How to Get Irish Citizenship by Naturalisation

For many people who move to Ireland, the long-term goal is Irish citizenship. Naturalisation is the route open to people who have lived here for a number of years and who are not otherwise entitled to citizenship by birth or descent. The core rules have stayed stable for a long time, though processing times and fees change. This guide explains the main requirements and the steps.

Figures change annually — verify before acting.

At time of writing, the application process is run by the Immigration Service Delivery, part of the Department of Justice. Fees, processing times and forms are updated periodically, so confirm everything on irishimmigration.ie and gov.ie before applying.

The Main Requirements

Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, the standard conditions for naturalisation include:

• Age: you must be at least 18 years old, or be a minor born in Ireland in specific circumstances.
• Good character: you must be of good character, which includes a clean record and compliance with tax and immigration obligations.
• Residence: you must have had a total of five years of reckonable residence in the State during the previous nine years, including one year of continuous residence immediately before the date of application.
• Intention: you must intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation.
• Declaration: you must make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State.

What Counts as Reckonable Residence

Reckonable residence generally means time spent physically in Ireland with permission to be here, such as on an employment permit, a Stamp 4, or as a family member of an Irish or EU citizen. Some periods do not count. Time spent on certain immigration permissions, for example as a student, or while waiting for an asylum decision, may not be reckonable or may be treated differently. Time spent outside Ireland is limited, and long absences can reduce your count or break the continuous year. Check the official guidance on which of your stamps count.

Reduced Residence for Some Applicants

The residence requirement can be reduced for people who are married to or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen, to three years of marriage with a total of three years of residence, and for certain others such as refugees and people of Irish descent or association. These rules have specific conditions, so read the guidance for your category.

The Application Process

1. Check that you meet the residence, character and age requirements and gather your immigration permissions and passport pages.
2. Complete the online application form through the Immigration Service Delivery portal.
3. Provide supporting documents, such as proof of identity, residence evidence, tax records and, where relevant, your Irish Residence Permit.
4. Pay the application fee. The fee has been reasonably modest in the past, with an additional certificate fee payable if the application is approved. Check the current amounts.
5. Wait for the decision. Processing can take many months, and can be longer than a year in busy periods.
6. If approved, attend the citizenship ceremony to make the declaration of fidelity, and then receive your certificate of naturalisation.

After You Become a Citizen

You can apply for an Irish passport using your certificate, and you will have the right to vote in all elections and referendums and to live and work freely in Ireland and the EU. Whether you can keep your original nationality depends on the laws of your home country, because Ireland allows dual citizenship but some countries do not. Check with your home country's embassy before you apply.

Practical Tips

• Keep records of every immigration permission and every period of travel outside Ireland.
• Make sure your tax affairs are in order, including registration with Revenue. Start with our guide to the PPS number if you have not done so.
• Maintain a stable address history, and keep tenancy and utility records in line with our renting guide.
• Avoid paying agents who promise guaranteed results. The application is a form you can complete yourself.
• Use our salary calculator to plan finances, since fees and time off for ceremonies add up.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Refused

Most delays come from incomplete paperwork. Missing documents, expired identification, gaps in proof of residence and inconsistent dates all slow things down. Applications can also be refused where the applicant cannot show that the residence requirement is met, has unresolved tax issues, or has not been truthful in the form. Always answer questions honestly, since a false statement can be more damaging than the underlying issue.

If your application is refused, you may be able to ask for a review or reapply once the problem is resolved. Keep your reference number and all correspondence. Processing times can vary, so avoid making irreversible plans, such as selling a home or booking a ceremony-related trip, until you have a confirmed date.

Frequently Asked Questions