If you are a family members of a EEA national who is exercising free
movement rights in Ireland than you may be eligible to join and
reside with them in Ireland.
Talk to our consultants to discuss your case.
The rights and entitlements of EEA nationals and their family members to enter and reside in the Member States of the European Union are
enshrined in Council Direc ve 2004/38/EC. This Directive provides for the rights of EEA citizens and their family members to move and reside
freely within the territory of the Member States.
The beneficiaries of EU free movement law in Ireland are EEA nationals who seek to enter or reside or are resident in Ireland in accordance with
the Regulations. For example, this could be a French Citizen seeking to come to Ireland for a short visit, or a citizen of Latvia seeking to enter
Ireland to search for employment opportunities or to take up an employment offer.
The Directive of 2004 and 2015 Regulations divide the relevant family members to whom the EU free movement rights extend into two categories:
Qualifying Family Member- Is defined as
1. The Union Citizen’s spouse or civil partner
2. A direct descendant of the Union citizen or of the Union Citizen’s spouse or civil partner and is:
a. Under the age of 21 or
b. A dependent of the Union Citizen or of his or her spouse or civil partner or
c. A dependent direct relative in the ascending line of the Union Citizen or his or her spouse or civil partner.
Permitted family members may be:
• The de facto partner of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. A ‘de facto’ relationship means you and your partner are committed to a shared life
together, i.e. as if you were married. A de facto relationship should meet the following criteria:
1. Both partners have been living together in a durable relationship which has existed for a substantial period of time
2. Both partners intend to live together indefinitely
3. Neither partner is related to the other by blood
4. Neither partner is in a relationship with another person.
• Members of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s family who were:
1. Dependent on the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen while in the country from which they came, or
2. Members of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s household while in the country from which they came, or
3. Persons who strictly need the personal care of EU, EEA or Swiss citizen on the basis of serious health grounds.
There is a very important distinction between “qualifying” and “permitted” family members. Qualifying family members have a right of entry
and residence in the State, whilst permitted family members only have a right for their application to enter/ reside to be facilitated. Qualifying
family members derive automatic access to the rights and entitlements of the 2015 Regulations with some limited exceptions.
At Global Edge we are committed to provide trusted expertise, personalised guidance,
and a seamless, efficient process tailored to your needs
With extensive experience spanning decades in immigration and citizenship applications, we expertly guide you through every step of the process.
We help you navigate the complexities of work permit applications and make them simple for you.
Our tailored approach and strategic planning maximises the chances of success and saves your valuable time and money.
Defacto Partners of an Irish
or non EEA national
EU Treaty Rights
Irish Immigration Overview
Irish Naturalisation
Join Family/ Spouse Visa
Parent of Irish Citizen
Retire in Ireland
Spouse of Irish National
Study Visa
Work Visa
Change of Employer
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Critical Skills Occupations List
General Employment Permit
Labour Market Needs Test
Reactivation Employment Permit
Sports & Cultural Employment Permit
Stamp 1G Extension
Work Permit Refusal Appeal
Trusted Partner Registration
For Employers
For Individuals
Citizenship by Birth or Descent
Citizenship by Naturalization
Change in Circumstances Consultation
Employment Permit Consultation
Irish Citizenship Consultation
Other immigration Consultation
Stamp 1G Extension Consultation
