Ireland Sets New Income Requirements for Family Sponsorship

Ireland has published updated earnings requirements for residents who wish to sponsor dependent adult relatives, including parents, under its family reunification rules. The financial thresholds for 2026 indicate that a resident sponsoring one dependent adult relative must earn at least €96,929 gross per year.

This amount increases to €130,985 for two adult relatives and €165,042 for three. These thresholds are based on data from the Central Statistics Office regarding unadjusted average earnings for the second quarter of 2025.

It is important to note that meeting the salary requirement alone is not sufficient; applicants must demonstrate a higher level of dependency than in other reunification cases. Sponsors are advised to consult the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy Document before applying.

The rules categorize eligible sponsors into three groups: Category A includes Irish nationals, Category B encompasses holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits and other specific roles, while Category C includes General Employment Permit holders and others not covered by the first two categories.