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Beneficiary of International Protection

Reunite with your loved ones in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive. Our immigration experts can help you secure the correct visa and documentation for your family.

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Reuniting Families Under Ireland’s Temporary Protection Scheme

If you have been granted Temporary Protection in Ireland, you may be able to apply for your immediate family members to join you.
This scheme was introduced under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) and the European Communities (Temporary Protection) Regulations 2003, to assist those displaced by conflict — most notably Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The policy ensures that families separated during displacement can reunite safely and legally in Ireland.

Who can apply to join you in Ireland?

Family reunification under Temporary Protection applies to the immediate family members of a person who has already been granted Temporary Protection in Ireland.
The following family members are eligible:

  • A spouse or civil partner
  • Unmarried minor children (under 18 years old) of the beneficiary of Temporary Protection
  • Other dependent family members, where there is proof of dependency or cohabitation prior to displacement (for example, elderly parents or disabled relatives)
    Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with the Temporary Protection Directive and Irish immigration law.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for family reunification under this scheme, you must meet the following conditions:

  • You must currently hold a Temporary Protection permission in Ireland.
  • Your family member must have been residing in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022 (unless they were already legally residing in Ireland).
  • You must provide proof of your relationship, such as marriage, birth, or adoption certificates.
  • You must demonstrate that your family member was part of your household in Ukraine or was dependent on you prior to your arrival in Ireland.

What permissions are granted to family members?

If approved, eligible family members may be granted the same Temporary Protection permission as the sponsor.
This includes:

The right to reside in Ireland

Access to employment and education

Access to medical services under the Irish health system

Permission to open a bank account and obtain a Personal Public Service (PPS) number

The permission is initially valid for one year but may be extended automatically in line with Ireland’s ongoing implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive.

How to apply for family reunification under Temporary Protection

Applications must be made in writing to the Department of Justice.
Your letter should include:

  • Your full name, date of birth, and Person ID number
  • Details of your current address in Ireland
  • Details of each family member you wish to join you, including:
    o Full name
    o Date of birth
    o Relationship to you
    o Current address and nationality

Your application should be sent to:
Temporary Protection Family Reunification Unit
Department of Justice
13–14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2, D02 XK70
Ireland
Once received, the Department will send you a Family Reunification Questionnaire, which must be completed and returned within 28 days along with the required documentation.

Supporting documents required

You will be asked to submit:

  • Copies of valid passports or national ID cards
  • Marriage, birth, or adoption certificates (as applicable)
  • Proof of your Temporary Protection status in Ireland
  • Evidence of dependency or cohabitation before displacement
  • Any other documents that support your relationship (e.g. photos, communication records, remittance receipts)

Documents not in English or Irish must be translated and certified by an accredited translator.

What happens after you apply?

Once your completed questionnaire and documents are received, your application will be reviewed by the Family Reunification Unit.

  • If your application is approved, you will receive a grant letter containing instructions for your family members to travel to Ireland.
  • Your family members will then receive the same permission status as you upon arrival.
  • If your application is refused, you will be notified in writing, including the reason for the decision.

There is no formal appeal process, but you may reapply if you can provide new or additional evidence.

Important information

  • You should apply as soon as possible after receiving Temporary Protection.
  • Family members must enter Ireland within the timeframe stated in the grant letter.
  • Providing false or misleading information can result in the withdrawal of your or your family member’s permission.
  • All correspondence should be made by email or post; there is no public office for walk-in visits.

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.

i

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
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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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