Ireland has long been recognized as a welcoming destination for international talent, and its family reunification policies reflect this. Unlike many other jurisdictions, Ireland provides a clear and often immediate pathway for the families of highly skilled professionals to join them. At Recruitroo, we specialize in the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP), which remains the "gold standard" for family relocation due to the unique benefits it offers to spouses and partners.
Immediate vs. Deferred Reunification
The timeline for your family to join you depends heavily on the type of permit you hold. If you are a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holder, your spouse, de-facto partner, and dependent children can apply to join you in Ireland immediately. There is no waiting period. For those on a General Employment Permit, the policy typically requires the primary holder to have worked in Ireland for 12 months before their family can apply for residency.
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De-Facto Partnerships: Ireland recognizes long-term partners who are not married. You must demonstrate that you have lived together for at least two years and intend to live together in Ireland.
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Child Dependants: Unmarried children under 18 are automatically considered part of the family unit. Children aged 18–23 may be included if they are in full-time education and financially dependent.
The Stamp 1G Revolution
One of the most attractive features of moving to Ireland as a dependant is the "Stamp 1G" permission. In 2026, the rules have been further refined to empower family members:
- Right to Work: Spouses and de-facto partners of CSEP holders are granted Stamp 1G, which allows them to work for any employer without needing their own employment permit.
- Minor Children: From late 2025, eligible minor children of permit holders also receive a Stamp 1G upon reaching 16, allowing them to take up part-time or summer work easily.
- Path to Citizenship: Time spent on a Dependant Visa/Stamp 1G counts toward the residency requirement for Irish citizenship through naturalisation.
Financial Thresholds for 2026
While CSEP holders have it easier, they must still prove they can support their family. For a family with children, the primary sponsor must demonstrate a net annual income that meets the "Working Family Payment" thresholds set by the Department of Social Protection. In 2026, as salaries increase across the board, these thresholds are checked rigorously during the visa or pre-clearance application process. Recruitroo’s platform includes a "Finance Calculator" to help you ensure your gross salary covers these requirements.
Relocation Advice: "If your partner is from a visa-required country, start the 'Join Family' visa process at least 4 months before your intended travel date. The processing times at the Dublin visa office can vary significantly based on the season." — Sarah Murphy, Relocation Advisor.
Seamless Integration with Recruitroo
We don't just manage the paperwork for the employee; we manage the journey for the family. Our Irish relocation specialists provide guidance on everything from the "Pre-Clearance" process for de-facto partners to finding the best schools in Dublin, Cork, or Galway. By ensuring your family has their Stamp 1G and PPS Numbers quickly, Recruitroo helps your household become dual-income and fully integrated into the Irish community faster.
Looking to move your family to Ireland? Explore Critical Skills roles or book a demo to learn about our family support services. Visit Recruitroo.com for more information.