If you are married to an Irish citizen and are from a non-visa-required country, you can travel to Ireland under the 90-day visa waiver scheme. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) if based in Dublin or with your local immigration office if outside Dublin.

✔️ Registration must take place within 90 days of arrival in Ireland.

How to Register

• Dublin: Book an online appointment with GNIB.
• Outside Dublin: Book an appointment by emailing your local immigration office.

Documents Required for Registration

You and your spouse must attend the appointment together and bring:
✅ Original marriage/civil partnership certificate
✅ Your original passport
✅ Your spouse’s/civil partner’s original passport
✅ Evidence of your joint address in Ireland

Upon approval, you will be granted a three-year residence card, renewable as long as the marriage remains valid.

If the Marriage Breaks Down

• You must inform the Department of Justice within 7 days.
• You may apply for retention of residence permission if:
  • You have been married for at least 3 years.
  • You have lived in Ireland with your spouse for at least 2 years.
• The Department of Justice may grant an exception for victims of domestic violence.

Spouses/Civil Partners of Irish Citizens from Visa-Required Countries

If your spouse is from a visa-required country, they must apply for a long-stay D visa before entering Ireland.

Sponsorship Criteria

The Irish citizen spouse is the sponsor and must:
✔️ Have earned at least €40,000 over the previous three years.
✔️ Have not been fully reliant on state benefits for two years before applying.
✔️ Provide detailed documentary evidence of the relationship and financial dependency.

Visa Application Process

1. Complete the long-stay D visa application online.
2. Submit supporting documents to:
   • The relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate or
   • The Visa Office in Dublin (depending on the online application instructions).
3. Submit all documents within 30 days of completing the online application.

Visa Processing & Appeals

⏳ Processing time: Approximately 8 months (but may be quicker).
❌ If refused, you will receive a written explanation and can appeal within 2 months.
⚠️ Common refusal reasons:

• The financial criteria are not met.
• Insufficient evidence of the relationship.

After Visa Approval

Once in Ireland, your spouse must register with immigration:

• Dublin: Book an online GNIB appointment.
• Outside Dublin: Email the local immigration office for an appointment.

Required Documents for Registration

✅ Original marriage/civil partnership certificate
✅ Your original passport
✅ Your spouse’s/civil partner’s original passport
✅ Evidence of your joint address in Ireland

Your spouse will receive a three-year residence card, renewable as long as the marriage remains valid.

Spouses/Civil Partners Already in Ireland with Valid Residence Permission

If you are already in Ireland on a valid residence permission (e.g., Stamp 2 student visa or Stamp 1 employment permit) and marry an Irish citizen, you can apply to change your status to Stamp 4.

✔️ This allows you to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit.

How to Apply

• Dublin: Apply online for a residence status change to Stamp 4.
• Outside Dublin: Book an appointment by emailing your local immigration office.

Documents Required

✅ Original marriage/civil partnership certificate
✅ Your original passport
✅ Your spouse’s/civil partner’s original passport
✅ Evidence of your joint address in Ireland

After approval, you will receive a three-year residence card, renewable while the marriage is ongoing.

If the Marriage Breaks Down

You must inform the Department of Justice within 7 days. You may apply for retention of residence permission if:

• You have been married for at least 3 years.
• You have lived in Ireland with your spouse for at least 2 years.

Victims of domestic violence may be granted an exception.

Spouses/Civil Partners Already in Ireland Without Valid Residence Permission

If you are living in Ireland without valid residence permission and are married to an Irish citizen, you can apply for residence permission under the Spouse/Civil Partner of an Irish National category.

Financial & Relationship Criteria

The Irish citizen spouse must:
✔️ Have earned at least €40,000 over the last 3 years.
✔️ Have not been fully reliant on state benefits for 2 years before applying.
✔️ Provide comprehensive evidence of the relationship history.

Application Process

⏳ Processing time: Approximately 1 year.
⚠️ No temporary residence permission is granted while the application is pending.

If approved, you will receive Stamp 4 permission for 12 months, renewable as long as the marriage is ongoing.

Registration Requirements

Once approved, you must register with immigration:

• Dublin: Book an online GNIB appointment.
• Outside Dublin: Email your local immigration office for an appointment.

Required Documents for Registration

✅ Original approval letter from the Department of Justice
✅ Original marriage/civil partnership certificate
✅ Your original passport
✅ Your spouse’s/civil partner’s original passport
✅ Evidence of your joint address in Ireland

You will receive a one-year residence card, renewable as long as the marriage continues.

If the Marriage Breaks Down

Inform the Department of Justice within 7 days. You may apply for retention of residence permission if:

• You have been married for at least 3 years.
• You have lived in Ireland with your spouse for at least 2 years.

Exceptions apply for victims of domestic violence.