If you are a non-EEA national who:

• Does not hold a “Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen”, as per Directive 2004/38/EC.
• Wishes to accompany or join an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen residing in Ireland.

You can apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, allowing you to stay in Ireland for up to 3 months.

If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you must apply for a Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen after arriving in Ireland.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online.

After completing the online application, you must:

• Print, sign, and date the summary application form.
• Follow the instructions on the summary form to submit supporting documents.
• Provide biometric information if required.

Visa Fees

The standard fee for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa is €60.

However, qualifying family members of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen are exempt from this fee.

Qualifying Family Members

• Spouse.
• Child (under 21 years).
• Child (under 21 years) of the spouse.
• Adopted child (with valid adoption papers).
• Dependent parent.
• Dependent parent of the spouse.
• Other dependent family members in the direct ascending line (e.g., grandparent) or descending line (e.g., grandchild).

If you do not qualify under these categories, you will need to pay the visa fee.

If applying through a VFS Centre, additional administrative fees may apply.

Processing Time

Applications for a Residence Card should be decided within six months, but delays are common.

• Qualifying family members – processed on an accelerated basis.
• Permitted family members – longer processing times.

Immigration Solicitors can assist if your application is delayed or refused.

Required Supporting Documents

To prove you are a qualifying family member or permitted family member, you must provide:

• Proof of identity – valid passports for the applicant and the EU citizen.
• Proof of family link – e.g., valid marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Proof of dependency or household membership (if relevant).
• Proof of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen’s residence in Ireland – e.g., utility bills or a confirmation statement.

If any document is not in English or Irish, it must be translated. The translation must include:

✔️ Confirmation of accuracy.
✔️ Date of translation.
✔️ Translator’s name, signature, and contact details.

Visa Applications for Minors

For applicants under 18 years old, additional documents are required:

• Birth certificate.
• If travelling alone or with someone other than a parent/legal guardian:
  • Signed consent letter from both parents/legal guardians.
  • Copies of parents’/guardians’ passports or ID cards (showing signatures).
• If travelling with one parent/legal guardian, consent from the other parent is required.
• If one parent has sole custody, a Court Order granting sole custody must be submitted.

Visa Approval & Next Steps

If approved, you will receive a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa allowing you to stay in Ireland for up to 3 months.

If joining an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen already residing in Ireland, you must provide proof of their residence to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

Failure to provide proof may result in:

• Refusal of entry.
• Visa warning added to your passport.

If accompanying an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you must arrive together in Ireland.

For stays longer than 3 months, you must apply for a Residence Card after arrival.

Retention of Residence Rights

You may retain residence rights in specific circumstances, such as:

• The EU citizen dies or leaves Ireland.
• Divorce or annulment of marriage.
• Domestic abuse suffered by the applicant.

A Retention of Residence Card (EU5) application can be submitted in these cases.

Long-Term Residency

After five years of residence, you may apply for permanent residence via an EU3 application form. If granted, this residence status is valid for 10 years.

Visa Refusals & Legal Support

If your Residence Card application is refused, you can:

• Request a review explaining errors in the decision.
• Seek legal assistance to challenge the decision.

If the review is unsuccessful, you may be subject to removal or deportation.

Judicial Review

If your visa is refused after a review, you may be entitled to judicial review in the High Court.

Immigration Solicitors can provide legal support for visa refusals and delays.