Note 01Route summary
The de facto partner route is for couples in a genuine, committed relationship who are not married or in a civil partnership.
Ref DFP-12, typed for the wall
Visas & entryFor individuals
De Facto Partner
Bring your long-term de facto partner to Ireland on the right visa and residence stamp.
0 years
Cohabitation
De facto
Relationship
Income tested
Sponsorship
Stamp 0G or 4
Outcome
Folder 01. Route file, De Facto Partner
What we'll do for you
Bring your long-term de facto partner to Ireland on the right visa and residence stamp.
Ledger · De Facto Partner
Entry 01 · registered
Map the route
We confirm the sponsor's status and the exact policy strand, then the income requirement and stamp outcome that apply to your case.
Allow3 to 5 days
Entry 02 · registered
Evidence two years together
We build proof of a shared life akin to marriage: cohabitation, joint finances and correspondence over the qualifying period.
Allow2 to 3 weeks
Entry 03 · registered
Prove the finances
We assemble the sponsor's earnings history against the policy threshold, pre-empting the gaps that trigger refusals.
Allow1 to 2 weeks
Entry 04 · registered
Lodge the application
We submit the long-stay D visa or in-country application to the correct unit with a complete, indexed file.
Allow1 to 2 weeks
Entry 05 · registered
Manage the decision
We respond to any request for further documents and keep you updated across the assessment.
Allow4 to 10 months
Entry 06 · registered
Travel and register
On approval you register for your IRP and receive the appropriate stamp so you can live, and where the stamp allows, work.
Allow2 to 4 weeks
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0to0
months to a decision
Plaque 01 The wait
Indicative processing is 6 to 12 months, varying by category and by the country you apply from.
Map the route
Evidence two years together
Prove the finances
Lodge the application
Manage the decision
Travel and register
Proof of a genuine de facto relationship, normally two years living togetherCohabitation evidence: shared lease or bills, joint accounts, correspondence to one addressSponsor's residence status and stamp in IrelandSponsor income and financial evidence over the relevant periodIdentity and passport documents for both partnersCertified translations of any documents not in English or Irish
Q01How much time living together do I need?
Ireland generally looks for at least two years of cohabitation in a relationship akin to marriage. Strong, consistent evidence across that period matters more than any single document, and we confirm the exact standard for your case before you apply.
Q02What stamp will I get?
It depends on the sponsor. The de facto partner of a Critical Skills permit holder normally registers on Stamp 1G and can work without a separate permit, while the de facto partner of an Irish citizen or settled resident is typically Stamp 4.
Q03How long does it take?
Indicative processing is 6 to 12 months, varying by category and by the country you apply from.
Q04Why are de facto applications refused?
The leading causes are thin proof that the relationship and cohabitation are genuine and ongoing, and sponsor finances that fall short of the threshold. We address both head on.
Note 02Booking note
The leading causes are thin proof that the relationship and cohabitation are genuine and ongoing, and sponsor finances that fall short of the threshold. We address both head on.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.