Key takeaway
How to bring your spouse, partner, or children to Ireland — dependent visas, immigration stamps, and work rights for family members.
Overview: family immigration to Ireland
Bringing family members to Ireland involves different processes depending on your own immigration status and where your family members are from. EU citizens have the most straightforward path; non-EU permit holders face a more complex process with varying work rights for dependants.
EU citizens: family members joining you
If you're an EU/EEA citizen exercising your right to free movement in Ireland, your family members — including non-EU spouses, civil partners, and dependent children — have the right to join you. Non-EU family members need to apply for a Residence Card from the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). Apply within 90 days of arrival. Required documents include: your passport, the family member's passport, proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), and evidence that you're exercising treaty rights (employment, self-employment, or student status).
Critical Skills Employment Permit holders
Spouses and civil partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders are entitled to a Stamp 1G permission on arrival. Stamp 1G allows them to work for any employer without needing their own work permit — a major advantage. Children receive Stamp 3 (no work rights). Apply through ISD — your spouse should apply for their own IRP card with Stamp 1G when they register.
General Employment Permit holders
Spouses of General Employment Permit holders receive Stamp 3, which does not permit work. To work in Ireland, they would need to apply for their own work permit — which requires a job offer. This is a significant limitation compared to the Critical Skills permit and is one reason the Critical Skills route is preferred where possible.
Required documents for dependants
- Valid passport
- Proof of relationship (original marriage certificate, children's birth certificates)
- Your current IRP card or immigration permission
- Proof of accommodation in Ireland
- Proof of financial means to support the family
- Two passport photographs
- Registration fee (€300 per person)
Timeline
Apply for IRP registration as soon as your family members arrive in Ireland — don't wait until their 90-day visa-free period is almost up. In Dublin, book through the Burgh Quay online system; outside Dublin, contact your local Garda station. Processing typically takes a few weeks once documentation is submitted.
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.