Long-term residence & citizenship
Irish Irish Citizenship by Naturalisation
The process by which a resident non-Irish national becomes an Irish citizen after building up enough reckonable residence in the State over the qualifying years.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The application fee and the certification fee payable on approval are not stated here; verify current fees on the ISD citizenship pages before publishing any amount.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ireland government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Certificate of Naturalisation (Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956)
- Route type
- Citizenship by naturalisation (Immigration Service Delivery / Citizenship Division)
- Standard residence
- 5 years (1,825/1,826 days) reckonable residence
- Spouse/civil partner of Irish citizen
- 3 years reckonable residence
- Structure
- 365/366 days continuous residence immediately before applying, plus the remaining days in the preceding years
Who it is for
- Non-Irish nationals who have built up enough reckonable residence in Ireland
- Spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens meeting the reduced residence requirement
- Residents of good character intending to continue living in Ireland
Requirements
- The required reckonable residence (generally 5 years, or 3 years if married to/in civil partnership with an Irish citizen)
- A continuous period of residence immediately before applying
- Good character
- Intention to continue to reside in the State
- A declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State
What you can do
- On approval, become an Irish citizen and hold an Irish passport
- Gain the right to live, work and vote as an Irish (and EU) citizen
- Pass on citizenship in line with Irish nationality law
How to apply
- Use the ISD Naturalisation Residency Calculator to check your reckonable residence
- Complete the citizenship application form (Form 8) with proofs of identity and residence
- Submit to the Citizenship Division of Immigration Service Delivery
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.