UK citizen, considering getting my Thai wife to Ireland as an option...with a twist

[SteveJames]

Hi guys... I was just wondering if anybody has any information and can answer a few questions

 

I'm currently living in Georgia (Republic) with my Thai wife... but I want to be nearer to my elderly UK parents in future and I was wondering about getting my Thai wife to Ireland. (We married in the UK 6 years ago while on a visitor visa then returned to Thailand, Home Office approved us to get married as long as we left when her visa expired)

 

I also have a friend in Ireland, I would happy to stay there.  My great grand parents were Irish and would like to sight see.

 

I'm not keen on the UK spouse route as its too harsh... so I wondered about getting her to Ireland but don't want to return to Thailand to apply...I see you can apply online(but it says you have to do it from her country of legal residence)...I'm not keen on posting her passport to them from Georgia as our apartment here doesn't have a proper mailbox although there could be some way around that.  Also it asks for police background checks, not sure if thats for her or me, which sounds a PITA .    Article here:    Joining your UK national family member - Immigration Service Delivery

 

That was just my thoughts, any tips appreciated