New Family Reunification Rules in Ireland – What Every Migrant Family Must Know (2025–2026 Update)
Ireland has announced major changes to its family reunification rules, and these updates will impact thousands of migrant families living and working in the country. The new policy introduces stricter income thresholds, reduced dependent eligibility, and new application requirements that families need to prepare for immediately.
Below is a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of all the changes.
1. The 12-Month Waiting Period Remains
Anyone applying for family reunification must still complete a mandatory 12-month waiting period after receiving their residence permission.
This rule continues unchanged.
2. Current Salary Threshold to Bring a Spouse/Partner
The Government has confirmed that the existing salary requirement remains:
- €30,000 gross yearly income to sponsor a spouse or partner.
This applies specifically to general employment permit holders and many other migrant workers.
3. The Biggest Change: Extremely High Income Required for Children (From 2026)
The most impactful change in the new policy is related to children.
From 2026, income thresholds for bringing children to Ireland will be linked to the Working Family Payment (WFP) levels. Since WFP increases every year, parents will now need much higher incomes to qualify.
Estimated 2026 Required Gross Income to Bring Children
| Family Size | Required Gross Income (Estimated 2026) |
|---|---|
| To bring 1 child | €50,200 |
| To bring 2 children | €60,200 |
| To bring 3 children | €69,500 |
| To bring 4 children | €77,100 |
| To bring 5 children | €85,800 |
These figures show dramatic increases compared to previous years.
4. Only ONE Sponsor’s Income Will Be Counted
A major challenge in the new rules is:
Even if both parents work, only ONE person’s income will be assessed.
This means:
- Combined household income will NOT be accepted.
- Even if two parents earn €30,000 each, the system will count only one individual salary.
For many families, this makes meeting the new thresholds extremely difficult.
5. Reduced Dependent Eligibility (Children 18–23 No Longer Allowed)
Another strict change:
✔️ Only children under 18 will qualify as dependents
❌ Young adults aged 18 to 23 will no longer be eligible for family reunification
This will affect thousands of migrant students and families who previously depended on this age range.
6. New Fees and Accommodation Requirements
The Government has confirmed that more rules will follow, including:
New Changes Coming Soon
- Application fees for family reunification (previously free)
- New accommodation standards, meaning sponsors must prove they have appropriate housing before family members are allowed to join them
More details will be published by the government later, but families should expect additional costs and stricter housing checks.
What These Changes Mean for Migrant Families
These reforms show Ireland is moving toward a more restrictive and financially demanding immigration system. The new rules make it significantly harder for average or low-income workers to bring their families, especially children.
The biggest impacts include:
- High earners will be the only ones able to sponsor children
- Many families may face long separations
- Workers earning below €50,000 will struggle to bring even one child
- Young adults aged 18–23 will lose eligibility
- New costs (fees + housing requirements) will increase financial pressure
Conclusion
Ireland’s new family reunification rules will bring major challenges for migrant workers and their families. Understanding the updated income thresholds, dependent rules, and application requirements is essential for anyone planning to bring a spouse or children to Ireland.
If you need help understanding your eligibility or preparing documents, Expert Consultants can guide you through every step.
