Other Family Member of a Non-EEA
National

Non-EEA nationals in Ireland can sponsor relatives outside their nuclear family, such as siblings or other dependent relatives, only in limited cases. The family reunification policy allows these applications only after the sponsor has held an eligible permission for a long period immediately before applying: 2 years for Category B sponsors, such as Critical Skills holders, and 5 years for Category C sponsors, such as General Employment Permit holders. Even then, the relative must depend on the sponsor, financially and socially, and there must be strong or exceptional circumstances. The sponsor must be able to support the relative without public funds and must have suitable accommodation, and the relative needs private medical insurance. Evidence matters more here than in almost any other application: certificates proving the relationship, records of money transfers, medical reports or care records showing dependency, and the sponsor's residence history and finances. Dependent parents and dependent adult children follow the separate Stamp 0 route, with its own income thresholds. Relatives who want to work in Ireland need their own permission, such as an employment permit.

Only in exceptional circumstances with strong evidence of dependency. Siblings who want to work need their own permission, such as an employment permit.

The policy only allows these applications after the sponsor has held an eligible permission for 2 or 5 years, depending on category.

Yes, within 2 months of the refusal letter.

Yes. For visits of up to 90 days, see our Visit Family or Friends Visa service.

Yes. You must show you can support your relative without public funds, and we'll review your finances against current policy.

Generally not. Family members granted dependent status usually can't work unless they get their own permission.

They can apply for a visit visa, but must declare the pending application, and a visit visa can't be used to stay on in Ireland.