Immigration guidelines for victims of domestic abuse

Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has published guidelines for victims of domestic abuse whose immigration status is currently dependent on the perpetrator of that abuse.

The guidelines set out the options that you have in such a situation. They are designed to allow a person suffering from domestic abuse to get an independent immigration permission. You should always report domestic abuse. You do not have to remain in an abusive relationship in order to preserve your entitlement to remain in Ireland.

These guidelines are intended only to assist a victim of domestic abuse whose permission to reside in the state is linked to the perpetrator of the abuse. Applications that do not meet the above criteria will not be accepted.

You are not eligible under these guidelines if you are unlawfully resident in Ireland. Regardless of your immigration status, if you are a victim of domestic abuse you should contact An Garda Síochána (Irish Police).

You may make an application directly to ISD or through your solicitor. You may also use a representative contact to correspond with ISD if you choose not to use a solicitor.

You should make your application in writing to:

Domestic Abuse
Domestic Residence and Permissions Division
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2, DO2 XK70
Ireland

You can also contact us by email at [email protected]. If contacting us by email please put Domestic Abuse in the subject line.

There is no application fee. In the event of the application being successful the standard immigration registration fee of €300 may apply depending on your personal circumstances. ISD will consider each application on its merits. ISD requires as much information as possible to make a decision. You should set out details of the domestic abuse suffered and make a request for independent immigration status. Any relevant family circumstances, especially if you have any children, should be disclosed in your application.

Your application will be treated in confidence.

If you provide all the necessary documentation, your application will be processed without delay. If your application is approved, you will be granted immigration permission on Stamp 4, independent of your sponsor. The new status is no longer dependent on the status of your spouse or partner. The spouse or partner will have no say in whether you are permitted to stay in Ireland. Stamp 4 allows you to work without an employment permit.

If the application for independent permission is refused, the reasons for the refusal will be set out clearly and any other options open to you will be explained.

Domestic Abuse
Domestic Residence and Permissions Division
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2, DO2 XK70

You can also contact us by email at [email protected]. If contacting us by email please put Domestic Abuse in the subject line.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse confidential support and information is available to women on the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline – 1800 341 900. The Helpline can access an interpreter in your language and can provide information on support services throughout Ireland. Information is also available online at www.womensaid.ie

Men’s Aid provide a confidential helpline and support service for men : (01) 554 3811.