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Beneficiary of International Protection

Reunite with your loved ones in Ireland through family reunification — expert legal guidance for refugees and beneficiary of international protection.

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Beneficiary of International Protection

Family Reunification for Refugees and Beneficiaries of Protection

If you have been granted refugee status, programme refugee status, or subsidiary protection in Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for family reunification under the International Protection Act 2015.

Family reunification allows certain close family members to join you and live lawfully in Ireland. The process must be initiated within 12 months of receiving your declaration of refugee or subsidiary protection status.

This reunification pathway is designed to help those who have fled persecution or serious harm rebuild family life in safety and stability.

Beneficiary of International Protection, Who Can Apply?

You may apply to have the following family members join you in Ireland:

  • Your spouse or civil partner, if your marriage or partnership existed before your international protection application.
  • Your children who are under 18 years of age and unmarried.
  • If you are under 18 and unmarried, you may apply for your parents and unmarried siblings under 18 to join you.

Each beneficiary of international protection application is reviewed individually, and it is essential that all family relationships are supported by valid documentary evidence.

When and how to apply

Applications must be made within 12 months of being granted your refugee or subsidiary protection status.

To apply, you must write to the Family Reunification Unit at the Department of Justice, providing:

  • Your name, Person ID number, and current address
  • Details for each family member, including:

– Full name
– Date of birth
– Relationship to you (e.g. spouse, child, parent)
– Nationality
– Current address

Once your application is received, you will be sent a Family Reunification Questionnaire, which must be completed and returned within 28 days along with the original documents requested.

What happens after submission

When your beneficiary of international protection application is completed and documentation are received, a member of the Family Reunification Unit will assess your case. You may be asked for additional information or supporting documents.

Once the review is complete, you will receive a written decision:

If approved, you will be issued a grant letter containing details on how to obtain travel documents, apply for visas, and register your family with Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) or the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) upon arrival in Ireland.

If refused, the refusal letter will explain the reasons for the decision and outline any next steps you can take.

Possible withdrawal of permission

A granted family reunification permission may be withdrawn if:

  • Your family members fail to enter Ireland within the timeframe specified in the grant letter.
  • Your international protection declaration or residency is withdrawn.
  • False or misleading information was provided in the application.
  • The withdrawal is deemed necessary for national security or public policy reasons.

Important considerations

  • Family reunification is not automatic; each application is assessed on its individual merits and documentary evidence.
  • Accurate and complete applications submitted within the 12-month window are essential for approval.
  • Communication with the Family Reunification Unit is conducted by post or email only — there is no in-person service.

Application Process

Initial Consultation:

A detailed discussion of your situation and eligibility based on your relationship type.

Advice on Process and Documentation:

Guidance on which category applies to you, what documents to prepare, and how to meet financial or dependency criteria.

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Document Review and Application Preparation:

Our team completes and submits your online application and supporting legal submissions.

Liaison and Representation:

We liaise with the relevant immigration authorities and provide you with regular updates until a final decision is made

Case Studies

Why work with Gibson & Associates LLP

Our immigration team provides a complete legal service to make your application process clear, stress-free, and compliant with Irish law.

Why choose Us?

Our expertise (decades of in-depth knowledge and familiarity with application process).

We can provide expert guidance throughout the application process, helping you navigate requirements and address common challenges to present the strongest possible case.

Our legal teams will identify and utilise relevant legislation and case law that may impact your individual application.

Our Dedicated Immigration Team

Daireann Gibson
Managing Partner

Amanda Walsh
Partner

Helen Moakley
Senior Solicitor

Kellie McLaughlin
Solicitor

Maura Kavanagh
Solicitor

Sharon Shaw
Legal Manager

Leanne Mclean
Immigration Consultant

Megan McKeon
Immigration Consultant 

Aisling Harden
Senior Legal Support

Lorna Pyper
Senior Legal Support 

Irene Ayaru
Senior Legal Support 

Jade Mullhern
Immigration Consultant

Stacey McGrath
Legal Support

Laura Phelan
Legal Support

Kevina McFadden
Legal Support

Karley Keane
Legal Support

Join Family Visa FAQ's

1. What is the Join Family Visa in Ireland?

The Join Family Visa in Ireland allows certain non-EEA nationals to join a close family member who is legally living in Ireland. It is part of Ireland’s family reunification system and applies to spouses, partners, children, and other dependent relatives subject to the Department of Justice’s Revised Family Reunification Policy.

2. Who can apply for a Join Family Visa?

People who can apply for a Join Family Visa typically include spouses, civil partners, de facto partners, dependent children, and in some cases elderly dependent parents or other family members. Eligibility depends on the relationship with the sponsor, the sponsor’s immigration status in Ireland, and the sponsor’s capacity to comply with financial criteria.

3. When can I join my family member in Ireland?

When you can join your family member in Ireland depends on the immigration permission held by your sponsor. Some categories allow family reunification immediately, while others may require the sponsor to live and work in Ireland for a certain period before family members can apply.

4. What documents do I need for a Join Family Visa?

The documents required for a Join Family Visa usually include a valid passport, proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates), evidence of the sponsor’s legal residence in Ireland, financial documentation, and accommodation details.

5. What proof of relationship must I provide?

The proof of relationship required depends on the family category. For example, spouses must provide a marriage certificate, civil partners must provide partnership documentation, and de facto partners must show evidence of a durable relationship such as records of living together. Other evidence such as call records, text messages, evidence of visits and regular communication is also recommended.

6. Do de facto partners qualify for a Join Family Visa?

Yes, de facto partners can qualify for a Join Family Visa if they can show that they have been in a genuine and durable relationship, usually supported by evidence of at least two years of living together.

7. Can I join my Irish citizen spouse in Ireland?

Yes, you can apply to join your Irish citizen spouse in Ireland through the family reunification process. You will need to show proof of the relationship, meet financial requirements, and demonstrate that the relationship is genuine.

8. Can I join a non-EEA partner living and working in Ireland?

Yes, you may be able to join a non-EEA partner living in Ireland, depending on their immigration permission and whether they meet the financial requirements. Certain work permits and residence permissions allow family reunification under Irish immigration rules.

9. Can UK nationals sponsor family members to join them in Ireland?

Yes, UK nationals living in Ireland may sponsor certain family members to join them under Ireland’s post-Brexit immigration arrangements, provided the family relationship, , financial eligibility and other qualifying criteria are met. A separate Policy applies to family reunification with UK Citizen family members.

10. Can I join my family member if they are an EU citizen living in Ireland?

Yes, you can join a family member who is an EU citizen living in Ireland under EU Treaty Rights rules. Eligible family members typically include spouses, partners, dependent children, and sometimes other dependent relatives and members of an EU Citizen’s Household

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