Important update for anyone returning to Ireland with a non-EU/EEA family.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy, has today announced that as part of new immigration reforms:
‘The financial thresholds for Irish citizens applying to be joined by spouses and children are also increasing from today. A sponsor must now show a gross income over 3 years of €75,000 (€25,000 per year) an increase from €40,000 (€13,333 per year). Other financial thresholds will increase in line with indexation’.
This means that if you are living abroad with your de facto partner or spouse who is a non-EEA citizen, you as the Irish citizen sponsor must now have a gross income [pre-tax] of at least €75,000 over the last three years (approximately €25,000 per year over three years) if you want to return to Ireland with them.
We understand that these changes will take effect from today (12 June). You can read the full announcement here: Minister Jim O’Callaghan welcomes commencement of the International Protection Act 2026. Further details can be found in the 2026 Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification.
It is disappointing to see yet another measure that will make it harder for Irish citizens abroad to come home to Ireland. This change will most impact Irish citizen who are carers, stay at home parents, people in receipt of disability benefits, and others with a low income. We believe that this is in contradiction with the commitment in current Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy to reduce administrative barriers for people seeking to return to Ireland.
Contact us if you are affected by this change, as we may be able to provide information on other avenues to explore depending on personal circumstances.
