Citizenship / Naturalization in Ireland

Citizenship by Naturalisation

Naturalisation for non-EEA nationals after 5 years of reckonable residence (or 3 years for spouses/civil partners of Irish citizens). Processed via an online portal with a points-based scorecard.

Processing time

The vast majority of applicants receive a decision within one year. Processing times have improved significantly: from 15 months in 2023 to approximately 8 months in 2024. No fixed guarantee is published; some complex applications take longer. ISD processes all applications on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

Validity

Permanent (citizenship)

Language requirement

None (no language test for Irish naturalisation)

Permanent residence

Citizens hold full residence rights

Citizenship

General adult: 5 years out of the last 9 (1 year continuous immediately before applying plus 4 years in the prior 8). Spouse of Irish citizen: 3 of last 5 years plus 3 years married. Refugees/stateless: 5 years (applications received before 8 December 2025 processed under the previous 3-year rule)

Requirements

• General adult: 1 year continuous reckonable residence immediately before applying plus 4 years in the prior 8 (5 of last 9); up to 70 days' absence allowed in final year (plus up to 30 more for exceptional circumstances)
• Spouse/civil partner of Irish citizen: married/in civil partnership 3+ years plus 3 of last 5 years reckonable residence on the island of Ireland (including 12 continuous months before applying)
• Refugees/stateless: 5 years reckonable residence
• Reckonable residence counts Stamp 1, Stamp 4, Stamp 3, Stamp 1G (in limited circumstances), and Stamp 5; does NOT count student Stamp 2/2A, undocumented time, or time as an international-protection applicant
• Good character

Required Documents

• Certified colour photocopy of biometric passport page (certified by solicitor/commissioner for oaths/peace commissioner/notary) required
• Birth certificate required
• Spouse's birth certificate and marriage certificate (if marriage-based) required
• Documents meeting the scorecard: 150 points for identity AND 150 points for residency required

Official fees

• Application fee (on the online portal) 175 EUR
• Certification fee on approval (standard) 950 EUR
• Certification fee (minor or widow(er)/surviving civil partner of Irish citizen) 200 EUR

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm eligibility

   Use the online residency calculator to confirm eligibility.

2. 2

   Apply online

   Apply online at inisonline.jahs.ie (paper form available on request for those who cannot apply online); pay the EUR 175 application fee.

3. 3

   Meet scorecard

   Meet the scorecard: 150 points for identity AND 150 points for residency, using the document point values in the Citizenship Guidance Document (April 2024).

4. 4

   Submit documents

   Submit a certified colour photocopy of the biometric passport page, birth certificate, and (if marriage-based) spouse's birth and marriage certificates.

5. 5

   E-vetting

   Complete e-vetting (Garda National Vetting Bureau) when invited; a good-character check is run.

6. 6

   Approval and ceremony

   On approval, pay the certification fee, surrender your IRP (non-EEA/UK/Swiss), attend a citizenship ceremony, and make the declaration of fidelity and loyalty.

7. 7

   Receive certificate

   Receive your certificate of naturalisation, then apply for an Irish passport.

Official Sources

• Become an Irish Citizen by Naturalisation - ISD Official
• How to Become an Irish Citizen Guide - ISD Official
• Becoming an Irish Citizen Through Naturalisation - Citizens Information Official
• Naturalisation Residency Calculator - ISD Official
• Citizenship Guidance Document (April 2024, PDF) Official