In This Section

Introduction
What is an immigration clearance letter?
How do I apply for the Immigration Service Letter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Contacts

Introduction

If you have completed a foreign adoption you need to obtain an immigration clearance letter as part of the adoption process.

If you are an Irish national or non-national resident in Ireland and wish to adopt a child from outside Ireland, please note that foreign adoption is principally a matter in the first instance for the Adoption Authority of Ireland.

What is an immigration clearance letter?

An immigration clearance letter gives you permission to bring the child into Ireland. You will need to present this immigration letter to an immigration officer when you return to Ireland.

How do I apply for the Immigration Service Letter?

You will need to submit:

  • A letter of application which includes a daytime contact number

  • Your original Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability from the Adoption Authority of Ireland

  • Letter from the Adoption Authority of Ireland stating how many children you are eligible to adopt and what country you are adopting from
  • Photocopies of the passports of each parent
  • 2 Passport photographs of each parent.

These documents will be returned to you with your Immigration clearance letter when you are approved. You will need to present this immigration letter to an immigration officer when you return to Ireland with your adopted child(ren).

Applications must be made in writing to Immigration Service Delivery and may be addressed to:

Foreign Adoption Section
Unit C – Domestic Residence and Permissions Division
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2, DO2 XK70

Frequently Asked Questions

An immigration clearance letter gives permission to prospective persons who wish to adopt a child from outside Ireland to bring the child into the State. You will need to present this immigration letter to an immigration officer when you return to Ireland.

This letter is required by Irish nationals or non-national persons (EEA and non-EEA nationals) resident in Ireland who have been deemed suitable parents to adopt by the Adoption Authority of Ireland and who wish to adopt a child from outside Ireland.

The original declaration must be submitted. This document will be returned to you with your Immigration Clearance letter when you are approved. We advise that all documents be submitted by registered post. This office will return them by registered post.

Contacts

You can send any questions through the dedicated Customer Service area. You can register for an account or log in to your existing account.