International Protection Family Reunification (Sections 56 & 57)

Applying for family reunification is a vital step in rebuilding your life in Ireland. This process allows people with Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection to bring their immediate family members to join them.

The application is a paper-based process managed by the Family Reunification Unit of the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). You must submit your application by mail; there is currently no online portal for this specific pathway.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Timing

Before applying, ensure you meet the following criteria:

• The Two-Year Rule: Under the International Protection Bill 2026, adult sponsors must have resided in Ireland for at least two years after being granted protection status before they are eligible to apply.
• The 12-Month Deadline: You must submit your application within 12 months of receiving your official letter from the Minister for Justice declaring your protection status. Do not wait for your physical Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card to arrive; apply as soon as you have your declaration letter.
• Eligible Members: You can only apply for a spouse/civil partner (if the relationship existed before you applied for protection) or unmarried children under 18. If you are a minor, you may apply for your parents and their other minor children.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the following documents. Any document not in English or Irish must be accompanied by a certified translation.

• A completed Family Reunification Application Form (available on the ISD website).
• A copy of your Minister’s Letter granting you status and your IRP Card.
• Passports for yourself and your family members.
• Original Marriage Certificate (with an Apostille—an official certificate of authenticity—if from outside the EU).
• Original Birth Certificates for all children.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Mail your completed form and all original supporting documents to: Family Reunification Unit, Immigration Service Delivery, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70. It is highly recommended to use Registered Post so you have proof of delivery.

Step 4: Respond to Questionnaires

If your application meets the initial criteria, the ISD may send you and your family members a detailed questionnaire to further verify your relationship. Complete these accurately and return them within the specified timeframe. In some cases, if documents are unavailable or deemed unreliable, the ISD may request DNA Testing at an accredited laboratory (such as Ormond Quay).

Step 5: Visa Application (If Approved)

If the Minister approves your application, your family members will receive a decision letter. If they are from a country that requires a visa to enter Ireland, they must then apply for a "Join Family" Visa at their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.

There is no application fee to the Department of Justice for the family reunification process itself. However, there are secondary costs associated with the move.

Total Estimate: While the application is free, expect to pay approximately €360 to €400 per person for entry and registration once they arrive. Does not include: Costs for certified translations, Apostille legalizations, postage, or travel to Ireland.

The timeline for family reunification can be lengthy due to the high volume of applications and the need for thorough document verification.

• Initial Application Review: 12 to 18 months.
• Visa Processing (Post-Approval): 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the local embassy.
• Document Validity: Ensure your family members' passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond the date they intend to arrive in Ireland.
• Complex Cases: Applications involving DNA testing or those from conflict zones where documents are difficult to verify may take significantly longer than the 18-month average.

Note: The International Protection Bill 2026 aims to streamline these timelines, but currently, you should prepare for a wait of at least a year and a half from the date of your initial submission.