Ireland · Citizenship
Irish Citizenship by Naturalization
Irish naturalization currently requires 5 years of reckonable residence, including the full year before applying. A 2026 government bill would lengthen that to 8 years and add language, civics and self-sufficiency tests.
- Startup route
- Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
- Minimum capital
- EUR 50,000 (EUR 30,000 for each additional founder)
- Permanent residence
- Long-term residency at 5 years; Stamp 5 at 8 years
- Citizenship
- 5 years' reckonable residence; 8-year bill proposed
Naturalisation as an Irish citizen
Adults need one year of continuous reckonable residence immediately before applying and four more years within the preceding eight, a total of 1,825 days. Stamps 1, 3, 4 and 5 are reckonable, which means STEP time counts, while Stamp 2 student time does not. Up to 70 days abroad are allowed in the final year, with a further 30 days possible in exceptional circumstances at the Minister's discretion. The application fee is EUR 175 and a certification fee of up to EUR 950 is paid if the application succeeds. Successful applicants make a declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State at a citizenship ceremony.
- Residence
- 5 years (1,825 days) in the last 9, final year continuous
- Absences
- Up to 70 days in the final year; 30 more if exceptional
- Application fee
- EUR 175, non-refundable
- Certification fee
- Up to EUR 950 for an adult on approval
- Language test
- None at present; a test is proposed in the 2026 bill
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed; no need to give up another nationality
- Appeals
- No appeal; applicants may reapply at any time
Requirements
- Full age and good character.
- One year of continuous reckonable residence immediately before applying, plus four years in the previous eight.
- An intention to continue living in Ireland after naturalization.
- Reckonable permission only; Stamp 2 student time is excluded.
- The EUR 175 fee, a passport copy, birth certificate and evidence of residence.
- Attendance at a citizenship ceremony with a declaration of fidelity and loyalty.
How to apply
- Run the residence dates through the Immigration Service Delivery Naturalisation Residency Calculator.
- Submit the application with the EUR 175 fee and supporting documents.
- Respond to any requests for further information during processing.
- If approved, pay the certification fee and attend a citizenship ceremony.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026
In 2026 the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published the General Scheme of a bill to reshape naturalization. It proposes two years of continuous residence before applying plus six years in the preceding ten, in place of today's one plus four. It would also let the Minister prescribe language proficiency in Irish, English or Irish Sign Language, require proof of knowledge of Irish civics, and add a self-sufficiency rule based on a minimum income with no recent reliance on prescribed welfare or housing supports. The scheme is a draft, not law, and the Minister may commence its provisions on different dates.
The scheme also narrows reckonable residence by excluding time spent on temporary permissions and Temporary Protection, and it states that those changes to reckonable residence would not apply to anyone who has already applied before commencement. Founders approaching the 5-year mark therefore have reason to track the bill's progress. Until the bill is enacted and commenced, applications continue to be assessed under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as it stands.
Questions and answers
Can a naturalized Irish citizen keep their original passport?
Ireland does not require new citizens to give up another nationality, and Irish citizens may hold more than one. Whether the original nationality survives depends on the other country's law, since some states remove citizenship when a national naturalizes elsewhere. Applicants check that rule with their own authorities first.
Is the 8-year residence rule already in force?
No. As of October 2026 the proposal exists as the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, which must still be drafted in full, passed by the Oireachtas and commenced by ministerial order. Until then the 5-year reckonable residence test applies.
Does Ireland offer citizenship by investment?
No. Irish citizenship is acquired by birth, descent, marriage-related naturalization or ordinary naturalization based on residence. The Immigrant Investor Programme granted residence only, never citizenship, and it closed to new applications in February 2023, so no investment route to an Irish passport exists.
How strict is the 70-day absence allowance?
Up to 70 days outside Ireland are permitted in the year immediately before the application for business, family or holiday travel. A further 30 days may be allowed in exceptional circumstances at the Minister's discretion. Founders who travel heavily plan the timing of their application around that final year.
Official sources
- How to become a citizenwww.irishimmigration.ie
- Dual Citizenshipwww.irishimmigration.ie
- Form 8: Application by a person of full age for naturalisation as an Irish citizenwww.irishimmigration.ie
- General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026assets.gov.ie
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Ireland.
Startup visa
STEP approval for a high-potential start-up with EUR 50,000 in funding
02Temporary residence
Stamp 4 for 2 years, renewed for 3 years, then in 5-year blocks
03Permanent residence
Long-term residency after 5 years or Stamp 5 after 8 years
04Citizenship
Naturalization after 5 years' reckonable residence; dual nationality kept