Long-stay Join Family Visa (Type D) · Revised Nov 2025

Ireland Join Family Visa Checklist 2025–2026

Every document required for the Ireland join family visa — for both the applicant and sponsor. Updated for the revised November 2025 policy. Tick off each item as you gather it.

🚨
26-month backlog as of June 2026. Join Family applications from April 2024 are only now being processed. Check the current queue →

New policy from 26 November 2025: Stricter financial thresholds, accommodation requirements, and all applications must be made from outside Ireland.
Your progress
0 of 24 items completed  0%
📋
1. Application form
Complete AVATS online form — long stay (Type D)
3 items
Required
Completed online AVATS visa application form
Long Stay (Type D) — print, sign and date
Required
Application fee payment receipt
Required
Signed cover letter
Full account of relationship history if not residing together since marriage/partnership
🛂
2. Passports & sponsor identity
Both applicant and sponsor documents required
6 items
Original
Applicant's passport — original
Valid 6 months beyond intended arrival, min. 2 blank pages
Copy
Copy of all stamped/visa pages in applicant's passport
Original
All previous passports (applicant)
Required
Sponsor's passport copy (or Irish passport/citizenship evidence)
Irish citizen sponsor: legible copy of passport. Non-EEA sponsor: copy of IRP card + permission
Copy
Sponsor's IRP card copy (if non-EEA sponsor)
Conditional
Copy of sponsor's Employment Permit or Researcher Hosting Agreement (if applicable)
💑
3. Relationship evidence
The burden of proof is on YOU to demonstrate the genuineness of the relationship
5 items
Required
Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
Must be capable of recognition under Irish law. Certified translation to English if not in English
Required
Evidence of genuine relationship
Visas/entry-exit stamps showing visits, photographs together, correspondence by email/letter/telephone. Face-to-face meetings required — webcam/online contact alone is NOT sufficient
Conditional
Birth certificate of child (if sponsoring a child)
Certified translation if not in English
Conditional
Custody/access documentation (if child from previous relationship)
Court order granting full custody, or sworn affidavit from other parent consenting to removal
Conditional
De facto partner: evidence of cohabitation for at least 2 years
Joint utility bills, tenancy agreements, correspondence — all showing same address over 2+ years
💰
4. Financial evidence
Sponsor must meet minimum earnings threshold — check the thresholds page
6 items
Required
Sponsor's 6-month bank statements
Most recent 6 months showing salary/income regularly credited
Required
Sponsor's Employment Detail Summary from Revenue
For 3 years immediately prior to application (previously called P60). Or Notices of Assessment if self-employed
Required
3 most recent consecutive payslips (sponsor)
Required
Applicant's 6-month bank statements
Conditional
Contract of employment showing annual salary (if sponsor on Employment Permit)
Required to evidence meeting minimum earnings threshold
Required
Evidence of meeting financial threshold
See irishimmigration.ie/financial-thresholds — varies by family size and sponsor category
🏠
5. Accommodation & supporting documents
Accommodation evidence is now mandatory under the revised November 2025 policy
5 items
Required
Proof of suitable accommodation in Ireland
Rented: RTB Registration Confirmation Letter (with RT number + Eircode) + ACCOM1 form signed by landlord and sponsor. Owned: title deed/mortgage + property details (bedrooms, occupancy)
Required
Police/Garda clearance certificates
For all countries of residence in last 5 years — dated within 6 months of application. Certified translation required if not in English
Conditional
Medical clearance (if required by nationality)
Required
Any previous visa refusals (any country)
Must declare — original letter required
Required
Two passport-sized photographs
💡
Most common reasons for refusal: (1) Insufficient proof of genuine relationship — online-only relationships are not accepted. Face-to-face meetings must be evidenced with stamps/photos/correspondence. (2) Sponsor does not meet the financial threshold. (3) Accommodation not properly evidenced. Address all three comprehensively.
Not legal advice. Requirements may vary by nationality, embassy, and individual circumstances. Always verify the latest requirements at irishimmigration.ie before submitting your application. CitizenshipCalculator.com is not affiliated with the Irish Government.