Obtaining Irish citizenship can be a long process, and with new changes introduced in 2024, it can be challenging to stay updated on the most efficient way to become an Irish citizen.
We’re going to outline the key changes to Irish citizenship 2024 to ensure you are well prepared to begin the application process. An even better way to prepare would be to seek out an Irish immigration lawyer who can support you every step of the way with your Irish citizenship application.Â
Overview of Irish Citizenship 2024
To obtain Irish citizenship in 2024, applicants must have spent a certain amount of time in Ireland (known as reckonable residence). They can then apply for naturalisation, which means gaining the same immigration status and rights as an Irish citizen.
Another option is to apply for citizenship via Irish parentage, associations, or marriage to an Irish citizen (this requires the applicant to be legally residing in Ireland).
Once Irish citizenship has been approved, the applicant is free to apply for an Irish passport, and has full unrestricted access to State freedoms, just like any Irish-born individual.
Irish Citizenship Requirements
The reckonable residence period is 5 years, meaning Irish citizenship applicants must have lived in Ireland for at least 5 years before filing their application. They must also be able to prove they have spent one year of continuous residence in Ireland immediately before the application date.
Not all time spent in Ireland will necessarily count towards the 5-year rule. Each applicant must check that they are eligible based on the type of visa they currently hold.
The only exceptions to the 5-year rule are spouses of Irish citizens and refugees, as both groups are eligible for citizenship after three years of reckonable residence.
As well as valid reckonable residence, applicants must prove that they:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Can demonstrate good character (this includes not having a criminal record and not having a history of breaching stamp, visa or permit conditions)
- Will make a declaration of loyalty to Ireland, declaring their commitment to respect and observe the rule of law in the State and its democratic values in the official citizenship ceremony
A set of documents must also be provided, and these are:
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Certified copy of current in-date Irish Residence Permit/Gardia National Immigration Bureau Card
- Valid passport with a copy of the biometric page
- Two recent colour passport-sized photographs (date and signature must be on the back of each photograph)
- Copies of bank statements for all bank accounts for at least three of the past six months
- Certified copy of marriage/civil partnership certificate
- Copy of completed online residency checker
- Letter from current employer showing the start date of employment
- Copy of permission to remain letters issued by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
- Copies of three payslips from within the last six months and a P60 (or tax statement from the Revenue Commissioners for each year of residence)
Irish Citizenship Application Form 2024
The online Irish citizenship application form 2024 must be submitted to the relevant application office, along with the supporting documents.Â
There is a non-refundable fee of €175 to apply for Irish citizenship. Successful applicants will also have to pay for their official Certificate of Naturalisation, which costs €950 for adults and €200 for minors or widows/widowers/surviving civil partners of Irish citizens. Recognised refugees or individuals deemed ‘stateless’ do not have to pay the fee.
Individuals whose applications are approved will be asked to attend a citizenship ceremony to mark the start of their journey as an Irish citizen. Immigration lawyers can help prepare their clients for these ceremonies, detailing the events that will occur and the administration required prior to the event.
What are the 2024 Changes in Irish Immigration Law for Citizenship?
In 2024, the Irish citizenship process has been modernised through an online immigration self-service portal that applicants can use to manage their citizenship application.
Through the portal, candidates can schedule registration appointments to kickstart the process of obtaining Irish citizenship, as well as rearranging existing appointments. This gives candidates greater control over their citizenship journey.
There is now also a scorecard system that measures an applicant’s suitability for naturalisation. A minimum score of 150 is needed in both identification and residency to qualify for Irish citizenship.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Irish Citizen in 2024?
The majority of Irish citizenship applications are processed within 19 months.Â
However, applicants should allocate more time to the application process, given that the 19-month period does not include research, gathering documents, and all other preparations that must be made before the application is submitted.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help
Immigration law is changing every year, and the best way to ensure you are updated on the Irish citizenship rules is to meet with an immigration lawyer. They will help you to submit an application that is highly accurate and reflects any new changes to legislation.
Immigration lawyers can also support you through the application process, ensuring you submit the right forms at the right time, and that you understand what is being asked of you in every stage of the process.Â
Conclusion
Despite the changes to Irish citizenship in 2024, applying for naturalisation can be a smooth process if you work with a qualified immigration solicitor.Â
No matter which country you are applying from, if you go into the process with an optimistic mindset and knowledge passed on from an immigration expert, you are in the best position to successfully gain Irish citizenship.
