Nationality of Ireland: all obtaining pathways
Ireland requires five years of residence within the nine preceding the application, including a continuous year immediately prior, and a declaration of fidelity to the state. Marriage or partnership with an Irish national opens the pathway at three years, and ius soli covers those born on the island of Ireland.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 18 years or older and of good character
- 5 years of reckonable residence in the last 9 years
- 1 continuous year of residence immediately before the application
- Continuous and valid residence permission, with no gaps in status (student years or provisional permission do not count)
- Intention to reside in Ireland after naturalisation
- Declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Residence certificate (Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 or a long-term permit)
- Criminal record certificates from Ireland and previous countries of residence
- 3 years of tax returns
- Proof of income or professional activity
- Reference letters from 3 people
2Naturalization through marriage to or partnership with an Irish national
Naturalization through marriage to or partnership with an Irish national
Requirements
- Marriage or civil partnership with an Irish citizen (and living together)
- 3 years of reckonable residence on the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland included)
- 1 continuous year of residence immediately before the application
- 18 years and good character
- Valid and continuous residence permission
- Declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State
Documentation
- Marriage certificate or proof of civil partnership
- Residence certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Tax returns
- Proof of cohabitation
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- If one parent is an Irish citizen by birth: the child is Irish automatically
- If the parent is Irish by naturalization or registration: the child born in Ireland after the naturalization is Irish automatically
- If the parent is Irish by descent (Foreign Births Register): the child must be registered in the Foreign Births Register before the grandchild's birth to transmit it
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the Irish parent
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Where applicable, proof of registration in the Foreign Births Register
- Irish civil registry documents
4Nationality by birth on the island of Ireland (ius soli)
Nationality by birth on the island of Ireland (ius soli)
Requirements
- Born on the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland) with at least one parent with 4 years of legal residence in Ireland before the birth
- Or born on the island of Ireland to British parents, or with a right to reside in Ireland without restriction
- Born in Ireland with no entitlement to another nationality: may be registered as Irish
- The 27th Amendment of the Constitution (2004) removed automatic ius soli
Documentation
- Irish birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' residence (4 years minimum before the birth)
- Passport or residence permit of the parents
- Nationality declaration of the minor (Form 1 or 2)
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Ireland
How many years of residence does Ireland require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Ireland (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years of reckonable residence in the last 9 years, with 1 continuous year immediately before the application (the "5 in 9" rule). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
How much does the nationality of Ireland cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is 1,125 EUR (standard); 175 EUR (refugees/stateless). Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Ireland be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage to or partnership with an Irish national pathway (3 years of reckonable residence on the island of Ireland as the spouse/civil partner of an Irish citizen (+1 continuous year before applying)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Ireland require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport; Residence certificate (Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 or a long-term permit); Criminal record certificates from Ireland and previous countries of residence; 3 years of tax returns; Proof of income or professional activity; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Ireland?
Ireland provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage to or partnership with an Irish national, Nationality by descent, Nationality by birth on the island of Ireland.
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Anything to correct or add about Ireland?
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