De Facto Partner of an Irish National
Non-EEA unmarried partners in a committed relationship with an Irish citizen seeking to live together in Ireland.
The De Facto Partner of an Irish National is a Irish family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€60/€100 visa if required; ~€300 IRP card) and processing time (~6 months (ISD partner decision)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the De Facto Partner of an Irish National is for
Non-EEA unmarried partners in a committed relationship with an Irish citizen seeking to live together in Ireland.
Stamp 4 leads to long term residence and citizenship over time.
De Facto Partner of an Irish National - eligibility criteria
- In a committed relationship with an Irish citizen
- Usually at least 2 years of durable cohabitation evidence
- Provide proof of the genuine relationship
- Pass character and immigration checks
- Intend to live together in Ireland
De Facto Partner of an Irish National cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the De Facto Partner of an Irish National (Ireland) is ~€60/€100 visa if required; ~€300 IRP card, with an indicative processing time of ~6 months (ISD partner decision). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Irish Immigration Service.
| Type | Family residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online (AVATS) if visa-required; then apply to ISD |
| Length of stay | Stamp 4 granted, typically up to 5 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Work or run a business without an employment permit |
| Study rights | Full study rights |
| Government fee | ~€60/€100 visa if required; ~€300 IRP card |
| Processing time | ~6 months (ISD partner decision) |
| Route to PR | Stamp 4 leads to long term residence and citizenship over time. |
Pathway & next steps
Stamp 4 leads to long term residence and citizenship over time.
Many applicants also compare Spouse of Irish · Join Spouse/Civil Partner of an Irish National, Family Reunion · Join Family (Non-EEA Sponsor Reunification), Stamp 4 · Stamp 4 Immigration Permission. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Irish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common De Facto Partner of an Irish National pitfalls we fix
De Facto Partner of an Irish National - frequently asked questions
How much does the De Facto Partner of an Irish National cost?
The De Facto Partner of an Irish National government fee is ~€60/€100 visa if required; ~€300 IRP card. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Irish Immigration Service before applying.
How long does the De Facto Partner of an Irish National take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6 months (ISD partner decision). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the De Facto Partner of an Irish National lead to permanent residence?
Stamp 4 leads to long term residence and citizenship over time.
Can I work on the De Facto Partner of an Irish National?
Work rights: Work or run a business without an employment permit.
Who can apply for the De Facto Partner of an Irish National?
Non-EEA unmarried partners in a committed relationship with an Irish citizen seeking to live together in Ireland.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Ireland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Irish Immigration Service - official Ireland immigration authority