The Spouse/Civil Partner of Irish National Scheme allows non-EEA spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens to reside in Ireland. Successful applicants receive permission to live and work in Ireland without a separate work permit, typically granted for a period of five years, after which they may be eligible for long-term residency or naturalization.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Spouse/Civil Partner of Irish National Scheme, both the applicant (foreign spouse or civil partner) and the sponsor (Irish citizen) must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Relationship Requirement: The couple must be legally married or in a civil partnership recognized by Irish law.
- Age Requirement: Both the applicant and the Irish sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
- Genuine Relationship Requirement: Evidence of a genuine, ongoing relationship is essential.
- Residency Requirement: The Irish citizen sponsor must be residing in Ireland or planning to return to Ireland with the applicant.
- Character Requirement: Both the applicant and sponsor must have a clean criminal record.
Relationship Requirements
The applicant must be in a recognized relationship with the Irish sponsor. Accepted relationship types include:
- Married Spouses: Legally married to the Irish citizen sponsor.
- Civil Partners: In a legally recognized civil partnership with the sponsor.
Proof of the relationship may include joint financial records, rental agreements, photos, travel records, and letters of support from family and friends.
Required Documents
The following documents are generally required for an application under the Spouse/Civil Partner of Irish National Scheme:
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate: Proof of marriage or civil partnership.
- Proof of Relationship: Photos, joint financial records, and communication history.
- Identification Documents: Valid passports for both the applicant and sponsor.
- Proof of Residence: Evidence of the sponsor’s residence in Ireland, such as utility bills or rental agreements.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Criminal record checks for any country where the applicant has lived for more than six months.
- Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photos for identification purposes.
Application Process
The application process for the Spouse/Civil Partner of Irish National Scheme consists of several steps:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect and organize all necessary documentation to support the application.
- Submit the Application: Submit the application and supporting documents to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
- Attend Biometrics Appointment (if required): Applicants may be required to provide biometrics data such as fingerprints.
- Await Processing: INIS will review the application and may request additional information to verify the relationship.
- Receive Decision: INIS will issue a decision, granting permission to reside in Ireland if approved.
- Register with GNIB: Upon arrival, register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to receive a residence permit card.
Fees and Payment
The fees associated with the Spouse/Civil Partner of Irish National Scheme may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Typical fees include:
- Application Fee: €300 for the GNIB registration, though fees for document certification or additional steps may apply.
- Biometrics Fee: Additional fees may apply if biometrics data is required.
- Other Costs: Costs for translations, certifications, or notarizations if required.
Processing Time
The processing time for the Spouse/Civil Partner of Irish National Scheme can vary depending on individual circumstances:
- Standard Processing: Generally takes 6-12 months but can vary based on case complexity and INIS workload.
- Complex Cases: Certain cases requiring additional verification may take longer.
Key Points to Remember
- All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator.
- Proof of a genuine relationship is essential to avoid application delays or refusal.
- Make sure to register with GNIB upon arrival in Ireland to complete the residence process.
- Apply as early as possible, as processing times can vary.
- Ensure all required documents are up-to-date and accurately reflect the current relationship status.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I work in Ireland on the Spouse/Civil Partner of Irish National Scheme?
- Yes, holders of this permit can work in Ireland without requiring a separate work permit.
- How long is the residence permission valid?
- The residence permit is typically valid for five years, with the option to renew if the relationship is ongoing.
- Can I apply for permanent residency with this permit?
- Yes, after five years of residence in Ireland, permit holders may be eligible for long-term residency or naturalization.
- Is health insurance required for the scheme?
- Yes, health insurance is recommended for all residents in Ireland, though it is not mandatory for this specific permit.
- What happens if my application is denied?
- If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting evidence.
Official Website
For the latest and most accurate information, please visit the official Irish Immigration Service Delivery (INIS) website.