Protection holders
Refugees, programme refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection living in Ireland
All servicesVisas from Outside Ireland – Other Family
Family Reunification – International
Protection
€615
What you get
- An eligibility check for the sponsor and each family member
- Preparation of the written application and the evidence for ISD's questionnaire, which must be returned within 28 days
- Help gathering identity, relationship and financial evidence
About this service
Family Reunification – International Protection
Refugees, programme refugees and people with subsidiary protection in Ireland can apply to be joined by close family members. Under the International Protection Act 2026, applications can be made two years after protection is granted, and the sponsor must show they can support the family without becoming a burden on the State. We prepare the application and evidence, then help with the family members' visa and travel steps once approved.
€615
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
6
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.
Family abroad
Family members abroad of people granted protection in Ireland
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Sponsor's status
The sponsor holds a current declaration as a refugee, programme refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection
02
2-year wait
At least 2 years have passed since protection was granted. Unaccompanied minors can ask for this to be waived
03
Eligible family
A spouse married before the sponsor applied for protection, a civil or de facto partner from before, unmarried children under 18, dependent adult children and dependent parents, and, for minor sponsors, their parents or a responsible adult
04
Sponsor's finances
The sponsor has sufficient financial resources, doesn't receive certain social welfare or housing supports and doesn't owe a debt to the State
05
Earlier applications
Applications made before 12 June 2026 are processed under the International Protection Act 2015
Our promise
What's included
Family Reunification – International Protection
€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 6 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 check eligibility and timing for the sponsor and family.
- 2Step 2
We prepare the written application and send it to ISD.
- 3Step 3
ISD sends a questionnaire, and we help you complete it with evidence within 28 days.
- 4Step 4
If approved, we guide family members through visas and travel documents.
- Step 5
Family members register in Ireland on arrival.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. Government fees are separate.
Government fees
ISD doesn't list an application fee for family reunification. Visa fees may apply for family members who need visas.
Timing
For protection granted on 30 June 2026, the earliest application date is 1 July 2028.
Travel deadline
Permission can be withdrawn if family members don't travel by the date in the grant letter.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Family reunification for international protection is a separate route for people who have been granted protection in Ireland: Convention refugees, programme refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. It lets them be joined by close family members, under rules set out in the International Protection Act 2026. Applications made before 12 June 2026 continue under the International Protection Act 2015. Under the new rules, the sponsor must wait 2 years after protection is granted before applying: for example, someone granted protection on 30 June 2026 can apply from 1 July 2028. Unaccompanied minors can ask for the wait to be waived. Eligible family members are a spouse married before the sponsor applied for protection, a civil or de facto partner from before that date, unmarried children under 18, dependent adult children and dependent parents, and, for a sponsor who is a minor, their parents or a responsible adult. The sponsor must show sufficient financial resources, must not receive certain social welfare or housing supports and must not owe a debt to the State. The application is made in writing to ISD, which then sends a questionnaire to be returned within 28 days. Relationships formed after arriving in Ireland fall under the general family reunification policy instead.
No. Relationships formed after arrival are covered by the general family reunification policy, with its own rules and a minimum 2-year wait.
Yes. Approved family members receive an immigration permission to live in Ireland and register on arrival.
Family members who can't get a passport from their own country may be able to apply for an Irish travel document. We'll advise you.
ISD doesn't give status updates by email. We'll help you follow up through the proper channels.
Yes. The grant letter gives a date by which family members must enter Ireland, so plan visas and travel early.
Ready when you are
Get started with Family Reunification – International Protection
€615
€615
Family Reunification – International Protection