Residence Card – De Facto Partner or Permitted Family
Member

EU free movement law gives automatic rights to qualifying family members, such as spouses, and it also requires member states to facilitate entry and residence for certain other family members. In Ireland, these are called permitted family members, and they apply for a residence card on form EUTR1A. Unlike qualifying family members, their applications are decided at the Minister's discretion. Permitted family members fall into two main groups. De facto partners must show a durable, committed relationship with the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, usually by having lived together for at least 2 years, with evidence such as leases, utility bills and bank statements at the same address, and a relationship history. Other relatives must show that they were dependent on the EU citizen or part of their household in the country they came from, or that they need the EU citizen's personal care on serious health grounds. As with all EU Treaty Rights applications, the EU citizen must be exercising their rights in Ireland, and the application must be made from inside Ireland. ISD can take up to 6 months to decide and may give a temporary permission while the application is processed. Refused applicants can ask for a review on form EUTR4 within 15 working days.

Qualifying family members, such as spouses, have an automatic right under EU law. Permitted family members, such as de facto partners, are assessed at the Minister's discretion.

It's harder. You'll need strong evidence of a durable relationship. We'll give you an honest assessment.

That's your decision, but spouses apply as qualifying family members on form EUTR1, which gives stronger rights.

No. EU Treaty Rights applications must be made in Ireland. You can travel on an EU family visa first if you need one.

Successful applicants receive a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen, registered at Burgh Quay, which lets you live and work in Ireland.