Ireland has a number of different pathways to citizenship, depending on an individual’s circumstances.
Irish Citizenship by Birth
Irish citizenship is automatically granted to those born in Ireland or to an Irish parent. However, if a child is born in Ireland to non-Irish parents, the child may not be an Irish citizen unless the parents have been legally resident in Ireland for a certain period of time.
Irish Citizenship by Descent
Irish citizenship can also be obtained through descent. Those with an Irish grandparent, parent, or spouse may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship.
Irish Citizenship by Naturalization
Individuals who are not Irish citizens by birth or descent can become naturalized Irish citizens if they meet certain requirements.
Process of Applying for Citizenship in Ireland
To apply for Irish citizenship by naturalization, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have lived in Ireland for at least 5 years (this can be reduced to 3 years in some cases)
- Have good character
- Intend to continue to live in Ireland after becoming a citizen
- Have a basic knowledge of the Irish language and of Irish culture
- Have sufficient knowledge of the English language
- Be of good health
Once these requirements are met, an individual can apply for citizenship by filling out an application form and submitting it to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). The application fee for naturalization is €175 for adults and €95 for children.
After submitting an application, an individual will need to attend an appointment to have their biometric data collected. The processing time for a citizenship application is currently around 12 months.
Advantages of Being Granted Citizenship in Ireland
There are many advantages to being an Irish citizen, including:
- The right to live and work in Ireland without a visa
- The right to vote in Irish elections
- Access to the Irish healthcare system
- The ability to travel freely within the European Union
- The ability to obtain an Irish passport, which is one of the most powerful passports in the world in terms of visa-free travel.
Rules Surrounding Dual Citizenship in Ireland
Ireland allows dual citizenship, which means that an individual does not need to renounce their existing citizenship in order to become an Irish citizen.
Reliable Information on Citizenship in Ireland
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) is the official government body responsible for citizenship and immigration matters in Ireland. The INIS website provides comprehensive information on the requirements and process for obtaining Irish citizenship.