Currently Domestic Residence and Permissions Division is experiencing very high volumes of applications for De Facto partner permission. As a consequence there is currently a delay in processing post/applications. When applications are received and uploaded on our systems applicants will receive an acknowledgement. We are doing all we can to acknowledge applications as soon as possible.
In This Section
Who is a de facto residence permission for?
In some cases, you apply for de facto immigration permission while outside of Ireland. However, it can also be granted to someone who already has permission to reside in Ireland. Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) makes decisions on a case-by-case basis
To apply for a de facto residence permission you must be in a relationship with an eligible sponsor. An eligible sponsor is a person who is:
A de facto relationship is similar to a marriage or civil partnership in practice though not in law. It is where:
You and your partner both have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
Your relationship is genuine and continuing
You live together on a permanent basis and do not live apart
You are not related by family.
The de facto immigration scheme allows couples living together for at least two years in a genuine relationship to remain in Ireland based on their relationship.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible to apply for a de facto residence permission if all of the below apply to you:
You are a non-EEA national legally resident in Ireland
You are aged 18 or over
You are in a relationship with an Irish, UK or non-EEA* national legally resident in Ireland
You show evidence of a durable relationship and cohabitation with your partner of at least two years when you apply. This could be proof of payment of rent or mortgage, joint household or medical bills. Evidence that you have both visited each other as often as possible will not be enough to demonstrate a committed de facto relationship
You are living with your partner when you apply. If you are not living together, you must give compelling reasons why we should approve your application. Your partner is resident in Ireland and is self-sufficient. Neither of you are on social welfare benefits. You must both be able to support yourselves and any dependents without accessing public funds
You and your partner intend to live together permanently in Ireland
You and your partner are of good character and obey Irish law
You are covered by private medical insurance.
*If your partner is a non-EEA national, they must hold a Stamp 1, Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 Irish residence permission to qualify as an eligible sponsor. If they hold a Stamp 2 or Stamp 3 Irish residence permission, then they do not qualify as an eligible sponsor.
ISD will not accept applications for de facto partnership permission if you are:
In Ireland on a ‘C’ Visitor Visa or Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme
Unlawfully in Ireland, subject to notification of intention to deport under the Immigration Act 1999 or have been served with a Deportation Order or EU Removal Order
An asylum seeker or have applied for international protection.
How do I apply?
If you are eligible, you can apply via the ISD Online Portal.
From 10 June 2024, we will no longer accept applications for permission under the De Facto Partnership Scheme through our email or postal addresses. You must use the online platform.
If you are living outside Ireland and wish to enter Ireland as a de facto partner of an Irish citizen or Critical Skills Employment Permit (CESP) holder, you must apply for preclearance.
Dependent children, who intend to live with you and your sponsor in Ireland, must be included separately in your application. This means sending to ISD:
If we require any additional documents we will request them from you via email.
You may use a solicitor, legal representative or non-government agency to help you apply. However, you must write to ISD giving your consent for them to act on your behalf.
If you have already applied either by post or email and are awaiting a decision, do not apply again online.
You should continue to contact us through our email or postal address.
All applications are dealt with by date. This means that your application is still valid and will be processed in due time.
What happens next?
If your application is approved
If your de facto relationship ends, the residence permission granted is no longer valid. You must contact ISD immediately to let us know of your change in situation.
By post: Defacto Partner Application, Unit C – Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, DO2 XK70
Online: Please contact us through the dedicated Customer Service portal. You can register for an account or log in to your existing account.
The following conditions will apply to your permission to remain in the State:
- That you will obey the laws of the State
- That you will not become involved in criminal activity
- That you will make every effort to remain in employment and not be a burden on the State
- That you will reside continuously in the State. This means that you will live in the State full time during the period of your immigration permission as shown by the stamps in your passport. However, you may leave the State for short periods for personal or work reasons: for example, to go on holiday, to attend a family emergency, or to carry out a business or employment commitment for an Irish employer.
If your partner is an Irish national, you may be granted permission for one year on a Stamp 4. This stamp 4 exempts you from the need to have an Employment Permit or Business Permission.
If your partner is a Stamp 1/Stamp 4 holder transitioned from a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holder or a Researcher under a Hosting Agreement (HA), you may be granted a Stamp 1G de facto partner stamp. This Stamp 1G (de facto partner of a CSEP/HA holder) exempts you from the need to have an Employment Permit.
If your partner is a non-national Employment Permit holder on a Stamp 1, Stamp 4 or Stamp 5, you may be granted a Stamp 3. This Stamp 3 does not allow you to work in Ireland. If you wish to work you must apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an Employment Permit.
When applying for a Dependent Employment Permit with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment you must enclose the permission letter issued by the ISD confirming your immigration status is based on your de facto partnership.
If your partner is a UK national resident in Ireland, you may be granted permission for one year on a Stamp 4D. This stamp 4D exempts you from the need to have an Employment Permit or Business Permission.
If your applications is refused
If your application is refused you may apply for a review of the decision.
You must do this within two months of the date of our decision.
The review will take into account the information you gave in your initial application plus any further information you wish to add.
The review will be carried out by another immigration officer who was not involved in your initial application or the decision to refuse.
Relevant links
Policy documents
Your de facto partnership application is examined in accordance with the provisions set out in the following published policy document
Contact details
Please contact us through the dedicated Customer Service portal. You can register for an account or log in to your existing account.
Please ensure that all correspondence includes your name, reference number and contact details.
