Moving to Europe With Your Non-EU Partner
If you are a non-EU person married or in a domestic partnership with a European citizen and you wish to move to Europe, there are specific pathways available to facilitate your relocation. The European Union provides guidelines to ensure that families can stay together, regardless of nationality.
What You'll Need
- Proof of Relationship — You may need to provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This can include photographs, joint financial accounts, or testimonials from friends and family.
- Valid Passport — If your non-EU partner is a citizen of a country which requires a visa to enter Europe, be sure the visa is granted before you leave.
- Marriage or Partnership Certificate — Official documentation of your marriage or registered partnership, translated and apostilled if required.
Understanding Rights and Benefits
As the spouse of a European citizen, you will generally enjoy many of the same rights and benefits as your partner. These can include the right to live, work, and access healthcare and education in the country. Familiarise yourself with the specific rights and benefits available in the country you plan to move to.
Key Rights for Non-EU Spouses
- Right to reside in any EU country where your EU spouse lives
- Right to work in the same EU country as your spouse
- Access to healthcare and social services
- Right to equal treatment and non-discrimination
The Application Process
Obtain EU Citizenship
First, the EU citizen in the relationship must have their citizenship fully recognised. This may involve the Jure Sanguinis process for Italian citizenship or the Foreign Births Register for Irish citizenship.
Establish Residency
The EU citizen must establish residency in the EU country where you both plan to live. This triggers the right for your non-EU partner to join you.
Apply for Family Reunification
Your non-EU partner applies for a family reunification visa or residence card as the spouse/partner of an EU citizen. Requirements vary by country.
Receive Residence Card
Once approved, your partner receives a residence card granting them the right to live and work in that EU country, typically valid for 5 years.
Learn More
For detailed information about non-EU family members' rights, visit the official European Union website on family reunification and free movement.