A dependent spouse is a husband or wife who is actually and substantially dependent on the other spouse for maintenance or is substantially in need of support from the other spouse.

Once the dependant of a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder has been offered an eligible job, they can then apply for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit. When an employment permit has been granted, the foreign national applies to ISD to have their immigration status changed to a Stamp 1 permission. 

Your family’s right to work depends on the type of employment permit you have. If you are holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP), researchers on a Hosting Agreement and doctors with Stamp 1H. Your spouse or partner can get a Stamp 1G IRP when they register. This gives them the right to work without an employment permit.

Other dependents can apply for a Dependant/Spouse/Partner Employment Permit. This employment permit makes it easier for dependents to access employment because:

• Employers do not have to satisfy the labour market needs test

• The dependant can apply for any job vacancy except that of a domestic operative

• Applications and renewals are free of charge

• Pay must be at or above the National Minimum Wage

If your spouse or civil partner is given permission to live with you in Ireland, they will get Stamp 4 in their passport. Stamp 4 allows them to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.

Your spouse or civil partner will also be issued with a registration certificate called an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This is a credit-card sized plastic card that displays basic information about the card holder.

Spouse/partners on temporary Dependent Visas are allowed limited work rights based on their visa validity in most countries, except the US. Dependents granted Permanent Residence Visas have the right to live, study and work for as long as they remain permanent residents.

If you have an employment permit (other than a Critical Skills Employment Permit) or a Stamp 4, then your family can apply to join you in Ireland after 12 months. 

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You should have enough income to support your family. If your spouse or partner wants to join you in Ireland, you should have earned at least €30,000 per year in the 2 years before the application.

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For children, the amount you should earn is based on the weekly Working Family Payment income limits for your family size.