EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National)
Non-EEA family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals exercising free movement rights in Ireland.
The EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) is a Irish family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (No application fee (free)) and processing time (Up to 6 months by EU law), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) is for
Non-EEA family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals exercising free movement rights in Ireland.
Five years of residence can lead to permanent residence under the Free Movement Regulations.
EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) - eligibility criteria
- Be a qualifying family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- The EU citizen is exercising free movement (work, study, self-employment)
- Provide proof of the family relationship
- Hold a valid passport
- Reside with or be dependent on the EU citizen
EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) (Ireland) is No application fee (free), with an indicative processing time of Up to 6 months by EU law. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Irish Immigration Service.
| Type | Family residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Apply to ISD EU Treaty Rights unit (and AVATS visa if required) |
| Length of stay | Residence card valid up to 5 years |
| Work rights | Work or run a business without an employment permit |
| Study rights | Full study rights |
| Government fee | No application fee (free) |
| Processing time | Up to 6 months by EU law |
| Route to PR | Five years of residence can lead to permanent residence under the Free Movement Regulations. |
Pathway & next steps
Five years of residence can lead to permanent residence under the Free Movement Regulations.
Many applicants also compare Spouse of Irish · Join Spouse/Civil Partner of an Irish National, Family Reunion · Join Family (Non-EEA Sponsor Reunification), LTR · Long Term Residence. 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 EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) pitfalls we fix
EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) - frequently asked questions
How much does the EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) cost?
The EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) government fee is No application fee (free). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Irish Immigration Service before applying.
How long does the EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) take to process?
Indicative processing time is Up to 6 months by EU law. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National) lead to permanent residence?
Five years of residence can lead to permanent residence under the Free Movement Regulations.
Can I work on the EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National)?
Work rights: Work or run a business without an employment permit.
Who can apply for the EU Treaty Rights (Family of EU/EEA National)?
Non-EEA family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals exercising free movement rights 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