Ireland has introduced a policy allowing eligible family members of certain foreign nationals to work in the country without obtaining separate employment permits. The policy, under Ireland's Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, covers family members of people in eight categories, including spouses, civil partners, de facto partners, and children aged 16 to 18. This move aims to facilitate family reunification and enable eligible relatives to join their sponsors in the workforce.
The eight eligible categories include Irish citizens, holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits, General Employment Permits, and researchers working under a Hosting Agreement. Additionally, foreign workers on Intra-Corporate Transfer permits, entrepreneurs taking part in the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, investors under the Immigrant Investor Programme, and refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection who qualify under the policy are also included.
To benefit from this policy, applicants seeking family reunification in Ireland must meet several conditions. These include meeting the eligibility requirements for both the sponsor and their family members, satisfying financial thresholds, observing applicable waiting periods, securing suitable accommodation, and providing proof of dependency where required. Eligible family members can take up paid work after joining their sponsor.
The provision applies to eligible spouses, civil partners, de facto partners, and minor children aged 16 to 18. They must meet the conditions set out in the family reunification policy to benefit. For Africans who move to Ireland for skilled work or as protected persons, the policy may allow eligible relatives to enter the workforce without going through a separate employment permit application.
Ireland has also increased the minimum annual salary for General Employment Permit applicants from €34,000 to €36,605, with the new threshold taking effect in March 2026. The country plans to raise salary requirements gradually for other employment permit categories as well. This change aims to ensure that employment permit holders have a stable income.
The policy change is expected to benefit many foreign nationals and their families. Eligible family members can now join their sponsors in Ireland and take up employment without the need for a separate work permit. This move is part of Ireland's efforts to facilitate family reunification and support the integration of foreign nationals into the workforce.
The Irish government's decision to allow family members of certain foreign nationals to work without permits demonstrates its commitment to supporting the well-being of these individuals and their families. By streamlining the process for family reunification, Ireland aims to create a more welcoming environment for foreign nationals and their loved ones.
Key points
- Eligible family members of people in eight categories can work in Ireland without a separate employment permit.
- The policy covers family members of certain workers, residents, and people with international protection in Ireland.
- Ireland increased the minimum annual salary for General Employment Permit applicants to €36,605, effective March 2026.
