Naturalisation

Become an Irish citizen by naturalisation.

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. You may also be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship if you are of Irish descent or have a refugee status in Ireland. Naturalisation has been consistently referred to by the Courts as a privilege and not a right. Naturalisation is granted by the Minister for Justice in her “absolute discretion”.

If you are applying as an adult, following criteria applies:

• You are of full age (aged 18 or over, or if aged under 18 you are married)
• You meet the relevant conditions for residence
• You intend to reside in the State or if you are spouse/civil partner of an Irish citizen intend to reside on the island of Ireland
• You are of good character
• You will attend a citizenship ceremony and make the declaration of fidelity.

According to INIS the reckonable residence period is therefore “1825 or 1826 days of reckonable residence based on … accumulated permission stamps”. Furthermore, the reckonable residence period for spouse or civil partners of Irish national is “1095 or 1096 days of reckonable residence based on … accumulated permission stamps”.

Application for Irish citizenship can be a complex process for people who are not familiar with it. At Leap Liberty Legal Ltd. we provide hassle free service where we take care of your application from the very beginning. Contact us for more information and book a consultation.