Spouses and civil partners
Spouses and civil partners of ministers of religion coming to Ireland
All servicesVisas from Outside Ireland – Joining a Non-EEA National
Spouse, Partner or Child of a Minister of
Religion
€615
What you get
- An eligibility check for each family member
- Completion and submission of the online applications (D visa or preclearance)
- Application letters and guidance on the sponsor's letter covering the family
About this service
Spouse, Partner or Child of a Minister of Religion
Ministers of religion working in Ireland can be joined by their spouse or civil partner and their unmarried children under 18. The sponsoring religious body must support the whole family from funds held in Ireland, and the family's permission depends on the minister's. We prepare the family's visa or preclearance applications alongside, or after, the minister's. Families often travel together with the minister, so we prepare the applications as one consistent set. The sponsor's letter must cover every family member it supports.
€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.
Children
Unmarried children under 18 of ministers of religion
Religious bodies
Religious bodies sponsoring a minister and their family
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Minister's permission
The minister holds, or is applying for, permission under the Minister of Religion scheme
02
Family members
The applicant is the minister's spouse or civil partner, or an unmarried child under 18
03
Full support
The sponsoring body fully supports the family from funds within Ireland
04
Insurance and police clearance
Each adult has private medical insurance and a police clearance certificate
05
Not eligible
Other dependants, such as elderly relatives or adult children, aren't eligible
Our promise
What's included
Spouse, Partner or Child of a Minister of Religion
€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 each family member's eligibility.
- 2Step 2
We complete the online applications and draft the letters.
- 3Step 3
You and the sponsor gather the documents, and we check them.
- 4Step 4
You send the documents and fees within 30 days.
- Step 5
We support you until decisions are made, then guide you on registration.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. Government fees are separate.
Government fees
Preclearance €60, or a visa at €60 single or €100 multiple entry. Appeals are free.
Processing time
In October 2026 the Dublin Visa Office was deciding Minister of Religion applications received in mid-June 2026. Family applications may take longer.
Linked permission
The family's permission depends on the minister's, so the family must leave if the minister does.
Police clearance
Each adult family member needs their own police clearance certificate.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Ministers of religion who come to Ireland under the Minister of Religion scheme can be joined by their spouse or civil partner and their unmarried children under 18. Other relatives, such as adult children or elderly parents, aren't covered. Visa-required family members apply for a long stay 'D' visa, and others apply for preclearance, either alongside the minister's application or afterwards. The family's permission is closely tied to the minister's. The sponsoring religious body must commit to supporting the whole family from funds held in Ireland, so its sponsorship letter and bank statements need to cover every family member. Each adult needs private medical insurance and a police clearance certificate, and children need birth certificates and, where relevant, custody documents. Children can attend school in Ireland while the family holds permission. Because the family's permission depends on the minister's, the family must leave Ireland when the minister's permission ends, unless they hold another permission of their own.
Yes. We can prepare the minister's and family's applications together.
No. Only unmarried children under 18 are covered.
The sponsoring religious body, from funds held in Ireland.
Yes. Appeals are free and must be made within the deadline in the refusal letter.
No. Children under 16 don't register their permission in Ireland.
Yes. Children can attend school in Ireland while the family holds permission.
The family's permission depends on the minister's, so the family would need to leave with them unless they have another permission.
Ready when you are
Get started with Spouse, Partner or Child of a Minister of Religion
€615
€615
Spouse, Partner or Child of a Minister of Religion