NEW POLICY DOCUMENT ON NON-EEA FAMILY REUNIFICATION INCREASES FINANCIAL THRESHOLDS AND UPDATES REQUIREMENTS FOR IRISH CITIZEN SPONSORS
The Department of Justice has published a new Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification on 12th June 2026.
This Policy Document has introduced substantial amendments to the visa application procedure for all categories of Sponsor, including Irish nationals, intending to sponsor a visa application for a non-EEA family member to join them in Ireland.
The financial requirements for Irish citizens to sponsor a visa application for immediate family members has increased. Previously, Irish citizen sponsors were required to evidence they had earned a gross cumulative of €40,000 in total in the three years prior to the application.
This requirement has now been amended by Paragraph 10.7 of the Policy Document of 12th June 2026. Irish citizens are now required to show they have earned a cumulative of €75,000 (e.g., €25,000 per year) in the three years prior to the visa application, with the expectation that this level of income be maintained.
The new Policy Document also provides that Sponsors in all categories, including Irish citizens, must not be resident in homeless accommodation, other State funded emergency accommodation, accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), social housing or local authority housing.
Where a sponsor is in receipt of a social housing support, such as the Housing Assistance Payment, they also may not meet the requirements of the Policy.
Berkeley Solicitors is available to provide advice and support for anyone commencing the visa application process.
This blog article has been prepared on the basis of current immigration law and policy, which is subject to change. Please keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page where articles relating to updates and changes in immigration law and policy are regularly posted.
