally married)
- Civil partner
- De facto partner (2+ years cohabitation)
- Dependent children (under 18, or under 23 if in education)
Not Automatically Eligible
- Parents
- Siblings
- Adult children (unless dependent due to disability)
- Extended family
Pathways Based on Your Permit
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
Immediate family reunification:
- Apply with or soon after your permit
- Spouse/partner receives Stamp 1G
- Stamp 1G allows full work rights without separate permit
- Children receive Stamp 3 (study permitted)
Why CSEP is advantageous:
- No waiting period for family
- Spouse can work any job immediately
- Faster path to long-term residency
General Employment Permit (GEP)
Family reunification after 12 months:
- Must hold GEP for 12 months first
- Then apply for family reunification
- Spouse receives Stamp 3 (no automatic work rights)
- Spouse must apply separately for employment permit if wanting to work
The Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
Main applicant documents:
- Valid employment permit
- Passport
- IRP card
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of income/financial support
- Employment letter
Family member documents:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate (children)
- Marriage certificate (spouse)
- Proof of relationship (de facto partners)
- Police clearance certificates
Step 2: Submit Application
For family outside Ireland:
- Apply for entry visa (if required for nationality)
- Include all supporting documents
- Pay applicable fees
For family already in Ireland:
- Apply for permission change at Immigration Office
- Book appointment via INIS website
- Attend with all documents
Step 3: Registration
Once in Ireland:
- Register at Immigration Office
- Receive IRP card
- Stamp added to passport
Stamp 1G Explained
Stamp 1G is given to spouses/partners of CSEP holders:
Rights:
- Work any job without permit
- Full-time or part-time
- Any employer, any sector
- Change jobs freely
Duration:
- Same as main permit holder
- Renewable with main permit
- Leads to long-term residency alongside main holder
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate ability to support family:
Income Threshold
- Sufficient income above permit minimum
- Typically €10,000+ additional per dependent
- Evidence of savings can supplement
Accommodation
- Proof of suitable accommodation
- Lease or property ownership
- Adequate space for family size
Children's Rights
Education
- Free primary and secondary education
- Access to public schools
- May need to arrange school placement
Healthcare
- Access to public healthcare
- GP registration required
- Consider private health insurance
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|-------|----------|
| Gather documents | 2-4 weeks |
| Visa application (if needed) | 4-8 weeks |
| Travel to Ireland | Variable |
| Registration | 1-2 weeks |
| Total | 2-4 months |
Common Challenges
Document Authentication
- Certificates may need apostille
- Translations must be certified
- Original documents preferred
Visa-Required Nationalities
- Additional visa step
- Longer processing times
- Book VFS appointments early
Accommodation Proof
- Can be difficult before arrival
- Consider temporary accommodation initially
- Update immigration once permanent
De Facto Partners
For unmarried partners:
- Must prove 2+ years cohabitation
- Shared bills, lease, bank accounts
- Joint photos over time
- Statutory declarations
Tips for Success
1. Start early – Begin gathering documents before permit arrives
2. Keep records – Document your relationship thoroughly
3. Financial evidence – Show consistent ability to support family
4. Plan accommodation – Arrange before family arrives
5. School registration – Contact schools early for children
Recruitroo Support
We help with family reunification:
- Document checklist preparation
- Application guidance
- Timeline planning
- Ongoing support
Your family's journey to Ireland matters—we're here to help make it happen.