De Facto Partner of an Irish
National

A de facto partner is an unmarried partner in a committed relationship, whether same-sex or opposite-sex. Irish immigration rules allow the de facto partner of an Irish citizen to join them in Ireland if the couple has lived together for at least 2 years before applying. Visa-required partners apply for a long stay 'D' visa, and others apply for preclearance, the equivalent approval for people who don't need a visa. Proving cohabitation is the heart of the application. Couples show that they've lived at the same address for 2 years, with documents such as tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, utility bills and bank records, along with a relationship history and evidence of shared finances. Visiting each other doesn't count as living together. The partner needs police clearance certificates from the countries they've lived in during the past 5 years and private medical insurance, and the Irish sponsor must meet the income rules for Irish sponsors, which rose to €75,000 gross over 3 years in June 2026. On registration, the partner receives Stamp 4, usually for 12 months at first, which allows work without a permit. Processing is slow: in October 2026, the Dublin Visa Office was deciding de facto applications received in July 2025.

The 2-year cohabitation rule is central to this route. If you can't meet it, marriage or civil partnership may be an option, or you may need to wait.

Couples who only visit each other don't qualify. You need convincing reasons for living apart, and you must still show 2 years' cohabitation.

No. The rules apply to all couples.

Yes, once, by post, within the deadline in your refusal letter.

Yes. The de facto partner route is open to all couples who meet the cohabitation and relationship requirements.