EU Family Member Residence Permit
The European Communities Free Movement of Persons Regulations 2015 provide rights to EU citizens with respect to free movement and residence rights within the EU member state countries.
Family members of EU citizens who are non-EEA citizens can also qualify for residence rights. Such a right is a privilege and does not operate on an automatic basis.
If you have any questions, we will be happy to help.
Family members, who may be non-EEA nationals, can qualify for free movement / residence permissions.
Family members of EU citizens fall into separate categories, such as qualifying or permitted family members.
Qualifying family members examples are :
- spouse / civil partner
- direct descendant of the union citizen or the EU citizens spouse / civil partner and whose under 21 or dependant on the union citizen
- dependant relative of the EU citizen or his/her spouse/civil partner
A permitted family member must apply to be recognised as a family member which is different to an automatic qualifying family member.
The family member of the EU citizen will likely not get a stamp on their passport from the immigration officer.
Immigration Lawyer
If you have questions about Eu Treaty Rights, you can speak with an immigration lawyer on (01) 546 1121 or (052) 612 1999.
Permission to Enter into the State
An EU citizen with identification is permitted to enter the state, unless the person suffers from a disease outlined in schedule 1 of the regulations, or who represents a danger to public security has permission to enter the state.
Residence in the State
EU citizens have a right of residence for up to 3 months initially and then longer this if the person is employed or self-employed, has sufficient resources, or is enrolled in an educational institution by way of example.
Family Member Residence Card
A family member who isn’t a national of a member state can apply for a residence card and should do so within 3 months of the relevant date.
Residence cards can be revoked by the Minister.
If a person receives notification of revocation which will be in writing they have the opportunity to make representations if they are contesting it.
Right of Residence in the event of Divorce
If a divorce takes place, a family member who is a national of the EU will retain the right of residence.
If a non-member state family member keeps their right of residence after divorce is decided on a case by case basis. A number of conditions have to be met and the minister satisfied the marriage lasted 3 years and then there is the issue of residence being warranted considering important considerations such as custody / access.
Permanent Residence Certificate
An EU citizen who has lived in the state for 5 years can seek a certificate of permanent residence.
A family member who is not an EU citizen can apply for permanent residence by applying to the Minister for a permanent residence card.
If you are making an application for permanent residence you will likely need the following detail, for example :
- Name / address/ date and place of birth
- Nationality and passport of applicant
- Duration of residence information
- Occupation / duration of employment
- PPSN
- Immigration reference number
- Photograph
- Declaration of any criminal record
- Documentary evidence regarding employment or educational enrolment and that you have sufficient resources
If you wish to contact an immigration solicitor with queries about employment permits you can contact us on 052 61 21999 or 01 546 1121.
Disclaimer
Please be advised that the above-mentioned material is intended as an overview and as a broad out-line of the topic discussed. It should not be considered as complete and comprehensive legal advice, nor act as an appropriate substitute.
Due care has been taken in the publication of this article and we do not accept legal liability as a result of reliance on any material covered in the above article.
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