In This Section

Introduction
Can I apply for family reunification?
Applications for Family Reunification under the International Protection Act 2015
Which of my family members are allowed join me?
Unaccompanied minor

How do I apply?
What happens after I apply?
What happens if my application is approved?
What happens if my application is refused?
In what circumstances may a family reunification permission be withdrawn?
Contact us

Introduction

Family reunification under the International Protection Act 2026 gives certain family members an immigration permission allowing them to live in Ireland with the holder of an international protection declaration.

Can I apply for family reunification?

You can apply for family reunification under the International Protection Act 2026 if you have received a current declaration as a:

  • Convention Refugee
  • Programme Refugee or
  • Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection.

Following their grant of international protection, sponsors will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a defined period of 2 years.

For example, if the date you received your declaration was 30 June 2026, then you must wait to make your application for family reunification on or after 1 July 2028.

Applications for Family Reunification under the International Protection Act 2015

If you applied for Family Reunification before 12th of June 2026, your application will be processed under the provisions of section 56/57 of the International Protection Act 2015.

Which of my family members are allowed join me?

You can apply for the following family members to join you in Ireland:

  • Your husband or wife, once you were married before you applied for refugee status in Ireland

  • Your civil or de facto partner, once the relationship existed before you applied as a refugee in Ireland

  • Your child, if they are under 18 and not married

  • Your adult child who is dependent on you on a long term basis or is suffering from a mental or physical disability

  • Your parent who is dependent on you on a long term basis or is suffering from a mental or physical disability

  • If you are under 18, you can apply for your father & mother or other adult (including an adult sibling) who is responsible for you.

Unaccompanied minor

A person who was a minor at the time of the application for international protection under the International Protection Act 2026, can apply in writing for a waiver with regard to

  • the 2 year waiting period

and/or

  • reliance on prescribed state supports as outlined in the legislation.

How do I apply?

You must apply in writing to [email protected]

Please provide the following information with your application:

  • Your Name, Person ID number and address;

  • For each member of your family:

    • Full name
    • Relationship to you. For example: husband or wife, daughter, son
    • Date of birth
    • Nationality
    • Current address.

What happens after I apply?

When we receive all of the information listed above, we will send you a family reunification questionnaire. You should complete the questionnaire within 28 days and return it to us. The questionnaire will list the documents/evidence you will need to supply in support of your application.

Under the Act, you must also demonstrate that you can support your family without becoming a burden on the State.  Please see S.I. 251 of 2026, S.I. 252 of 2026, S.I. 253 of 2026.

What happens if my application is approved?

If your application is approved, we will issue you with a grant letter. This letter will give you all the details you will need in relation to:

  • Obtaining travel documents for your family

  • Obtaining visas for your family

  • Registering your family with the Garda National Immigration Bureau or Immigration Service Delivery Registration Office on arrival in the State.

What happens if my application is refused?

If your application is not approved, you will be notified of this decision by letter. This letter will give the reasons why your application was not approved.

In what circumstances may a family reunification permission be withdrawn?

A family reunification permission can be withdrawn:

  • If your family does not enter Ireland by the date mentioned in our grant letter
  • If you no longer hold a declaration as a refugee or beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection
  • If you are no longer allowed to remain in the State
  • If you give false or misleading information or documents

  • In the interest of National Security or public policy.

Contact us

If you have any questions in relation to family reunification that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected]. Please include your Person ID and clearly state that your question is for the Family Reunification Unit.

Please note that status updates on applications will not be given out by email.

This page was last updated on July 3, 2026