Stamp 4 Irish De Facto Partner Application
Overview
An Irish de facto partner application allows an eligible non-EEA national to request residence permission based on a genuine and continuing relationship with an Irish citizen.
The relationship must resemble a marriage or civil partnership in practice, although the couple is not legally married or in a civil partnership. Both partners must demonstrate a mutual commitment to a shared life, normally supported by evidence of at least two years of cohabitation.
The in-country application process is available only to eligible applicants who are legally resident in Ireland with current immigration permission. Applicants outside Ireland generally require de facto partner preclearance or a Long Stay ‘D’ visa before travelling.
MWeds assesses whether the applicant is using the correct route, provides tailored document instructions, reviews the relationship and financial evidence and assists with submitting the application through the ISD online portal.
| Sponsor | Irish citizen |
| Relationship | Genuine, durable and exclusive de facto partnership |
| Cohabitation evidence | Normally at least two years before applying |
| Application route | Depends on the applicant’s location and current status |
| Permission if granted | Normally Stamp 4, subject to the decision letter |
| MWeds consultancy fee | €500 (incl. VAT) |
What Is a De Facto Relationship?
For this immigration route, a de facto partnership must be comparable to a committed marriage or civil partnership. Evidence is assessed across the relationship as a whole.
- A mutual commitment to a shared life, exclusive of all others.
- A genuine and continuing relationship that is not temporary or entered into for immigration convenience.
- Evidence of living together for at least two years before the application.
- The partners must not be related to one another within a prohibited family relationship.
Who Can Apply and Key Conditions
- The applicant is a non-EEA national in a durable relationship with an Irish citizen.
- The couple intends to live together on a permanent basis in Ireland and can document the history and continuity of the relationship.
- The applicant and sponsor must meet the current financial, accommodation, character and immigration requirements that apply to their route.
- The applicant’s visa, preclearance or in-State permission position must be assessed before choosing the application route.
- Previous sponsorships or family-reunification permissions can trigger restrictions or cooling-off periods under the current policy.
A non-EEA de facto partner of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who is not Irish should review the separate EUTR1A application service.
Route Must Be Confirmed
This is not one universal in-State application. An applicant outside Ireland may need visa or preclearance steps, while a person already in Ireland must have their current immigration position assessed. Holding a valid IRP does not by itself guarantee eligibility to change to Stamp 4.
MWeds Application Process
- After the consultancy begins, MWeds sends a questionnaire to understand the couple’s circumstances.
- MWeds provides a tailored document list and instructions for preparing relationship, residence, financial and sponsor evidence.
- Documents are supplied through the shared digital folder used for the consultancy.
- MWeds reviews the documentation and identifies missing evidence or required improvements.
- When the case is ready, MWeds prepares the appropriate application and confirms the submission steps.
- The consultancy covers the initial application until a final decision. An appeal or review after refusal is a separate service.
Fees and Government Charges
| Fee type | Current page information |
|---|---|
| MWeds consultancy fee | €500 (incl. VAT) |
| Government application fee | No separate application fee is listed in the MWeds brochure; the official route must be checked before submission. |
| IRP registration or renewal fee | Most registrations cost €300. An exemption applies only where the applicant meets the official exemption criteria. |
The February 2026 brochure stated that the IRP was free. That should not be treated as a general exemption for an unmarried partner of an Irish citizen. The applicable registration charge must be checked against the applicant’s permission basis when approval is issued.
Important Information
Immigration rules, financial and accommodation thresholds, required evidence, government fees, processing times, permission conditions and application routes can change. This page provides general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration Service Delivery makes the final decision in every case. MWeds confirms the current route and case-specific requirements before submission.
Start Your De Facto Partner Application
1
Click “Start Now” and review the Terms and Conditions.
2
Complete the payment and registration form.
3
Our team reviews the information and contacts you with the next steps.
Consultancy Fee
Stamp 4 Irish De Facto Partner
€500
(incl. VAT)
Access the Service
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