EU Treaty Rights in Ireland (2025)

Your Full Guide by Expert Consultants

If you’re a non-EEA family member of an EU citizen residing in Ireland, you may be entitled to live, work, and access public services in the country through EU Residence Rights. These rights are based on Directive 2004/38/EC, which gives EU citizens the freedom to move and reside in other EU countries along with their eligible family members.

At Expert Consultants, we help clients understand, apply for, and renew residence permissions under Residence Rights for EU Nationals . Our team ensures your application is well-prepared and compliant with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) requirements.

This guide explains how Residence Rights for EU Nationals work in Ireland, who qualifies, how to apply for residence cards, and the legal obligations for both EU citizens and their family members.

You can also visit our dedicated page on Visa Refusal Appeals to learn how to challenge visa denials and improve your chances of approval.

01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

Freedom of Movement in the EU are entitlements that allow EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to move to and reside in another EU country for more than 90 days if they are:

  • Employed or self-employed.
  • Enrolled as a student.
  • Economically self-sufficient.
  • A family member of someone who meets the above conditions.

Non-EEA family members of these EU citizens can also reside and work in Ireland by applying for a Residence Card under EU Free Movement Rights.

To qualify, you must be a non-EEA national and a qualifying family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen living in Ireland, excluding Irish nationals (unless they’ve exercised free movement rights in another EU country and returned to Ireland under the Surinder Singh route).
Eligible family members include:

  • Spouse or civil partner.
  • Child (under 21 or dependent).
  • Dependent parent or grandparent.
  • De facto partner (unmarried, proven durable relationship).
  • Other dependent relatives under certain conditions.

The EU citizen must be exercising their Treaty Rights in Ireland, typically through employment, self-employment, study, or financial self-sufficiency.

Non-EEA family members of EU nationals must apply for a Residence Card to live in Ireland legally. This card is issued under EU Directive 2004/38/EC and grants Stamp 4EUFam status, allowing the holder to:

  • Live and work in Ireland without a separate work permit.
  • Access education and health services.
  • Travel freely within the EU (with conditions).
  • Apply for permanent residence after five years.

Residence Cards are valid for five years and can be renewed.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
The EU citizen sponsor must reside in Ireland and be exercising Treaty Rights. The non-EEA family member must have entered Ireland legally and live with the EU citizen.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Essential documentation includes:

  • Valid passports (EU citizen and non-EEA family member).
  • Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  • Evidence of cohabitation (for de facto partners).
  • Proof that the EU citizen is exercising Treaty Rights (payslips, contracts, bank statements).
  • Private medical insurance (if applicable).
  • Recent utility bills, lease agreements, or letters showing shared address.

All non-English documents must be officially translated.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted to the EU Treaty Rights Division of the Irish Immigration Service (ISD) using the appropriate form (Form EUTR1 or EUTR1A).
A temporary Stamp 4 EUFam will usually be granted while the application is being processed.
Step 4: Wait for Decision
Applications typically take 6 to 12 months for a final decision. Temporary residence stamps can be renewed while the application is pending.
At Expert Consultants, we ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays and rejections.

After 5 years of continuous residence under EU Treaty Rights, the non-EEA family member can apply for a Permanent Residence Card using Form EUTR5.
Permanent residence grants greater stability and is not affected if the EU sponsor loses their job or leaves the country (in certain cases).
To qualify, the applicant must:

  • Have lived in Ireland continuously under EU Treaty Rights.
  • Not have spent more than 6 months outside Ireland per year (with exceptions).
  • Continue to reside legally in the State.

Yes. Once issued a Stamp 4 EUFam, you can:

  • Work without an employment permit.
  • Start your own business.
  • Enroll in full-time or part-time education.
  • Access public services based on residence rights.

This is one of the most flexible and beneficial immigration permissions available in Ireland.

UK nationals are no longer considered EU citizens post-Brexit. However, UK-Ireland arrangements (Common Travel Area) still allow certain rights. Non-EEA family members of British citizens may not be eligible for EU Family Residency Rights
but may apply under domestic immigration policies instead.
If you are unsure about your eligibility post-Brexit, Expert Consultants can assess your situation and advise on the appropriate route.

Why Expert Consultants?

Your Pathway to a Successful Work Visa in Ireland

Applying under EU Family Reunification Rights involves multiple documents, legal definitions, and careful compliance with immigration law. At Expert Consultants, we provide:

Eligibility assessments for EU Free Movement Rights

We evaluate your case to confirm eligibility under EU Free Movement Rights provisions.

Full document preparation and review

Comprehensive support in compiling and reviewing all required documentation.

Submission support and application tracking

Guided application submission with regular tracking updates and embassy liaison.

Assistance with renewals and permanent residence

Ongoing support for renewals and transitions to permanent residency status.

Representation for complex cases (e.g., de facto partnerships, family breakdown)

Expert handling of sensitive cases like de facto relationships or family separations.

Our experienced consultants work to ensure your family stays together legally and confidently in Ireland.

Talk to our Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. Irish citizens are not considered EU citizens for the purpose of Treaty Rights in Ireland unless they have exercised their free movement rights in another EU country and return to Ireland under the Surinder Singh route.

Processing time ranges from 6 to 12 months, though a temporary Stamp 4 EUFam is often granted within weeks of a valid application.

Yes, if you receive a temporary Stamp 4 EUFam while waiting for a decision, you can live and work in Ireland legally.

If you have not yet acquired permanent residence, you may lose your right to reside unless special exceptions apply (e.g., relationship breakdown after 3 years, death of sponsor).

Yes. You must register with your local immigration office and receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Yes. Time spent on Stamp 4 EUFam counts toward the residency requirement for Irish citizenship (typically 5 years of lawful residence).

Start Your EU Treaty Rights Application with Expert Support

If you’re a non-EEA family member of an EU citizen living in Ireland, you may be eligible to live and work here legally through Rights of EU Citizens EU Treaty Rights. Don’t risk delays or rejection due to incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Let Expert Consultants, help you build a strong case. Visit to book a consultation and get expert assistance with your EU Residence Rights application.