Contact Us | Sitemap

Seperating Panel Seperating Panel

Know Your Rights >Working In Ireland As A Non-EU/EEA National > Dependant Work Permit Scheme

Dependant Work Permit Scheme

The Dependant Work Permits Scheme is available to spouses and dependants of persons on Green Cards, Working Visas/Authorisations and Work Permit Holders. The Scheme provides that a spouse or dependant of an Employment Permit holder can apply for their own Work Permit.

The spouse or dependent must be legally resident in the State on the basis of being a dependant of the employment permit holder, having a ‘Stamp 3’ in their passport. The Scheme is also available on an exceptional basis, to dependents who have reached the age of 18. These applications will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and can only be considered for dependants who arrived in Ireland while still minors, who have completed their education and wish to take up employment in the State. If a dependant entered the State after they turned 18 they will not be eligible to apply under this scheme.

Please note that this scheme is also open to dependants of persons with Long Term Residency status. Bulgarian and Romanian nationals are not eligible for Spouse Dependant Work Permits

Application Process

  • Either the employee or employer can apply for the Work Permit
  • There is no need to undertake a labour market tes
  • The job can be in any sector and the salary restriction of €30,000 does not apply
  • It can be for a part-time job earning less than €337 weekly
  • There is no fee for this application and the application is fast-tracked
  • The permit will be issued for the period up to the expiry date of the permit of the existing employment permit holder.

Once the Permit has been granted, the spouse or dependant must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 for persons living in the Dublin area or the local immigration officer for persons outside of Dublin, where the person will be given a Stamp 1 in their passport.

Persons on Spousal / Dependant Work Permits can move employer normally after they have been in the job for 12 months or more, provided that a new application for a Spousal / Dependant Permit is made.

If the primary Work Permit holder is made redunda8nt close to the expiry date of both permits, then the spousal Work Permit can be renewed for an additional period of six months to enable the primary Permit holder to secure alternative employment.

In the event of a relationship breakdown, the spouse can apply to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for independent legal status and a Work Permit in their own right.

For more information contact the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Phone: 01 4175333 / LoCall: 1890 201 616 See also DETE website – click here