The Department of Justice has rewritten its Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, raising the minimum earnings a resident sponsor must show from a flat €30,000 to the national median gross salary—currently €44,300. The change takes immediate effect and scales further for households with multiple dependants: a parent with three children now needs proof of about €64,200 gross income.
Officials say the higher bar protects public finances and promotes economic self-sufficiency. Business group Ibec broadly supports the rationale but warns that middle-income transferees in ICT and financial services—whose pay often includes variable bonuses—could struggle to meet the threshold. Employers may need to convert discretionary bonuses into guaranteed salary or provide allowances to bridge gaps.
![Income bar for Irish family reunification leaps to €44,300, squeezing mid-tier assignees]()
Applicants must also demonstrate “suitable accommodation” when submitting visa files, a move expected to intensify demand for family-sized rentals in Dublin’s pinch-point property market. Industry relocation specialists predict longer lead-times and higher assignment costs as HR teams secure leases before Dependants apply.
The Department will index the earnings test annually to Central Statistics Office data, so mobility managers should build escalation clauses into policy budgets. Application fees for reunification visas are also due in 2026, signalling further cost inflation.
Officials say the higher bar protects public finances and promotes economic self-sufficiency. Business group Ibec broadly supports the rationale but warns that middle-income transferees in ICT and financial services—whose pay often includes variable bonuses—could struggle to meet the threshold. Employers may need to convert discretionary bonuses into guaranteed salary or provide allowances to bridge gaps.
Applicants must also demonstrate “suitable accommodation” when submitting visa files, a move expected to intensify demand for family-sized rentals in Dublin’s pinch-point property market. Industry relocation specialists predict longer lead-times and higher assignment costs as HR teams secure leases before Dependants apply.
The Department will index the earnings test annually to Central Statistics Office data, so mobility managers should build escalation clauses into policy budgets. Application fees for reunification visas are also due in 2026, signalling further cost inflation.
