Key Considerations

The following factors will be assessed in determining the sponsor’s eligibility:
✔️ Immigration history of the sponsor.
✔️ Financial capacity to support the applicant.
✔️ Sponsor’s conduct, including any adverse records with Garda Síochána or Immigration Authorities.
✔️ Genuineness of the relationship between the sponsor and applicant.

Financial Criteria

The sponsor must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on social protection benefits for at least two continuous years before the application.

The minimum gross income required in the previous three years must exceed the threshold set by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for Working Family Payment (WFP) eligibility.

For couples without children, the minimum assessable income required is €20,000 per annum, excluding state benefits.

For sponsors with dependent children, the required weekly and annual income thresholds are as follows:

Additional Financial Requirements

✔️ The sponsor must maintain the required income level for the entire duration of residency under the scheme.
✔️ The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to support the Non-EEA family member without creating an unreasonable burden on the State.
✔️ Savings may be considered in cases where income does not meet the threshold, with an annualisation method applied to distribute savings as income over a 5-10 year period.
✔️ The burden of proof lies on the applicant to demonstrate financial stability and provide the necessary documentation.

Conditions for the Applicant

Health Insurance

✔️ The applicant must have adequate private medical insurance covering healthcare costs, including hospitalisation.

Police Clearance

✔️ A valid police clearance certificate from every country of residence in the last five years must be submitted.

Eligibility for Spouses, Civil Partners, and De Facto Partners

Age and Relationship Validity

✔️ The spouse, civil partner, or de facto partner must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
✔️ The relationship must be monogamous, legally recognised, and freely entered into under Irish law.
✔️ For de facto partners, a minimum of two years of cohabitation in a relationship akin to marriage is required before applying.

Commitment to Residency

✔️ Both parties must commit to residing permanently in Ireland as spouses, civil partners, or de facto partners following a successful application.

Definition of a De Facto Partner for Immigration Purposes

A person is considered a de facto partner if:
✔️ There is a mutual commitment to a shared life, akin to marriage or civil partnership.
✔️ The relationship is genuine and ongoing.
✔️ The partners live together or do not live separately on a permanent basis.
✔️ They are not related by blood.

The applicant must provide documentary evidence proving a long-term, durable relationship to support their application.