In This Section
Introduction
Typically, an application for a de facto immigration permit is made from outside the State. However, it can be granted under certain conditions to the partner of a person who has a current permission to reside in Ireland. That person is called the eligible sponsor and can be an Irish national, a non-EEA national legally resident in the State or a UK national living in Ireland.
If a person is ordinarily resident outside of the State and wishes to enter the State as the De Facto Partner of an Irish National or a CSEP holder, they should be applying for pre clearance from outside of the State.
The information on this page relates to applicants who have a current permission in the State who wish to obtain a permission based on their de facto relationship.
What is a de facto relationship?
For the purposes of this document a de facto relationship is a cohabiting relationship similar to marriage duly attested. You must be residing together for at least 2 years prior to submitting your application.
A de facto relationship is a relationship which meets the following criteria:
Who can apply?
If you are in a relationship of a minimum of two years duration with an eligible sponsor, you may be eligible for permission to remain in Ireland on the basis of your de facto relationship.
Eligible Sponsor
An eligible sponsor refers to an Irish national or UK national or to a non-EEA national legally resident in Ireland with a Stamp 1, Stamp 4, or Stamp 5 Irish Residence permission.
When considering a de facto partnership permission application, the intention of Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) is to allow genuine long-term relationships to continue where the couple are already living together and in a committed relationship.
This process allows couples who are already living together for a minimum of two years, and in a committed relationship, to remain in Ireland on the basis of their relationship alone.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if:
Not Eligible
ISD will not accept applications for de facto partnership permission if you are present in Ireland on a ‘C’ Visitor Visa or on foot of the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
How to submit an application
If you hold a valid immigration permission and meet the 2 year cohabitation requirement, you must complete the following:
Please submit it by registered post with all the required documentation to the following address.
Defacto Partner Application
Domestic Residence & Permissions Division
Immigration Service Delivery
PO Box 12695
Dublin 2, D02XK70
Please note all statutory declarations must be dated, signed and stamped. The following explanatory leaflet will assist you in completing the application form. Incomplete application forms will not be accepted and will be returned.
If your application is approved
If your application is approved you will receive a permission letter from ISD. You and your partner will then be required to attend at your local immigration registration office to register. Details in respect of registration and renewal of registration will be provided in correspondence issued by ISD.
If your application is refused
If your application is refused, you can apply for a review of the decision up to two calendar months from the date of decision. The review will take into account the information given in your initial application along with any further information you wish to be considered.
The review will be carried out by another officer who was not involved in the initial decision making process. This process is open to any applicant who feels that they have grounds for review.
Frequently asked questions
Policy document
Your de facto partnership application is examined in accordance with the provisions set out in the published policy document on Non-EEA Family Reunification and the update to the INIS Non-EEA Family Reunification policy document (updated June 2023).
Contact us
Please only contact us by email if it is an urgent matter. Our email address is: [email protected]. Please ensure that all emails include your name, reference number and contact details.