Family visa in Ireland - easier for partners of UK or EEA citizens?

[rax94]

Hi everyone,

I’m seeking advice on navigating the family visa process in Ireland. I hold dual citizenship (British and Polish) and plan to move to Ireland for work next year. My partner of two years is Chinese. We’re engaged and have been living together for almost two years, though we’re not married. We currently live in London, England, where she works under a Skilled Worker visa sponsored by her employer.

I’m currently deciding whether to use my British or Polish passport for the move, and I’d love to hear about the pros and cons of each option.

If my Chinese partner wants to join me in Ireland, which passport would be more advantageous? Is there a difference in terms of ease, cost, speed, or any other factors? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[meself2]

EU passport is easier, as that would be covered by Directive; however, it may not be as streamlined given you're not married.

[rax94]

I've been hearing that EU passport is easier than a UK one, but there's one thing that makes me think that in our particular situation (no married) it might actually be beneficial to go with the UK passport. Irish Department of Justice website (https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming- ... ly-member/) mentions a De Facto Partner in the UK section, while in the EU they only mention married couples. Any thoughts on that?

De Facto Partner of UK national
Refer to Section 6.3, 6.8 and 6.9 of the Policy Document for information on what a de facto partner is. You must provide:

• A full account of your relationship history (where and when you met evidenced by for example, visas, entry/exit stamps on the passport of your partner, photographs, correspondence by e-mail, telephone)

• If you or your sponsor have ever been previously married or divorced you must provide your previous State issued marriage, divorce or death certificates. If you or your partner are separated, evidence of legal separation must be supplied or evidence of cessation of cohabiting arrangements or other evidence suggesting a complete severance of the committed relationship

• Evidence of co-habitation at least 2 years must be provided.

Examples of documentation which should be submitted:

• Registration certificate of partnership (if applicable)

• Evidence of common ownership of property

• Joint tenancy of property

• Ongoing correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address

• Financial dependence, interdependence or any other relevant documentary evidence.

[Angel99]

Hi,

I think it's best you go with @Meself2 advise.

With UK,
*You will need to show proof your relationship is genuine
* You might be asked to show proof of finances and I believe there is a minimum requirement.
*Your partner do not have automatic right to residency as you are under domestic Irish immigration law (Irish spouse, Non EU spouse, UK spouse)

EU citizen (Polish passport)
*Your partner has automatic right to residency if you prove your relationship is genuine.
*You don't need any financial requirements for the visa. Your partner just needs your work contract and payslip to apply for Stamp 4EUFam.
*You and your partner are under EU freemovement.

****EU citizen defacto partner you just need to prove your relationship is genuine and proof your EU partner is moving to/already in Ireland (You both can move together by showing copy of ticket).


Hope this helps.