Family Reunification for Recipients of International Protection
Individuals granted refugee status (either as a convention refugee or a programme refugee) or subsidiary protection by the Minister for Justice may apply for permission to bring certain family members to Ireland.
Eligible Family Members for Reunification
Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection may apply for the following family members to join them in Ireland:
✔️ Spouse – If the marriage took place before applying for international protection in Ireland.
✔️ Civil partner – If the civil partnership was established before applying for international protection in Ireland.
✔️ Children (Under 18 & Unmarried) – Only dependent children are eligible.
✔️ Parents & Siblings (For Unmarried Minors Only) – If the applicant is under 18 and unmarried, they may also apply for their parents and unmarried siblings under 18.
An application for family reunification must be submitted within 12 months of receiving a declaration of refugee status or subsidiary protection.
Application Process
The application must be submitted in writing to the Family Reunification Unit of Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). It should include:
✔️ Full name of each family member
✔️ Date of birth of each family member
✔️ Nationality of each family member
✔️ Current address of each family member
✔️ Relationship of each family member to the applicant
Upon receiving the application, the Family Reunification Unit will send a questionnaire that must be completed and returned within 28 days.
Approval & Next Steps
If the application is approved, Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) will issue an official approval letter outlining:
✔️ How to apply for a visa for family members
✔️ How to apply for a travel document (if required)
✔️ How to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) upon arrival in Ireland
When Can an Application Be Withdrawn?
The Minister for Justice may withdraw an application for family reunification under the following circumstances:
✔️ The family member fails to enter Ireland by the date specified in the approval letter.
✔️ The applicant no longer holds refugee status or subsidiary protection.
✔️ The applicant loses permission to remain in Ireland.
✔️ False or misleading information or documents were submitted.
✔️ Withdrawal is necessary for national security or public policy reasons.
- Family Reunification for Recipients of International Protection
- Bringing a Spouse or Civil Partner to Ireland
- Partner Sponsorship for Residency
- Residency for Parents of Irish Citizens
- Family Reunification for non-EEA Elderly Dependent Parents of Irish citizen children
- Family Reunification for family members of Critical Skills Employment Permit /Researchers/Stamp 4 previously on CSEP
- Family Reunification for family members of General Employment Permit and other Stamp 4 holders