Spouses and civil partners
Spouses and civil partners of employment permit holders, researchers and other eligible residents in Ireland
All servicesVisas from Outside Ireland – Joining a Non-EEA National
Spouse / Civil Partner of a Non-EEA National (Dependent
Visa)
€615
What you get
- A check of your partner's sponsor category, timing and income
- A review of your relationship and financial evidence
- Completion and submission of your online application (AVATS)
About this service
Spouse / Civil Partner of a Non-EEA National (Dependent Visa)
Spouses and civil partners of non-EEA nationals working or living in Ireland can apply for a long stay 'D' join family visa, often called a dependent visa. When you can apply depends on your partner's permission: Critical Skills holders and researchers can be joined straight away, while General Employment Permit holders must first work legally in Ireland for 12 months and meet an income threshold. We check the timing, prepare the application and guide you through registration.
€615
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
7
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Non-EEA workers
Non-EEA workers in Ireland who want their spouse to join them
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Category B sponsors
Category B sponsors (for example Critical Skills holders, researchers on a hosting agreement, STEP participants and full-time non-locum doctors) can be joined immediately
02
Category C sponsors
Category C sponsors (for example General Employment Permit holders and some independent Stamp 4 holders) must have worked legally in Ireland for 1 year, earned over €30,000 gross in the previous year and show suitable accommodation
03
Recognised marriage
A marriage or civil partnership recognised under Irish law, and a genuine relationship including face-to-face meetings
04
Who can't sponsor
The sponsor isn't a student (unless in Category B), a Third Level Graduate Programme graduate, a UK national or an EU citizen using free movement rights
05
State supports
The sponsor isn't mainly reliant on State supports and doesn't live in State-supported accommodation
Our promise
What's included
Spouse / Civil Partner of a Non-EEA National (Dependent Visa)
€615
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 7 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We confirm when you can apply and which rules apply.
- 2Step 2
We complete your online application and draft the letters.
- 3Step 3
You and your spouse gather the documents, and we check them.
- 4Step 4
You sign the summary form, pay the fee and send your originals within 30 days.
- Step 5
We support you until a decision, then you register with your spouse after arrival.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. The government visa fee is separate.
Government fee
€60 single entry or €100 multiple entry, non-refundable.
Processing time
ISD aims to decide within 12 months of receiving all documents, but this isn't guaranteed. In October 2026 the Dublin Visa Office was deciding join family applications for Category B sponsors received in June 2024.
Work rights
Spouses of Critical Skills, researcher, GEP and ICT permit holders are registered on Stamp 1G and can work without an employment permit.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
A dependent visa, officially a long stay 'D' join family visa, lets the spouse or civil partner of a non-EEA national living in Ireland come to live with them. When the spouse can apply, and what the sponsor must show, depends on the sponsor's immigration permission, which places them in a category under Ireland's family reunification policy. Family reunification sponsor categories (2026): • Category A, Irish citizens: spouse, partner and children under 18 can apply straight away; no minimum residence period for dependent parents and adult children (Stamp 0). • Category B, Critical Skills holders, researchers, STEP participants and full-time non-locum doctors: spouse, partner and children can apply straight away; dependent parents and adult children after 2 years' residence. • Category C, General Employment Permit and other permit holders, and some Stamp 4 holders: spouse, partner and children after 12 months of legal work; dependent parents and adult children after 5 years' residence. • Not eligible: most students, Third Level Graduate Programme graduates, and UK and EU citizens, who have separate routes. Category B sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and researchers, can be joined straight away. Category C sponsors, such as General Employment Permit holders, must first have worked legally in Ireland for 12 months, must have earned more than €30,000 gross in the previous year and must show suitable accommodation. Spouses and civil partners of Critical Skills, researcher, General Employment Permit and Intra-Company Transfer holders are registered on Stamp 1G, which lets them work without an employment permit. ISD aims to decide join family visas within 12 months of receiving all documents, although this isn't guaranteed.
After your spouse has worked legally in Ireland for 12 months and earned over €30,000 gross in the previous year, with suitable accommodation.
If your spouse holds a Critical Skills, researcher, General Employment or ICT permit, you'll usually get Stamp 1G, which lets you work without a permit.
Yes, but each child needs their own application, and Category C sponsors need a higher income to bring children.
Yes, within 2 months of the refusal letter, free of charge.
Ready when you are
Get started with Spouse / Civil Partner of a Non-EEA National (Dependent Visa)
€615
€615
Spouse / Civil Partner of a Non-EEA National (Dependent Visa)