Ireland Dependent Visa Pathway
Reunite with your family while building your future in Ireland
Understand when and how international students can bring their spouse, children, and dependents to Ireland eligibility, steps, and requirements made simple.
Family Reunification
STAGE 1 — Student Arrives in Ireland (Stamp 2)
You CANNOT bring dependents at the study stage
Students must complete their degree first. Family reunification starts after you graduate.
You can do during study:
- Study full-time
- Work 20 hours (term) / 40 hours (holidays)
- Build financial history
You cannot do during study:
- Invite spouse
- Invite children
- Invite parents
STAGE 2 — Post Study Work Visa (Stamp 1G)
After completing the degree, every student receives Stamp 1G
This is the 1–2 year Graduate Stay Back (PSW) period after completing studies.
What you can do on Stamp 1G:
- Work full-time
- Look for a skilled job
- Apply for a work permit
Family Reunification on Stamp 1G:
Not allowed
You still cannot bring spouse/children/parents at Stamp 1G stage.
Purpose: allow graduates time to find a work permit job first.
STAGE 3 — Secure a Job + Apply for Work Permit
Once you secure a job offer, you apply for one of two permits
Option 1 — Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
- High-demand jobs
- Salary: €32,000–€64,000
- Best option for fast family reunification
- Sponsor Category B under 2025 rules
- Income threshold NOT required for spouse/children
Option 2 — General Employment Permit (GEP)
- Salary: €30,000+
- Sponsor Category C
- Must meet income thresholds for spouse/children
STAGE 4 — Get Stamp 1 (Work Visa in Ireland)
After approval of your work permit
You register your IRP and get Stamp 1 after work permit approval.
This is the point where Family Reunification becomes possible
STAGE 5 — Apply for Family Reunification (Spouse/Children/Parents)
Now you can invite dependents based on your permit
If you have CSEP (Category B)
- You can apply immediately after receiving Stamp 1.
- Income threshold NOT required for spouse/children.
- Only accommodation + documents required.
Allowed dependents:
- Spouse/partner
- Children (under 18)
- Dependent parents (if financially + medically dependent)
If you have GEP (Category C)
You must meet 2025 income requirements:
| Dependent Type | Income Requirement |
|---|---|
| Spouse | €30,000 gross income |
| 1 child | €44,300 |
| 2 children | €54,200 |
| Parents | €92,789 |
- Can apply once income + documents are ready.
- Must show strong financial capacity.
STAGE 6 — Family Visa Processing
Apply as Join Family D-Visa
Dependents must apply from outside Ireland.
Assessment includes:
- Genuine relationship
- Stable income
- Accommodation
- Sponsor's immigration status
- Dependency (parents)
STAGE 7 — After Approval
Your family arrives on a D-Visa
After approval, your family arrives and receives:
- Spouse → Stamp 3
- Children under 16 → no stamp
- Children 16–18 → Stamp 1G (can work)
STAGE 8 — Long-Term Residence & Citizenship
After years of legal residence
CSEP holders
- Eligible for Stamp 4 after 2 years
- Fastest track for citizenship
GEP holders
- Eligible for Stamp 4 after 5 years
After becoming an Irish Citizen
- Family gets independent Stamp 4
- No income requirement
- No dependence proof