New Rules Exposed: UK Nationals and Relatives in Ireland
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UK Nationals
Nothing will change for UK nationals living in Ireland after the Brexit. The Common Travel Area still protects UK nationals. So those living in Ireland will continue to travel freely, live, work and access education, healthcare and social services. UK nationals do not require any documentation under the Withdrawal Agreement to continue their lives in Ireland after Brexit.
Non-EEA family members of UK nationals living in Ireland
Separate arrangements are being put in place for non-EEA family members and/or dependants of UK nationals. Those may exercise EU Treaty Rights under the EU Free Movement Directive. They hold a valid Irish Resident Permit on that basis, known as ‘EUFAM’.
As a family member of a UK national, you will hold the same residence rights in Ireland. You can continue to live, work or study in Ireland. You will simply be required to exchange your current valid Irish Resident Permit (IRP) Card for a new one. This card exchange programme will apply from New Year’s Eve and will be administered by the Immigration Service of the Department of Justice for applications nationwide. Applications will be made through the online renewal system.
When making your online application as a non-EEA family member of a UK national:
- Firstly, you will be asked to confirm that you have been exercising EU Treaty Rights to reside in the State on or before Brexit and continue to do so.
- Secondly, you will be asked to submit your current valid Irish Residence Permit card and you will be issued a new one.
- Thirdly, you will have until New Year’s Eve to apply.
- Finally, the Department of Justice will continue to process applications received before the end of the transition period (Brexit) from non-EEA family members of UK nationals resident in Ireland. These applications will continue to be processed even if a decision is not made until after Brexit.
UK Nationals coming to live in Ireland after Brexit and their Non-EEA family members
There will be no change for UK nationals who wish to live in Ireland after Brexit. Their rights under the Common Travel Area will continue to be protected.
A new scheme will be introduced for UK nationals who come to Ireland after Brexit and wish to bring their non-EEA family members.
