EU/EEA/Swiss person of sufficient resources

Freedom of movement in Ireland applies to anyone from the European Union (EU) , which is made up of 27 countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 548 of 2015) . This legislation puts Directive 2004/38/EC in motion.

(ii) has sufficient resources for himself or herself and his or her family members not to become an unreasonable burden on the social assistance system of the State, and has comprehensive sickness insurance in respect of himself or herself and his or her family members,

11. (1) A person residing in the State under Regulation 6, 9 or 10 shall be entitled to continue to reside in the State for as long as he or she satisfies the relevant provision of the regulation concerned and does not become an unreasonable burden on the social assistance system of the State.

In general, citizens of countries in the single market do not need a visa or other special permission to come to or stay in Ireland.

4. (1) A Union citizen who is in possession of a valid national identity card or passport as evidence of his or her nationality and identity may not be refused permission to enter the State unless he or she— ( a ) is suffering from a disease specified in Schedule 1, or ( b ) represents a danger for public policy or public security by reason of the fact that his or her personal conduct represents a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society.

14. (1) A Union citizen who, by virtue of these Regulations, is entitled to remain permanently in the State may apply to the Minister for a permanent residence certificate.

It means EU citizens and their family members may visit, enter or live in another EU country if they meet certain legal conditions. It also means being treated the same as citizens of that country in terms of: Access to employment, working conditions and taxation Access to training and trade unions Access to housing Access to education for yourself and your children.

Qualifying family members may be: The spouse or civil partner of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen Direct descendants of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen or direct descendants of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s spouse or civil partner. These include children or grandchildren up to 21 years of age Dependent direct descendants of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen or dependent direct descendants of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen’s spouse or civil partner. These include children or grandchildren aged 21 years or more Dependent direct relatives in the ascending line of the EU, EEA or Swiss citizen or the EU, EEA, Swiss Citizen’s spouse or civil partner.

a Union citizen who has resided in the State in conformity with these Regulations for a continuous period of 5 years

(5) For the purposes of these Regulations, continuity of residence in the State shall not be affected by— ( a ) temporary absences not exceeding 6 months in a 12 month period, ( b ) absences of a longer duration for compulsory military service, ( c ) one absence of a maximum of 12 consecutive months for important reasons such as pregnancy and childbirth, serious illness, study or vocational training, or a posting in a Member State or a third country.

(6) Without prejudice to Regulations 20 to 23, where a person has acquired the right to remain permanently in the State pursuant to these Regulations, that right shall cease to exist only where the person concerned has been absent from the State for a period exceeding 2 consecutive years.