Recent Changes to the Non-EEA Policy Document

Taking effect from 12^th June 2026, changes have been made to the non-EEA policy document on family reunification.

Chief among these changes are the following:

Suitable Accommodation

1. Category C sponsors, and general employment permit holders, will be subject to stricter accommodation arrangements. These sponsors must provide evidence of suitable accommodation which demonstrates that their family members will not be living in overcrowded conditions. For example, the sponsor and their spouse must have their own bedroom. And there must be one bedroom for every additional two children, however, this rule changes depending on the age and sex of the children, in which case, more bedrooms may be required.
2. Where children are involved, there must not be any unrelated adults living in the accommodation.
3. Where accommodation is rented, the property must be registered with the Residential Tenancy Board.
4. All sponsors will be ineligible if they are residing in supported accommodation. Whilst the meaning of ‘supported accommodation’ has not been defined, it is our view that this includes any State supported accommodation such as social housing, accommodation centres, temporary housing and emergency shelters.

Increased Income Thresholds

1. Irish sponsors will now be required to have earned at least €75,000 over the past three years, which is a considerable increase from the previous €40,000 requirement.
2. Category C sponsors who are seeking to sponsor their spouse only, are required to have earned at least €30,000 in the previous year.
3. However, where category C sponsors are also seeking to sponsor a spouse and one or more children, there has been an increase from €44,300 gross income in the previous year, to €50,200 when sponsoring a spouse and one child. And that amount increases by approximately €10,000 for each additional child sponsored.
4. Where a dependent adult relative is being sponsored, the gross annual income has increased from €92,789 to €96,929 and that amount must have been earned by the sponsor in ‘each’ of the previous three years.

If you interested in applying for a join family visa, or if you would like some detailed advice in relation to the above recent changes, please contact our office to book your consultation with one of our immigration solicitors.

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