Unmarried partners
Unmarried partners of employment permit holders and other eligible non-EEA residents in Ireland
All servicesVisas from Outside Ireland – Joining a Non-EEA National
De Facto Partner of a Non-EEA
National
€615
What you get
- A check of your partner's sponsor category and timing
- Help building a clear relationship history and cohabitation evidence
- Completion and submission of your online application (D visa or preclearance)
About this service
De Facto Partner of a Non-EEA National
Unmarried partners of non-EEA nationals living in Ireland can apply to join them if they've lived together for at least 2 years. The timing depends on your partner's permission, and the evidence of your relationship is crucial. We check eligibility, build a strong relationship file and prepare your application. (Partners of Critical Skills holders and researchers can use our dedicated service.) De facto applications are judged largely on documents, so organisation matters. We help you set out your relationship history clearly, with evidence for each year you've lived together.
€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 partner to join them
At a glance
Eligibility
01
2 years living together
You've lived together for at least 2 years before applying (visits don't count)
02
Living in Ireland
You intend to live together permanently in Ireland
03
Sponsor category
Your partner is an eligible sponsor: Category B sponsors immediately, and Category C sponsors, such as GEP holders, after 1 year of legal work with gross income over €30,000 and suitable accommodation
04
Insurance and police clearance
You have private medical insurance and police clearance certificates
05
Passport validity
Your passport is valid for at least 12 months from entry
Our promise
What's included
De Facto Partner of a Non-EEA National
€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 your partner's category and when you can apply.
- 2Step 2
We build your relationship and cohabitation evidence with you.
- 3Step 3
We complete your online application and draft the letters.
- 4Step 4
You send the documents and fee within 30 days.
- Step 5
We support you until a decision is made.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. The government fee is separate.
Government fee
€60 (preclearance or single-entry visa) or €100 for a multiple-entry visa, non-refundable.
Processing time
ISD aims to decide within 12 months of receiving all documents, but this isn't guaranteed.
Work rights
Partners of GEP and ICT permit holders are registered on Stamp 1G and can work without an employment permit.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Unmarried partners of non-EEA nationals living in Ireland can apply to join them under the de facto partnership rules, if the couple has lived together for at least 2 years before applying. The rules apply to all couples, whether same-sex or opposite-sex. Visa-required partners apply for a long stay 'D' visa, and others apply for preclearance. The sponsor's category sets the timing, just as it does for spouses. Partners of Category B sponsors, such as Critical Skills holders and researchers, can apply straight away. Partners of Category C sponsors, such as General Employment Permit holders, can apply once the sponsor has worked legally in Ireland for 12 months, has earned more than €30,000 gross in the previous year and has suitable accommodation. The application must prove 2 years of living together, with documents such as leases, utility bills and bank records at the same address, plus a relationship history, evidence of shared finances, police clearance certificates and private medical insurance. Couples who only visit each other don't qualify. Partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Company Transfer holders are registered on Stamp 1G and can work without a permit.
The 2-year rule is central to the de facto route. Marriage or civil partnership may open the spouse route instead.
No. The rules apply to all couples.
Yes. It decides when you can apply, whether an income threshold applies and what work rights you'll have.
Yes, once, by post, within the deadline in your refusal letter.
That depends on your partner's permission. Partners of GEP and ICT holders, for example, are registered on Stamp 1G, which allows work.
No. You apply from your home country or a country where you live legally, before travelling.
Ready when you are
Get started with De Facto Partner of a Non-EEA National
€615
€615
De Facto Partner of a Non-EEA National