Category A and Category C — different requirements
The rules differ by sponsor type: Irish citizens (Category A) face a fixed income threshold, while work-permit holders (Category C) must additionally show they can house the family.
What the process consists of
An additional condition: the sponsor must not have relied mainly on State supports for a continuous period of 2 years or more immediately before applying.
How the process runs
A good fit if
A poor fit if
Who runs this programme
Your request goes to two or three firms from this list. You see exactly which ones before it is sent, and you can exclude any of them.
No matching firms in the directory for this category yet — the list is curated by hand and grows over time.
This is an independent list of firms in the market, not our partners — we do not forward requests to them or receive payment for referrals. Contact them directly via the link.
Frequent questions
Why did the threshold nearly double?
Revised non-EEA family-reunification rules took effect on 12 June 2026 — the 3-year cumulative Category A threshold rose from €40,000 to €75,000. This is already in force, not a future change.
Can I combine the sponsor’s income with a spouse’s?
No — the rules explicitly prohibit combining incomes; only one sponsor’s income counts.
What does "not relying on State support" mean?
A separate condition: the sponsor must not have relied mainly on State benefits continuously for 2 years or more before applying — checked independently of the income figure.
How does Category C differ from Category A?
Category C covers work-permit holders (e.g. General Employment Permit) — beyond income, they must additionally document their ability to house joining family members.
Who can be reunited first?
A spouse/partner aged 18+ and children under 18 — the base, most direct category. Parent reunification is governed by separate, stricter rules.
What does approval grant?
Close family members of citizens receive Stamp 4 status — the right to work in Ireland without a separate work permit.
Sources
Figures are for reference only. Verified against official sources on 26 August 2026. A precise quote is issued by the appointed firm after document review. This material is not legal advice, a public offer or investment advice.