Can I bring my de facto partner to Ireland?

Ireland recognises de facto (unmarried) partners for immigration purposes under certain conditions. A de facto partner is a person who has been in a committed cohabiting relationship with the sponsor for at least two years. The relationship must be akin to marriage, and the couple must provide evidence of their genuine and subsisting relationship.

To bring a de facto partner to Ireland, the sponsor must be legally resident in the State and must apply to the Immigration Service Delivery for permission for their partner to join them. The partner must apply for a long stay (D) visa if they are from a visa-required country. Supporting documents typically include evidence of cohabitation for at least two years (such as joint utility bills, joint bank accounts, joint lease agreements, or statutory declarations), evidence of the relationship (photographs, travel history together, correspondence), and evidence of the sponsor's income and accommodation.

If approved, the de facto partner is granted permission to reside in Ireland and must register for an IRP card. The immigration stamp granted depends on the sponsor's status. It is important to note that Irish immigration policy on de facto partners has been subject to change, and the recognition of such relationships is at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Same-sex de facto partnerships are treated equally.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a registered immigration solicitor for advice specific to your situation.