How to Apply for Citizenship in Ireland?

Explain How to Apply for Citizenship in Ireland.Becoming an Irish citizen through naturalisation involves navigating a structured process. You can apply online via the Online Portal or opt for downloadable paper forms. Our guide covers essential steps and eligibility criteria to assist you in achieving Irish citizenship.

Special circumstances, such as Irish descent, residency in Irish public service abroad, or refugee status, may warrant approval by the Minister for Justice even if standard conditions aren’t fully met. Whether you’re drawn by Irish heritage or other ties, understanding these pathways can streamline your journey towards citizenship.

Overview of Irish Citizenship

If you’re interested in becoming an Irish citizen, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and the different types of applications available. The process of applying for Irish citizenship can vary depending on your personal circumstances, but this section will provide you with a comprehensive overview to help guide you on your journey.

Eligibility Criteria

You may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation if you are living in the State or if you are living on the island of Ireland and married to an Irish citizen. Additionally, you may be eligible if you are of Irish descent or have Irish associations, have been resident abroad in the Irish public service, or have been declared to be a refugee or stateless as defined by law.

Types of Applications

The different types of applications that can be submitted for Irish citizenship include: if one of the minor’s parents has already been naturalised (use Form 9), if the minor is of Irish descent or has Irish associations (use Form 10), or if the minor was born in the State after 1 January 2005, and was not entitled to Irish citizenship at the time of birth, but has since accumulated 3 years’ reckonable residence (use Form 11).

Applications for Adults

To apply for citizenship by naturalisation based on residence, you must prove that you have been legally resident in the Irish State, and have built up enough ‘reckonable residence’ in the State. Applicants will be required to reach a score of 150 points in each of the years proof of residency is required.

Residence Requirements

Use the Irish naturalisation residency calculator to check if you have enough reckonable residence. You must show that you have lived in the State legally for at least 1825 or 1826 days over the last 9 years, including 365 days immediately before the date that you apply.

Naturalisation Residency Calculator

You must also send 3 different documents for each year you claim you were resident here to use as proof of residence. Time gaps between stamps or permissions could mean you were in the State illegally.

Applications for Young Adults (Dependent)

If you’re a young adult who depends on your parents for accommodation and general living expenses, you may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship as a dependant young adult. To qualify, you must meet the eligibility requirements for an adult application and be aged 18-23 when you apply.

Additionally, you must have entered the State legally as part of a family unit, be currently attending secondary school in the State or have gone directly from secondary school into third level education in the State, and remain continuously dependent on your parents.

This pathway for Irish citizenship for foreign nationals provides an excellent opportunity for young adults to establish their status and get Ireland citizenship. By meeting the specific criteria, you can take advantage of this streamlined application process and secure your future in the country.

How to Apply for Citizenship in Ireland?

Applying for Irish citizenship can be a straightforward process, especially with the introduction of the Online Portal. Whether you’re a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss national or a UK, EU/EEA, and Swiss national, the application process varies slightly, but the key requirements remain the same.

To apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation, you must be of full age (18 or over, or if under 18, married), meet the relevant conditions for residence, intend to reside in the State or, if you’re the spouse/civil partner of an Irish citizen, intend to reside on the island of Ireland. You’ll also need to be of good character and attend a citizenship ceremony to make the declaration of fidelity.

Applicants are required to have one year’s continuous residence in the State immediately prior to the date of application. During the 8 years immediately preceding that period, applicants must have a total residence in the State of 4 years.

How Much is the Cost of Applying for Citizenship Online?

The fee for each application for naturalisation is €175. Once the certificate of naturalisation is approved, the fees vary based on the applicant’s category. Applications made on behalf of a minor or by a widow, widower, or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen incur a fee of €200 each.

Refugees, stateless persons, or programme refugees are exempt from paying any fees. For all other applicants, the fee upon approval of the naturalisation certificate is €950. These fees reflect the diverse circumstances under which individuals seek Irish citizenship through naturalisation.

Application Process for Non-EU/EEA Nationals

For non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals, the primary requirement is to prove that you have been legally resident in Ireland for at least 5 years (1825 or 1826 days) out of the last 9 years, including 1 year of continuous residence immediately before the date you apply. This can be done by providing various documents as proof of your legal residency in the country.

Application Process for UK, EU/EEA, and Swiss Nationals

The application process for UK, EU/EEA, and Swiss nationals is slightly different. You must have been a UK, EU/EEA, or Swiss national for more than 5 years. If you do not meet this requirement, you will need to apply as a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss national, following the same criteria as outlined above.

Regardless of your nationality, the online application process makes it easier than ever to apply for Irish citizenship. By providing the necessary documentation and meeting the residency requirements, you can take the first steps towards becoming an Irish citizen.

Applications Based on Marriage or Civil Partnership

If you have married an Irish citizen or entered into a civil partnership with an Irish national, you may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship by marriage or Irish citizenship by investment. This is a popular route for many individuals seeking to acquire Irish citizenship, as it offers a streamlined application process compared to other pathways.

Legal Residence Requirements

To apply for citizenship based on your marriage or civil partnership to an Irish citizen, you must have been legally resident on the island of Ireland for at least 3 years out of the last 5 years, including 1 year of continuous residence immediately before the date you apply.

This means you need to demonstrate that you have been living in Ireland, either in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, for a significant period of time prior to submitting your application.

In addition to the residency requirements, you must have been married to, or in a civil partnership with, your Irish spouse or partner for at least 3 years. During this time, you and your spouse or partner must have been living together in an ongoing marriage or civil partnership.

Furthermore, you must be of full age, meaning 18 years or older, when you submit your application for Irish citizenship.

By meeting these criteria, you can demonstrate your strong ties to Ireland and your commitment to becoming a part of the Irish community. The Irish government recognises the importance of family unity and the valuable contributions that spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens can make to the country, which is why this pathway to citizenship is available.

Applications for Minors (Children)

When it comes to applying for irish citizenship by descent or irish citizenship for foreign nationals, the process differs for minors, or children under the age of 18 who are not yet married. The Irish citizenship application procedure for minors includes several unique considerations and requirements.

Types of Applications for Minors

The different types of applications that can be submitted for minors include:

• If one of the minor’s parents has already been naturalised, the minor can use Form 9.
• If the minor is of irish citizenship by descent or has Irish associations, they can use Form 10.
• If the minor was born in the State after 1 January 2005, was not entitled to Irish citizenship at the time of birth, but has since accumulated 3 years’ reckonable residence, they can use Form 11.

Additional Requirements for Minors

In addition to the standard requirements for Irish citizenship applications, there are some additional considerations for minors:

Non EU/EEA and non-Swiss children aged 16 or over must register with the GNIB Local Regional Registration Office (outside Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow) or the ISD Burgh Quay Immigration Registration Office (in Dublin, Kildare, Meath or Wicklow) and keep their registration up-to-date.

This ensures the minor’s irish citizenship for foreign nationals application is processed efficiently.

Conclusion

After approval, you’ll attend a citizenship ceremony to declare fidelity to Ireland. This declaration is essential for becoming an Irish citizen. The process duration varies, as the Minister for Justice decides applications with discretion.

Requirements depend on residency and family ties to Ireland. Costs can fluctuate, so check the official government site for current details or consult an immigration expert for comprehensive guidance on requirements and expenses.