You do not need a visa
You do not need a visa to join your spouse, partner or family member (who is an Irish citizen) living in Ireland, or to accompany them if they are moving to Ireland.
However, you will need permission to stay with them for more than 90 days. You must also register with immigration.
Your exact preparations depend on your plans and personal circumstances. Some of the most important are described below. Read this information carefully to make sure you have everything you need.
You are from a non-visa required country and you wish to join an Irish citizen family member in Ireland for longer than 3 months. Change your answers
Before you travel
Apply for a preclearance
If you are travelling to Ireland for the purpose of joining or accompanying your Irish De Facto (unmarried) partner then you must apply for and receive Preclearance before you travel.
When you travel
Prepare for border control
You will need to prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to an immigration officer at border control.
To do so you will need your passport and other documents which will include your Preclearance letter in the case of your accompanying or joining your Irish De Facto partner. There are extra rules if you are travelling with children under 18.
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
After you enter
Apply for permission to stay & register with immigration
After you enter the country, you must apply for permission to stay in Ireland and register with immigration before the date shown by the stamp in your passport.
Only some types of family relationship are permitted. Read more about permission to join a family member, including:
- Spouses or civil partners
- Long term, de facto partners
- Other family members
If your application is successful, find out how to register with immigration.
During your stay
Travel to Northern Ireland & United Kingdom
If you intend to travel to Northern Ireland, check with the United Kingdom authorities if you need a visa.
Leaving & returning to Ireland
If you plan to leave and come back to Ireland during your stay, you must prove to an immigration officer that you have a valid reason to enter Ireland every time you return.
Make sure you have any necessary documents with you for each return journey, before you travel.
Help & information
Registration
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Department of Justice and Equality
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland
D02 XK70
Email: immigrationsupport@justice.ie (if you live in Dublin)
Email: gnib_dv@garda.ie (if you live outside Dublin)