Obtaining Irish citizenship holds significant advantages for individuals seeking to connect with Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant society. It grants the right to live, work, and study in Ireland without restrictions, as well as unrestricted travel within the European Union (EU).
As an Irish citizen, it also provides access to Ireland’s world-class healthcare and education systems. Additionally, Irish citizens can participate in the democratic process, including voting in elections and referendums.
Ireland has earned a reputation as a welcoming country for immigrants due to its long history of emigration and its multicultural society. The Irish people, renowned for their hospitality and warmth, often embrace newcomers with open arms. The government has also implemented policies to support integration, making it easier for immigrants to find employment, housing, and essential services.
Furthermore, Ireland’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its immigration policies, which aim to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students from around the world. This inclusivity fosters a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment, contributing to a thriving economy and a rich tapestry of cultures.
Overall, obtaining Irish citizenship not only provides practical benefits but also offers a chance to become part of a welcoming and diverse community deeply rooted in a country with a storied history and a bright future.
Understanding Irish Citizenship
Irish citizenship confers legal membership in the Republic of Ireland, granting individuals a set of rights and responsibilities. It allows one to live, work, and study in Ireland without any restrictions.
Birthright citizenship, also known as jus soli, is a principle that grants citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory, regardless of the nationality of their parents. In Ireland, this means that if a person is born on Irish soil, they are automatically considered an Irish citizen.
Naturalization, on the other hand, is the process through which an individual not born in Ireland can acquire Irish citizenship. It involves meeting specific criteria set by the Irish government, which often include a period of residency, good character, and a commitment to Irish laws and values. Successful naturalization confers all the rights and privileges of Irish citizenship to the individual.
In essence, birthright citizenship is based on place of birth, while naturalization is a legal process allowing individuals to acquire citizenship later in life. Both avenues lead to full Irish citizenship with equal rights and responsibilities.
Birthright citizenship
Irish citizenship by birth is determined by the principles of jus soli and jus sanguinis, which respectively refer to citizenship based on place of birth and citizenship based on descent.
If a person is born on the island of Ireland, they are automatically considered an Irish citizen. This applies regardless of the nationality of the child’s parents. However, it’s worth noting that this principle applies to the entire island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
It’s important to note that if a child is born to an Irish citizen who acquired citizenship through naturalization, they may still be eligible for Irish citizenship. However, the rules surrounding this can be complex, and it’s advisable to consult official sources or seek legal advice for specific cases.
Additionally, suppose a child is born to non-Irish parents, but at least one parent is a British or Irish citizen. In that case, the child may be entitled to both Irish and British citizenship, depending on specific circumstances.
It’s essential to register the birth of a child with the Irish authorities in order to establish their citizenship officially.
How to get Irish citizenship by descent
Irish citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) is a legal principle that allows individuals to become Irish citizens based on their familial connections to Ireland. It means that if at least one of your parents is an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you are automatically considered an Irish citizen, regardless of where you are born.
This principle is rooted in the idea of passing on citizenship from one generation to the next. It recognizes the importance of maintaining ties with the Irish diaspora around the world and provides a means for those with Irish heritage to claim their citizenship.
For example, if a person is born outside of Ireland but has an Irish parent (or, in some cases, a grandparent), they are eligible to apply for Irish citizenship. This process usually involves providing documentation to prove the familial connection, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant records.
However, it doesn’t apply in all cases, as the Irish law on citizenship changed in 2005. You are an Irish citizen and can apply for an Irish passport without making an application for citizenship if you or your parent were born on the island of Ireland before 2005.
If you, or your parent, were born in Ireland on or after 1 January 2005, your right to Irish citizenship depends on:
- The parents’ citizenship at the time of the birth
- The residency history of one of the parents before the birth
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) maintains the Foreign Births Register and is the only government department that can approve or deny your Irish ancestry application.
Depending on the circumstances, you can also become an Irish citizen if you were born before 2005 to a parent who has a grandparent born in Ireland. It works similarly to the UK’s ancestry visa, where you can only go back two generations.
However, there is an exception. Theoretically, you can claim Irish citizenship through an Irish-born great-grandparent, but only if your parent had registered as Irish by the time of your birth.
Marriage to an Irish citizen
Obtaining Irish citizenship through marriage to an Irish citizen is a well-established process. It involves several steps and criteria. Typically, you must have lived in Ireland for three out of the last five years before you can apply for citizenship through marriage.
Naturally, you must be legally married to an Irish citizen, and the marriage must be recognized under Irish law. In some cases, individuals in long-term relationships or a civil partnership with Irish citizens may also be eligible for citizenship, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The last crucial criterion is a character of good standing. This means having a clean criminal record and not being involved in any illegal activities. Additionally, you should have a genuine and ongoing commitment to the relationship with the Irish citizen.
Other factors to consider include:
- You’ll need to provide your marriage certificate, passport, proof of residence, and evidence of your spouse’s Irish citizenship.
- Depending on where you are from, you might need to demonstrate proficiency in the English or Irish language.
Naturalization
Irish citizenship through naturalization is a process by which foreign nationals can acquire Irish citizenship. This process allows individuals who were not born in Ireland to become legal citizens, provided they meet certain criteria set forth by Irish law.
Typically, individuals must have lived in Ireland for a specified period of time before they are eligible to apply for naturalization, which is currently five out of the last nine years. Also, you are required to have one year’s continuous residence in Ireland immediately before the date of application.
As with the other routes to becoming an Irish citizen, you must prove:
- You are of good character and standing
- Proficiency in the English or Irish language
- Committed to Irish laws and values
- Will attend a citizenship ceremony and make the declaration of fidelity.
If you are a non-EU or Swiss national, you additionally have to prove:
- Have been, and are now, legally resident in Ireland
- Have built up enough reckonable residence in Ireland
Process for How to Get Irish Citizenship
To apply for Irish citizenship (which leads to an Irish passport), there are several forms you must complete depending on your circumstances and which route you are going to claim Irish citizenship.
If you were born outside of Ireland to a parent who was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth or you have an Irish-born grandparent, your birth must first be entered into the Foreign Births Register. The personal documents required are:
- Completed, signed, and witnessed application form.
- Original civil birth certificate showing parental details.
- Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Photocopy of current state-issued ID document
- Two separate original proofs of address
In addition, to prove your Irish associations, you must also provide:
- Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent
- Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent
- Photocopy of current state-issued ID document
- Original civil death certificate (if applicable)
The same documentation must be provided for your Irish-born grandparent if that’s the most recent tie to the country.
When you submit all the necessary documents, you’re required to pay the €278 application fee, which covers the Foreign Births Register registration, an official certificate, and postage and handling.
Interview and citizenship test
Currently, there is no interview or test that you must undergo when making a citizenship application. Even if you were born abroad, are a British citizen, or go the Irish descent path, there is no formal interview.
Waiting period
Applications for Irish nationality through foreign births are processed in strict date order. This means that you can’t skip the line to get ahead of other people to hurry your application. If someone else applied before you did, their application will be handled before yours.
According to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the process can take up to nine months before you become an Irish citizen.
Citizenship ceremony
The final step in becoming an Irish citizen is to go through the citizenship ceremony. This is a special occasion to complete the naturalization process, after which you can apply for an Irish passport.
Citizenship ceremonies are conducted in the country where you live, and you will receive an invitation to your ceremony by post or e-mail. At the ceremony, you will take an oath of fidelity to the nation.
You do not become an Irish citizen until you have made your declaration, after which your certificate of naturalization will be issued by registered post in the weeks following the ceremony.
Dual citizenship
This also means that Irish nationals retain Irish citizenship when they become legal nationals of another country.
Dual citizens enjoy the full rights and privileges of citizenship in both countries. This includes the right to live, work, and vote in each country, as well as access to social services, education, and healthcare. They can also travel freely between their two countries without the need for visas or other travel restrictions.
However, there are some things to keep in mind. When you obtain Irish citizenship and become a dual citizen, you are subject to the laws and responsibilities of both countries. This includes tax obligations, military service (if applicable), and adherence to other legal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get Irish Citizenship
Can a US citizen get Irish citizenship?
Yes, nationals of the US can claim Irish citizenship through the descent, marriage, residency or naturalization, as long as they meet all the requirements.
Is Ireland an easy country to get citizenship?
That depends on how strong your application is. In most cases, it is a fairly straightforward process, and if all your documents are in order and you meet the legal requirements, there should be a reason for your application to be denied.
How do I become an Irish citizen through marriage to an Irish national?
To become an Irish citizen through a marriage, you must be legally married to an Irish citizen, and the marriage must be recognized under Irish law. In some cases, a civil partnership is also recognized. Typically, you must have lived in Ireland for three out of the last five years before you can apply for citizenship through marriage.
Is there a residency requirement for obtaining Irish citizenship through naturalization?
Yes, there is. Individuals must have lived in Ireland for a specified period of time before they are eligible to apply for naturalization, which is currently five out of the last nine years. Also, you are required to have one year’s continuous residence in Ireland immediately before the date of application.
How long does it typically take to get Irish citizenship after applying?
You should have a lot of patience when you apply for Irish citizenship. Depending on the route you are going, the process can take anywhere from nine months to two years.
Are there language or integration requirements for Irish citizenship applicants?
Generally, there are no language tests that you’d have to complete, and there are no formal integration requirements for Irish citizenship applicants.
