Citizenship in Ireland

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Once you’ve lived in Ireland legally for at least five years, you may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship, which gives you the status of an Irish national and a citizen of the European Union. This article covers everything you need to know if you’re thinking about becoming an Irish citizen.

Benefits of Irish citizenship

Your Irish citizenship makes you a national of Ireland and a citizen of the European Union. This status gives you several rights and privileges, such as the right to get an Irish passport, the right to live and work in Ireland and the EU, and the right to consular assistance abroad. Irish citizens can also vote in general elections, constitutional referendums, and presidential elections, as well as stand for election in Ireland and the European Union. As an Irish citizen, you also have the right to serve on a jury and receive diplomatic support abroad from an Irish or EU embassy.

If you aspire to be able to work anywhere in Europe, citizenship is probably the best path to it. With an Irish passport, you’ll be able to work in Lisbon or Paris without any paperwork. Actually, in Dublin, many service workers are from Spain—and they don’t have to go around requesting special permits. They just apply for the job and rack up their pay cheques.

Is it possible to live comfortably in Ireland without Irish citizenship?

Yes. While Irish citizenship offers benefits like voting rights and unrestricted travel and work within the EU, it’s not necessary to live comfortably in Ireland. Non-citizens can make it in Ireland with the right permits. For non-EU nationals, various work permits are available, such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which targets professionals with specific skills in high-demand areas such as information technology, engineering, and healthcare. Additionally, non-citizens can apply for permanent residence after a certain period of legal residency, which provides long-term stability and similar rights to those of Irish citizens.

Does Ireland allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Ireland allows dual citizenship, which means you can hold Irish citizenship alongside citizenship of another country. This lets you enjoy the benefits of Irish citizenship and still keep the rights and privileges of your original nationality. However, be sure to check the laws of your country of origin, as some countries do not allow dual citizenship. If you become a dual citizen, you can apply to have your non-Irish passport stamped with a "Without Condition Endorsement" (Stamp 6), which indicates your right to live in Ireland without time restrictions.

How to get Irish citizenship

There are different pathways to getting Irish citizenship: by birth, descent, marriage or civil partnership, and naturalisation.

Birth

If you were born in Ireland to at least one Irish parent, you are automatically an Irish citizen. If you were born after 1 January 2005 to non-Irish parents, citizenship depends on your parents’ residence status at the time of your birth.

Descent

If you were born outside Ireland but have an Irish parent or grandparent, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship. You will need to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register.

Marriage or civil partnership

You can apply for citizenship if you are married to or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen for at least three years and have lived in Ireland for three out of the last five years.

Naturalisation

This is, obviously, the path for expats who want to become Irish citizens and thus get the European passport. You must have legally lived in Ireland for at least five years, including one continuous year immediately before your application. Refugees can apply for naturalisation after three years of residence.

Each of these pathways has specific documentation requirements. For naturalisation, you must prove your identity, demonstrate legal residence, and show your intent to continue living in Ireland after gaining citizenship.

What documents are required?

When applying for Irish citizenship, you need to provide several documents to prove your identity, legal residence, and eligibility. These documents include a passport, birth certificate, and any other relevant identification documents. You must also submit proof of residence, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements, to demonstrate your continuous residence in Ireland.

Additionally, a residency scorecard is required to show that you meet the required residency conditions, including the calculation of reckonable residence based on immigration permission stamps—you must accumulate a score of 150 points for each year of residency claimed. If you are applying based on marriage or civil partnership, a statutory declaration signed in the presence of a practising solicitor or other authorised official is necessary. Make sure all documents are certified true copies.

How to apply for Irish citizenship

Applying for Irish citizenship is simple and can be done online. You start by completing the online application. Next, you must upload certified copies of all required identity and residence documents. The application fee for naturalisation is €175, which you must pay online before your application is accepted. Most applications are processed within 19 months. You’ll get an application number and may be asked to provide additional documentation or clarification if necessary. If your application is approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony, where you will make a declaration of fidelity to Ireland and receive your certificate of naturalisation.

Can your family members get Irish citizenship?

Yes, your family members can apply for Irish citizenship under certain conditions. If you are an Irish citizen, your spouse or civil partner can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage or civil partnership, as long as they meet the residency requirements. Parents can apply on behalf of their children if they meet specific criteria, such as being born in Ireland after 1 January 2005 but not entitled to citizenship by birth. Each family member must submit their application individually and meet the relevant criteria for citizenship.

What are Irish citizenship fees?

The application fee for naturalisation is €175 for each application. If your application is successful, you’ll need to pay a certification fee, which is €950 for adults and €200 for minors, widows, or surviving civil partners of Irish citizens. Recognised refugees or stateless persons are exempt from the certification fee. These fees must be paid before receiving your certificate of naturalisation.

Source: Citizens Information

What if your application is rejected?

If your application for Irish citizenship is rejected, you will be told of the reason for the decision. The Minister for Justice has total discretion in granting citizenship, and the decision is final. That said, you can reapply if you choose to. Just make sure you address any issues that led to the rejection.

Common reasons for rejection include not meeting the residency score requirements, incomplete application forms, or poor-quality supporting documentation. To avoid rejection, check that all documents are certified as required.

Talk to an immigration expert

If you want to live and work in Ireland and eventually become an Irish citizen, getting a job with relocation to Ireland could be the best start. If you are looking to explore Ireland's culture and heritage or simply seeking new opportunities, our network of immigration consultants can guide you through the process of becoming an Irish citizen. Reach out today and begin your path to Irish citizenship.

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