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De-facto Relationship Visa

Are you planning to live in Ireland with your de facto partner who is an Irish national? We’re here to help make that possible.

If you’re in a de facto relationship with an Irish citizen, you may be eligible to apply for permission to reside in Ireland. Applicants from visa-required countries must first apply for a ‘Join Family (De Facto Partner of an Irish National)’ visa. If you’re from a non-visa-required country, you’ll need to secure preclearance before travelling.

At R&A Immigration Consultants, we specialize in securing both visas and preclearance for de facto partners, ensuring all requirements are met so you can live with your partner in Ireland with peace of mind.

Call us on +353 89 970 9212, email info@ra.ie, or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back, and we’ll get in touch at a time that suits you.

What is a de facto partner?


If you are a non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK citizen, you may be eligible to move to Ireland as the de facto partner of an Irish national. A de facto partner is defined as someone who has been in a committed relationship and cohabiting with their partner for at least two years, without being legally married or in a civil partnership.

To qualify as de facto partners under Irish immigration law, you must demonstrate that:

  • You and your partner have lived together continuously for a minimum of two years
  • You are in a durable and genuine relationship

As the applicant, you must also meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be a citizen of a country outside the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK
  • Have no criminal convictions
  • Hold valid medical insurance
  • Intend to reside in Ireland with your de facto partner on a long-term basis
How to move to Ireland as the de facto partner of an Irish national


If you are in a committed relationship with an Irish citizen and wish to join them in Ireland, the process depends on your nationality and visa status. Below is a step-by-step guide to determine the correct pathway.

Before beginning the application process, visit the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website to determine whether your country of citizenship requires a visa to enter Ireland.

  • You must apply for a Long Stay ‘D’ Join Family Visa before travelling. Specifically, you need to apply for the ‘Join Family (De Facto Partner of an Irish National)’ visa.
  • Once you arrive in Ireland, you and your de facto partner must register with your local Immigration Officer.

If your country is not on the visa-required list, you must apply for preclearance before entering Ireland. This approval allows you to travel and reside in Ireland based on your relationship with your Irish partner.

  • As with visa-required applicants, once you arrive in Ireland, you and your partner must register with a local Immigration Officer.
Can my children join me?


If you are a non-EEA de facto partner of an Irish national, your dependent children may be eligible to join you in Ireland under certain conditions.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?

  • Children under the age of 18
  • Children aged 18 to 23 who are enrolled in full-time education

Application and Sponsorship Requirements

  • Each child must submit a separate application for permission to reside in Ireland.
  • Your Irish partner, acting as the sponsor, must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support both you and your child(ren).
  • (This typically involves meeting a higher income threshold when sponsoring dependants.)
Am I eligible to apply as the de facto partner of an Irish national?

You may be eligible if:

  • You are aged 18 or older

  • You are not a citizen of an EEA country, Switzerland or the UK

  • You have lived with your Irish partner for at least two years

  • You are in a genuine and lasting relationship

  • You have a clean criminal record

  • You have medical insurance

  • You intend to live together in Ireland

  • Your Irish partner can act as your sponsor and meets the financial and legal requirements

What is a de facto partner under Irish immigration law?

A de facto partner is someone who is in a committed and durable relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership, but without being legally married or in a civil union. In Ireland, to be recognised as de facto partners for immigration purposes, you and your Irish partner must have lived together in an intimate and committed relationship for at least two years.

This status allows non-EEA/Swiss/UK nationals to apply to live in Ireland based on their relationship with an Irish national, provided all eligibility criteria are met.

Your Irish partner must sponsor you
  • Yes, your Irish partner must act as your sponsor in your application for residence in Ireland.
  • To do so, they must meet specific eligibility criteria to demonstrate financial stability and long-term commitment.
  • Your Irish partner must satisfy the following conditions:
    • Be an Irish citizen
    • Intend to reside in Ireland on a long-term basis
    • Not be receiving social welfare payments, and must not have relied on such benefits within the two years prior to the application
    • Have earned a minimum of €40,000 over the past three years (Note: A higher income threshold applies if dependent children are also being sponsored)
    • Must not have sponsored or been sponsored by another individual in the previous seven years

While not mandatory, working with an experienced immigration solicitor is highly recommended. The process is document-heavy and a single mistake can lead to delays or refusal. A solicitor can:

  • Assess your eligibility

  • Prepare your application and supporting documents

  • Submit your case on your behalf

  • Advise you in the event of a refusal

  • Help with appeals or renewals