Hi All,

I want to apply for an EEA visa or family permit to take my female Thai partner to Ireland as it was suggested it was my route to take by an Immigration officer the last time we entered Ireland on a tourist Visa.

However the consulate in Bangkok and the Embassy in K.L seem to know nothing I have been led to believe by armchair visa experts that a recent E.U. law has been passed giving same sex and gay partners the same rights as married hetrosexuals as long as they can prove the relationship has been permanent for more than 3 years. This rule under E.U, law allso applies to non married couples other wise it would discriminate against them WOW. HELP

My circumstances are Thai girlfriend 3 plus years we have property both in Ireland and Thailand she has had visa during the past 3 years for U.K. Ireland and Schevgen. I am a British citizen and my partner and I have recently had baby boy born in Ireland with an Irish passport

What a set of circumstances they are!! Any advice?

Mike.

Family Member of EU Citizen:

Partner

If you are the partner of an EU Citizen, in a long-term relationship that has existed for at least 2 years, and you are lawfully resident in an EU State, the following documents are required:

* Application Form

* Passport

* Valid Residence Card

* Documentary evidence that will support the existence and durability of the relationship – e.g. Registration Certificate of partnership (if applicable) or evidence of common ownership of property, joint tenancy of property, on-going correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address, financial dependence/interdependence, or any other relevant documentation.

NOTE: The onus is on the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer of the bona-fides of the partnership.

.......

Family Member of EU Citizen

(Not Resident in an EU State)

Family Member of an EEA or Swiss Citizen

If you are the family member of an EU citizen, and you are not lawfully resident in an EU State, or you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, wishing to move to Ireland, with or to join the EU citizen, the following documentation is required:

* Application Form

* Passport

* Clear copy of passport of EU Citizen (to confirm the basis of right of residency in third country)

* Marriage Certificate (where applicable)

* Birth Certificate in the case of children under 21 years

* Where applicant (other than spouse or child) is dependent on the EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen, evidence of such dependency

Visits

If family members (who are not lawfully resident in another EU State) wish to accompany an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen on a visit to Ireland, or visit their EU/EEA/Swiss family member who is residing in Ireland, all the documentation listed above should be submitted, plus:

* Evidence that you are accompanying the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen to Ireland – e.g. return airline/ferry tickets in both names

Or

* Evidence that the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen is already residing in Ireland

Edited February 13, 200818 yr by vinny

Mike,

The facility does exist for an unmarried partner to benefit under European legislation, but only so far as unmarried partnerships are recognised in national law. The UK recognises unmarried partnerships, but many of the Catholic countries don't.

I've a sneaking suspicion that Ireland does not recognise unmarried partnerships and, as such, are not bound by the European legislation in this regard.

Scouse.

See also Residence rights of family members:

Other family members who do not have an absolute right may be able to move to Ireland. The Directive requires member states to facilitate the entry and residence of:

* Family members who are dependants or members of the household of the EU citizen or where serious health grounds strictly require the personal care of the family member by the EU citizen and

* A partner with whom the EU citizen has a durable relationship. The Irish authorities consider applications for residence cards from partners of EU nationals who can establish that the relationship has existed for at least 2 years.

However, see also megmog's post, about the possible requirement for previous residence in another EU member state.