Ireland Dependent Visa for Nigerian Citizens

Do You Want to Join a Family Member in Ireland?

If you depend on a family member in Ireland, IAS can help you obtain an Ireland Dependent Visa. Our immigration lawyers have helped many Nigerian nationals to get this visa. We can help you prepare an Ireland Dependent Visa application that suits your situation.

What is the Ireland Dependent Visa

The Ireland Dependent Visa is designed for dependents of non-EU/EEA citizens living in Ireland. As a Nigerian citizen, you can obtain this visa, if you’re a dependent of an Irish citizen or holder of an Irish Work Visa/Residence Permit.

Under the Irish immigration law, you can qualify as a dependent if you’re a spouse, de facto partner, child, parent or other family member of an Ireland-based sponsor. You have lived together with your sponsor in Ireland to be considered a dependent.

You must obtain a D-Join Family Visa to enter Ireland. Understanding the eligibility criteria and required documents for the dependent visa makes the application process stress-free.

When you obtain the Ireland Dependent Visa, you will have the right to live, study and work in Ireland. Your stay in Ireland will be linked to your sponsor’s residence permit validity. However, the type of permit your sponsor holds and your relationship with them will determine whether you can work in Ireland without obtaining a separate Employment Permit.

Types of Dependent Visas for Different Categories of Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian nationals can obtain any of the following dependent visas (depending on their relationship) to live with a family member in Ireland:

Spouse Dependent Visa

Ireland Dependent Visa for spouses allows spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens or legal residents to live and work in Ireland. Depending on the work permit of your sponsor (Ireland-based spouse), you may not require a separate Employment Permit. You don’t need a separate work permit if your Ireland-based spouse has a Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit.

To work in Ireland as a Nigerian citizen on this visa, you must prove that you’re in a genuine and subsisting relationship and living with the Ireland-based sponsor. The visa is valid for the same duration as the primary holder’s residence permit. The Spouse Dependent Visa can be valid for 2 to 5 years. This allows the spouse to remain in Ireland as their sponsor maintains legal status.

Child Dependent Visa

The Child Dependent Visa is designed for children of Irish citizens or non-EU/EEA nationals lawfully residing in Ireland. The Spouse Dependent Visa and the Child Dependent Visa are a part of the Join Family Visa category. Foreign nationals on a valid work permit in Ireland can bring their children to Ireland. 

As a part of the eligibility requirements, the child must be financially dependent on their Ireland-based sponsor. Dependent children shouldn’t be older than 18. However, dependent children from 18 to 23 years old can apply. That is if they’ll be enrolled in education full-time in an Irish educational institution and wholly depend on you. The Ireland Dependent Visa for children is valid for 3 months or more.

Parent Dependent Visa

An Ireland Dependent Visa for parents allows parents of Irish citizens or non-EU/EEA nationals to live in Ireland if they are dependent on their child residing in Ireland. A parent’s dependency on their child could be for financial support, or because they can’t live alone due to disability or age-related care requirements.

Your child in Ireland must have earned at least €60,000 (€75,000 for 2 parents) after tax and deductions in the previous 3 years before you apply. Your child must also sign a legal undertaking to prove to the Irish authorities that they will cater for your wellbeing and support you financially. If the application is successful, you will be issued a Stamp 0 permission. The permission is valid for 1 year and renewable. You won’t be allowed to claim any state benefits.

De Facto Partner Dependent Visa

The visa allows unmarried partners of Irish citizens or non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work in Ireland. A de facto relationship includes heterosexual and same-sex partners. It is similar to marriage or civil partnership but not in law. 

Individuals typically apply for a De Facto Partner Dependent Visa from outside Ireland. However, it is issued to individuals who already live in Ireland. Your de facto partner residing in Ireland must hold a Stamp 1, 4 or 5 Irish residence permission.

A de facto partner is someone you are not related to by family. You must have lived with them for at least 2 years and can prove you have a genuine and subsisting relationship. The permission allows you to continue living in the country with them. You must not also rely on the public benefits in Ireland.

Dependent Relatives Visa

This visa is designed for other family relatives of an Irish citizen or non-EU/EEA national to stay with them in Ireland. Obtaining permission for other relatives (siblings or elderly relatives) to live with a family member in Ireland is complex.

It involves a highly regulated process and is more challenging than Spouse and Child Dependent Visas. Applicants can only be granted this visa due to their compassionate or exceptional circumstances. Your sponsor will be obliged to cater for your financial needs without recourse to public funds.

Eligibility Requirements for the Ireland Dependent Visa

Here are the eligibility criteria Nigerians must fulfil to be classed as dependents. One or more of the following must apply to you or your dependent, including:

• You must be aged 16 to 18.
• You’re above 18 but depend on your parents for care and support due to medical or psychological issues which makes living alone in Nigeria extremely difficult.
• You’re under 23, if so, you must be taking a full-time course in an Irish educational institution. 
• Your sponsor is a person married to an Irish citizen or is an Irish citizen.
• Your sponsor holds Stamp 5, Stamp 4, or Stamp 1.
• Your sponsor has stayed in Ireland for the required period to bring you to the country as a dependent.
• You live with your sponsor as a member of a family unit.
• You do not live separately permanently.

Meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for an Ireland Dependent Visa:

• You must have obtained a ‘D’ Join Family Visa before entering Ireland.
• You must have entered Ireland legitimately.
• Your sponsor must have sufficient funds to support you without relying on public benefits.
• You must be a dependent family member of your Ireland-based sponsor.
• You must have no criminal record.
• You must not have been required to leave the country.

If your Ireland-based sponsor is studying, they must meet these eligibility criteria. They must:

• Be studying for an accredited doctorate in Ireland as a PhD student.
• Be on a scholarship programme in Ireland (if applicable).
• Have a Level 8 or higher Honours Degree and show proof for future advancement.
• Be researchers under a Hosting Agreement.

Recent Changes

In the recent change to the Irish immigration rules, eligible partners or spouses of individuals on a General Employment Permit and Intra-Corporate Transferee Irish Employment Permit are now issued Stamp 1G permission instead of Stamp 3. This will permit those partners and spouses to find work without obtaining a separate Employment Permit. They won’t require an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) to obtain employment.

Required Documents for the Ireland Dependent Visa

Ireland Dependent Visa requirements you must include depending on your relationship with the Ireland-based sponsor, include:

• Proof of identity:
  • Your sponsor’s passport.
  • Your Nigerian passport.
  • Your D-Join Family Visa.
• Evidence that you and your sponsor have private medical healthcare insurance.
• Proof of relationship history:
  • Legal guardian or adoption certificate (if required).
  • The last address you shared (could be your Irish residence).
  • Utility bills are in your name and your sponsor’s name.
  • Your child’s birth certificate and dependent’s birth certificate.
  • Proof of your sponsor’s bank accounts (to cover your expenses).
  • Bank statements for the last 6 months show you don’t rely on public funds.

• Proof of residence in Ireland:
  • Board letters of a residential tenancy.
  • Evidence of paid rent.
  • Tenancy agreement, rental agreement, rental book or landlord letter.
  • Utility bills with your sponsor’s name.
  • Title of deeds of properties.
  • Letter from a mortgage lender, local authority or County Council.
  • Bank statements with receipt of mortgage payments.

• Proof of your sponsor’s current activity in Ireland:
  • If your sponsor is employed:
    • Get supporting documents of your sponsor’s current employment.
    • Provide a signed letter of confirmation or employment contract from the employer.
    • Present 6 months’ bank statements.
    • Provide a summary of employment details within the last 3 years and 2 recent payslips.

• If your sponsor is self-employed:
  • Get your sponsor’s business account bank statements for the last 6 months
  • Provide a registration letter for self-assessment issued by the Revenue Commissioners/Revenue Commissioners Tax Statement from the previous year.
  • Present proof that financial support was provided and bank statements.

• If your sponsor is a student:
  • Provide bank statements as proof of financial support.
  • Present letter issued by course provider proving enrollment, resumption and completion dates.
  • Get proof of medical insurance to cater for both you and your sponsor.

• If your sponsor is unemployed involuntarily:
  • Get 2 years’ employment history summary and P45 from previous employment.
  • Provide proof of benefits claims issued by the Department of Social Protection.
  • Show evidence of the reason your previous role was terminated.
  • Get proof of your status as a job seeker from the Employment Services Office.

If the need arises, you may require additional documents. It’s best to seek expert guidance from an immigration lawyer to assess your situation and provide a document checklist that best suits you. Call one of our immigration lawyers at +234 2013306361 or contact us online for immediate assistance.

Importance of Accurate Documentation

Nigerians must include all the required documents in their application to join a sponsor in Ireland. Provide accurate and valid documents in the application.

If you include a forged document, your application may be delayed, or rejected and you may be banned from applying for Ireland visas. Ensure you’re updated with the required documents for an Ireland Dependent Visa before you apply for a smooth application.

Tips for Organising Documents

• Contact an immigration lawyer: Immigration lawyers are experts in preparing visa applications. They can help you gather all the required documents for your dependent visa applications.
• Use a checklist: You can use the document checklist above to assemble the required documents. Or you can contact our immigration lawyers for assistance.
• Arrange your documents chronologically. It’s best to assemble your documents with the INIS guide.
• Make photocopies of all your documents and have some for yourself should the original copies be required by the immigration authorities.
• Present certified translations of any document in a foreign language, not in English or Irish (Gaelic)
• Double-check your documents to ensure they’re complete.
• Submit your documents in the required format.

Financial Requirements for the Ireland Dependent Visa

Your Ireland-based sponsors must prove their capacity to support you and other dependents. They must provide bank statements to prove they can cover your expenses when you join them in Ireland.

They must have earned a certain amount of money without relying on public funds within the last 2 or 3 years before your application:

• If your sponsor is an Irish citizen, they must have earned a cumulative gross income of more than €75,000 each year within the last 3 years before you applied.
• If your Ireland-based spouse or de facto partner has a Stamp 4 or an Employment Permit, they should have at least €30,000 in 2 years before you apply to join them.
• If you’re a dependent elderly relative, your sponsor must have at least €60,000 to bring you to Ireland. They should also have €75,000 for 2 relatives.
• If a sponsor should bring a dependent child, they must have about €40,000 cumulative gross income. For minor children or children between 18 to 23 studying full-time, the sponsor must earn the following income weekly after tax (according to the Working Family Payment income):
  • €645 for 1 child.
  • €746 for 2 children.
  • €847 for 3 children.
  • €938 for 4 children.
  • €1,064 for 5 children, etc.

Exceptions and Considerations

The only exception to the financial requirements for an Ireland Dependent Visa is the Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and researchers. They can bring their dependents immediately after getting the permit and before earning. They must continue to meet the requirements for their permits to maintain their immigration status in the country.

You need to consult an immigration lawyer to advise you on additional fees you must be aware of in obtaining the Ireland Dependent Visa. Contact our immigration lawyers at IAS at +234 2013306361 or complete our online enquiry form for immediate support and guidance.

Application Process for the Ireland Dependent Visa

Here is the step-by-step process of applying for an Ireland Dependent Visa:

Consult an Immigration Lawyer

Our lawyers have helped thousands of people to make successful visa applications worldwide, including Nigerians. We can give you the best possible chance of success in your Ireland Dependent Visa application.

Our immigration lawyers can help you prepare a comprehensive application to move to or remain in Ireland with your sponsor. Call one of our immigration lawyers at +234 2013306361 for immediate assistance.

Assemble Your Documents

You must arrange all the required documents on time to make the application process faster. Ensure you have full medical and travel insurance and are on a D-Join Family Visa in Ireland. You must ensure that your sponsor’s documents are also complete. 

Fix an Appointment

Schedule an appointment with your local immigration office alongside the required original documents to be registered. Your registration will not be processed if you don’t provide all the required documents. Your sponsor must accompany you for the first-time registration as they’re your primary sponsor. You may pay a registration fee worth €300 (if required).

Apply to Domestic Residence and Permissions Divisions

If your local immigration office refuses to register you, they will instruct you to apply at the Domestic Residence and Permissions Divisions. You must complete the Application for Immigration Permission for a Family Dependent form.

Mail Your Application

Forward your application alongside all the required documents via a registered post which can be tracked on the An Post website. Fill out your application form and send it via:

Family Dependent Section,

Domestic Residence & Permissions Division

Immigration Service Delivery

PO Box 12695

Dublin 2

D02 XK70

Ensure you include accurate information in the application form. Your application may be denied if it’s discovered that you submitted misleading information. Ireland Dependent Visa processing time is about 12 months. Should your circumstances change (such as a change in activities or the residence of your sponsor), you must contact the office via email and submit new supporting documents accordingly.

Ireland Dependent Visa Approval and Denial

If your Ireland Dependent Visa is approved, the Immigration Service Delivery will send you a letter allowing you to remain in Ireland. The letter will contain:

• Details of your registration.
• Information about your registration renewal.

You and your sponsor must schedule an appointment to register this permission with your local immigration office. However, if your application is denied, you can apply for a review of the decision. You must do this within 60 days of receiving this decision.

The information you provided in your first application will be considered during the decision review. It may also contain any other details you would like the immigration authorities to review. Another officer not involved in the previous decision will be appointed to handle the review.

Common Reasons for Denial

Your dependent visa can be denied for many reasons, including if you:

• Have a criminal record.
• Don’t have enough funds.
• Don’t provide all the required documents.
• You or your sponsor don’t meet the eligibility criteria.
• Submitted false information.

Visa Extension and Renewal for Ireland Dependent Visa

If you continue to meet the requirements of an eligible dependent visa, it can be renewed. Your dependent visa may be extended or renewed depending on the Stamp you hold. 

To renew your dependent visa you must schedule an appointment with your local immigration office before your current permission expires. You must submit several documents that align with your permission as your sponsor’s dependent.

Required Documents for Renewal

Here are the documents you’ll need for the renewal of dependent visas:

For Spouse/De facto partner:

• Biometric page of your current passport.
• The front and back copies of your Irish Residence Permit card.
• Evidence of your medical insurance
• Evidence your de facto relationship continues (if required).
• Your relevant permit.
• You can apply for Stamp 4 after 5 years on Stamp 1G.

For a Child:

• The front and back copies of your Irish Residence Permit card.
• Biometric page of your current passport.
• Your private medical insurance.
• Letter of enrollment confirmation from your school in Ireland.
• Evidence you’ve paid school fees.
• Proof of consent from legal guardians or parents (for a child under 18 years old.

For a Parent of a child who is an Irish citizen:

• The front and back copies of your Irish Residence Permit card.
• Biometric page of your current passport.
• Your current permission letter from the Department of Justice shows the conditions for granting you Stamp 4.
• Biometric page of your child’s valid Irish passport.
• Your child’s birth certificate.
• Evidence of your current address in Ireland.
• Evidence of your child’s current address in Ireland.

For Elderly dependent relatives:

• Biometric page of your current passport.
• Your new permission letter from the Department of Justice shows the conditions for granting you Stamp 0.
• Evidence of your medical insurance.
• The front and back copies of your Irish Residence Permit card.
• The page of your passport with your current Stamp 0.

Include notarised copies of any document in a foreign language. After submitting your documents, you may be required to pay €300 depending on your situation.

Can Dependent Visa Holders Work in Ireland?

Different rules of eligibility to work apply depending on the type of relationship with your sponsor. Some dependents cannot work in Ireland, especially elderly dependent relatives. Thus, the immigration authorities require their sponsors to sign a letter of undertaking to cater for all their needs.

Whereas other dependents may obtain a relevant Employment Permit to work in Ireland. Conversely, eligible dependent spouses and de facto partners have more rights to work in Ireland than other dependents. If your sponsor already works or lives in Ireland, you might not require an Employment Permit to work. You can work in Ireland if:

• You’re a family member of an EU/EEA citizen. You can apply for a residency card and may get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) alongside a Stamp 4 EUFAM. This will permit you to get a job without getting a separate Employment Permit.
• You’re a family member of a refugee in Ireland. You may be granted Stamp 4 IRP allowing you to work without an Employment Permit.
• You’re an Irish citizen’s family member. You may be issued a Stamp 4 IRP allowing you to work without an Employment Permit.
• You’re a family member of certain Employment Permit holders. You may be issued a Stamp 1G allowing you to work without an Employment Permit. This includes Critical Skills Employment Permits and General Employment Permits.
• You’re a family member of a UK citizen who entered Ireland after January 1, 2021. You can apply for residency and Employment Permit to work.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

Eligible spouses and de facto partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders are granted Stamp 1G Conditions. This will permit you to get a job in Ireland without getting a separate Employment Permit.

Additionally, eligible General Employment Permit and Intra-Corporate Transferee Irish Employment Permit holders are granted Stamp 1G permission. This allows them to get employed in Ireland without a separate Employment Permit. They also won’t require an Irish Residence Permit to work.

Services Offered by IAS for Nigerian Immigrants to Ireland

Irish Dependent Visa applications can be daunting. As a Nigerian citizen, you must meet several criteria and provide different documents for your visa application. At IAS, our immigration lawyers can help streamline the process of obtaining a dependent visa.

Our IAA-certified immigration lawyers can assist you in gathering all the documents required for your application depending on your relationship with the sponsor. We can help you complete and track your application to avoid delays. We can prepare you for the visa interview.

Should your application experience any complications, we can represent you in the legal proceedings. You can schedule an in-person meeting with one of our immigration lawyers in Lagos or contact us via video call. Call us at +234 2013306361 or complete our online enquiry form for immediate assistance.