De Facto Relationships
All non-EEA nationals need permission to remain in the State. Permission to remain will be in the form of an endorsement in your passport confirming the conditions and period of time for which you have permission to remain in the State.
De Facto Relationships with an Irish National
Non EEA nationals who wish to remain the State and are in a de facto relationship with an Irish National must be in a position to provide evidence of a durable attested relationship of at least 2 years. The following documents must be provided to General Immigration, INIS, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2
- Copies of current passports of both parties.
- Evidence of finances of both parties
- Evidence of relationship of at least 2 years duration (i.e. tenancy agreement, utility bills, bank statements, etc)
Subject to the immigration status of the non EEA national permission to remain may granted. This permission will exempt the non EEA National form work permit condition.
The above is not an exhaustive list, and you may be asked for additional documentation in support of your application
De Facto Relationship with non EEA National
Non EEA nationals who wish to remain the State and are in a de-facto relationship with a non EEA national must be in a position to provide evidence of a durable attested relationship of at least 4 years. The following documents must be provided to their General Immigration, INIS, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
- Copies of current passports of both parties.
- Evidence of finances of both parties
- Evidence of relationship of at least 4 years duration (i.e. tenancy agreement, utility bills, bank statements, etc)
- History of activities of both parties in the State
Subject to the immigration status of the non EEA national applicant permission to remain may granted.
Should permission to remain be granted on this basis, it does not exempt the person from work permit requirements. In order to take up employment in the State, the non EEA national must be in possession of a valid work permit/green card.
When applying for a work permit/Green Card permit to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the non-EEA national must enclose the letter issued by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service confirming the immigration status based on the partnership.
The above is not an exhaustive list, and you may be asked for additional documentation in support of your application.
What can I do if I have an existing Deportation Order?
Applications from persons with an existing Deportation Order will not be considered. Any applicant who is the subject of a Deportation Order and who wishes to make an application for revocation of the Deportation Order on the basis of their relationship to an Irish national or a non-EEA national, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, should send their application to the Repatriation Section at the address below.
Acknowledgement Unit,
Repatriation Section,
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service,
13-14 Burgh Quay,
Dublin 2.
How long will it take to process the application?
Applications can take up to 12 months to process. Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order of receipt.
Can I enter employment while my application is in process?
No. An applicant has no entitlement to enter employment during the application process without the requirement of a Work Permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.
How can I contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service regarding the status of my application?
Queries can be made by post. Contact details are listed below.
De Facto Applications,
3rd Floor,
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service,
13-14 Burgh Quay,
Dublin 2.
What happens if my application is approved?
Successful applicants may be granted permission to reside in the State for an initial period of 12 months.
The applicant and his/her Irish national or non- EEA national partner will be required to attend at their local Registration Office to be registered as resident in the State on the basis of being the partner of an Irish National or a non-EEA national.
Details in respect of registration and renewal of registration will be provided in correspondence issued by the Defacto Section.
What are the conditions of my permission granted?
The permission is granted on the basis of genuine evidence of a valid and genuine relationship.
Any misinformation given during the application process will result in the application being refused.
Applicants must be of good character and be in compliance with Irish Law.
There are no rights of retention of residence in the event of separation.
Successful applicants do not have an automatic right to family reunification.