Irish citizenship remains one of the most sought-after immigration statuses in Europe. Holding an Irish passport automatically grants you the rights of a European Union citizen, including freedom of movement and access to the benefits of EU residency. Unlike temporary (residence permit) or permanent residency statuses, full citizenship provides an unconditional right to live and work not only in Ireland but throughout the EU. Citizens cannot be deported and are entitled to full social guarantees and political rights.

That’s why many foreign nationals strive to obtain an Irish passport, especially entrepreneurs, families with children, students, and professionals planning long-term life in Europe. According to immigrants’ reviews, the process of acquiring citizenship is far from easy, it is often described as bureaucratic and time-consuming. This guide explains who is eligible, how to obtain Irish citizenship, and what timelines and costs to expect in 2026.

Benefits of Irish Citizenship

The Irish passport is ranked among the strongest in the world. As of 2025, it holds 3rd place globally, allowing visa-free access to approximately 174 countries. Benefits of Irish citizenship include:

• Freedom of travel. Visa-free or simplified entry into most countries, including all EU nations, the UK, the USA, and others—more than 170 in total.
• Right to live and work in the EU. As an EU citizen, you may freely reside, work, or open a business anywhere in the EU without needing additional permits.
• Access to healthcare and social security. You gain full access to Ireland’s public healthcare and education systems, as well as pensions and other social benefits. In other EU states, Irish citizens also have rights to emergency healthcare and some entitlements.
• Political rights. You can vote in national elections and referenda, and even run for high public office.
• Hereditary rights. Your children will automatically become Irish (and EU) citizens, regardless of where they are born—making it easier for them to live, study, and work abroad.

In addition, Ireland permits dual citizenship, so you do not necessarily need to renounce your existing nationality. This set of advantages makes Irish citizenship highly attractive to those seeking full integration into European society.

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Who Can Qualify for Irish Citizenship

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act outlines the categories of individuals who may apply for citizenship. Eligibility depends on various factors such as descent, place of birth, duration of residence, and special merits. Here’s an overview of those eligible:

• Children of Irish citizens. Anyone born to at least one Irish citizen parent is automatically an Irish citizen, even if born outside of Ireland. The same applies to adopted children if the adoptive parent is Irish.
• Born in Ireland. Ireland follows a modified jus soli (right of the soil). All children born before January 1, 2005, are Irish citizens by birth regardless of parents’ nationality. For children born after 2005, at least one parent must be: an Irish or UK citizen; a permanent resident of Ireland; or lawfully resident in Ireland for 3 out of the 4 years preceding the child’s birth. Stateless children or abandoned children found on Irish territory can also be granted citizenship.
• Irish descent (Foreign Births Register). If your parent is an Irish citizen, you automatically qualify. If your grandparent was Irish-born, you must register your birth in the Foreign Births Register. If your Irish ancestry goes back further, each generation must be registered in turn before you can apply. This is often referred to as citizenship by descent or repatriation through ancestry.
• Naturalization (through residence). Foreign nationals can apply for Irish citizenship through naturalization after 5 years of legal residence (with the final year being continuous). Spouses of Irish citizens can apply after just 3 years of marriage and cohabitation. Refugees and individuals with exceptional contributions may also benefit from reduced requirements.
• Investors and entrepreneurs. Ireland does not have a “citizenship by investment” program. The previous Immigrant Investor Programme was closed in 2023. Investment can lead to residency, but citizenship still requires fulfilling the naturalization conditions.
• Exceptional contribution. In rare cases, the Irish government may grant honorary citizenship to individuals with notable achievements in science, culture, sport, or for outstanding contributions to the state.

As you can see, there are several ways to become an Irish citizen. Next, we will look in more detail at the key methods of acquiring citizenship, as well as the application procedure and requirements for applicants.

Ways to Obtain Irish Citizenship

1. Citizenship by Birth on Irish Soil (Jus Soli). As mentioned earlier, until 2005, any child born in Ireland automatically acquired Irish citizenship. Today, this right of the soil is more limited. A child born in Ireland is entitled to an Irish passport only if at least one parent is: an Irish or UK citizen; a long-term resident; or has lawfully resided in Ireland for at least 3 out of the 4 years prior to the child’s birth. Otherwise, the child is not automatically entitled to citizenship. For example, foreign couples traveling to give birth in Dublin will not receive Irish citizenship for their child unless one of these conditions is met. That said, a child born in Ireland who has lived in the country with their family for at least 3 years may be granted citizenship by application through a simplified naturalization process. Also, abandoned or stateless children found in Ireland may be granted citizenship automatically.
2. Citizenship by Descent (Repatriation through Ancestry). This option is available for foreign-born descendants of Irish citizens. If either parent is an Irish citizen, the applicant becomes one by right of blood (jus sanguinis), even if the parent acquired citizenship after birth. If the applicant’s grandparent was an Irish citizen, the applicant must register in the Foreign Births Register. Registration can be completed through an embassy or online via the Department of Foreign Affairs. Important: Citizenship can only be passed beyond the grandparent level if each generation has registered before the birth of the next. For example, if your great-grandfather was Irish, your grandparent must first obtain citizenship by registration; only then can your parent register, and finally This method requires official documentation of lineage: birth certificates, marriage records, etc. While the process may take 9–12 months, it does not require residency in Ireland, making it very attractive for diaspora communities, especially in the US, Canada, and Australia.
3. Naturalization (Through Residency). This is the most common route for foreigners without Irish ancestry. To become a citizen through naturalization, the applicant must legally reside in Ireland for: a total of 5 years within the last 9 years, with the final year being continuous. Only reckonable residence counts (certain visa types like student visas might not qualify). In most cases, applicants hold long-term residence or permanent residency at the time of application. This is why the full path to citizenship can take 8–10 years: initial short-term status, then permanent residence, and finally naturalization.
4. Citizenship Through Marriage. Marriage to an Irish citizen does not automatically confer citizenship. However, foreign spouses or civil partners can apply for naturalization under reduced requirements: at least 3 years of legal residence in Ireland, and at least 3 years of marriage or civil partnership. Applicants must cohabit with their Irish spouse during this time. If the marriage ends before naturalization, eligibility is lost. Irish authorities closely examine the genuineness of the relationship to avoid fraud.
5. Citizenship by Investment. Unlike Malta or Cyprus, Ireland has no direct “citizenship by investment” program. The previous Immigrant Investor Programme granted residence (not citizenship) and was closed in 2023 for security reasons and EU compliance. So in 2025–2026, there is no legal way to purchase Irish citizenship directly. Investors must follow the standard immigration path: apply for a long-stay visa D, then for residence permits, and only after 5 years can they apply for naturalization. Claims of buying an Irish passport should be treated with skepticism. At best, you’re paying for immigration assistance, not the passport itself.
6. Exceptional Contributions and Special Cases. The Irish government may grant citizenship at its discretion for exceptional contributions—such as athletes, scientists, cultural figures, or businesspeople who have significantly benefited the state. This honorary citizenship is rare and requires approval from the Minister for Justice and the President. Another special category: military personnel. Unlike countries like the US, military service in Ireland does not offer a fast track to citizenship. However, long-serving foreign members of the Irish Defense Forces may be eligible for naturalization. Refugees and those under international protection may also benefit from more lenient residence calculations, but still must meet the core requirements.

In the end, for the vast majority of applicants, the path to an Irish passport lies through naturalization (standard or expedited). Let’s now take a step-by-step look at how to obtain Irish citizenship through naturalization, which documents are required, and what requirements must be met.

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Procedure for Obtaining Irish Citizenship

1. Long-Term Residence and Legal Immigration Status. The first step toward Irish citizenship is legally moving to Ireland. Typically, this begins with applying for a long-stay visa D (for work, study, investment, or family reunification). Upon arrival, the applicant must register with immigration and receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP card). After 5 years of legal residence, it’s possible to apply for permanent residency (though it’s not strictly required for citizenship—what matters most is the length and legality of residence). In practice, most applicants already hold Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 at the time of applying for citizenship.
2. Checking Residency Requirements (Residency Calculator). Before submitting an application, candidates must confirm they meet the residency requirement. Ireland provides an official residency calculator, where you can input your immigration stamps and calculate your reckonable residence. Requirements for naturalization include: 5 years (60 months) of legal residence over the last 9 years, and 1 year of continuous residence immediately before applying. Be cautious: time spent on certain visas (e.g., student or tourist visas) may not count toward reckonable residence. Gaps in residency or prolonged absences can also disqualify you. You must not have spent more than 6 weeks outside Ireland in the final year before applying.
3. Gathering and Preparing Documents. A complete application must include the following: Valid passport (and previous ones if applicable), Irish Residence Permit (IRP card), Birth certificate, Proof of marital status (marriage, divorce certificate, etc.), Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in over 6 months, Proof of address and residence in Ireland (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements), Two recommendation letters from Irish citizens of good standing, Proof of integration (e.g., employment, tax documents, community involvement), Two passport-sized photos, Completed application form (Form 8 for adults), €175 application fee, Translations of non-English documents, notarized and certified. Note: Since 2023, Irish authorities expect evidence of integration, such as language learning, social participation, and financial independence. While there’s no formal exam on language or history, demonstrating your connection to Irish life improves your chances of approval.
4. Submitting the Application. Since July 2023, applications can be submitted online for adult applicants. Through the immigration portal, you can: Fill in your Form 8 electronically, Upload digital scans of your documents, Pay the €175 fee, Track the progress via reference number. For children (Form 11), the online process is not yet available, so applications must still be sent by post. If documents are missing or incomplete, you will typically be contacted and given 28 days to provide additional materials. If you fail to meet this deadline, your application may be refused.
5. Application Review and Processing. Once submitted, the review process begins. It includes: Initial document screening, Character checks (including police and security reviews), Confirmation of residence and integration, The average processing time is 12 months, but cases may vary: Some decisions take as little as 6–8 months, Others may extend to 18 months depending on complexity or backlog. If you change your address, employment, or marital status during the wait, you must notify the immigration office. Silence for months is normal—it does not necessarily signal problems.
6. Decision: Approval or Refusal. If approved, you’ll receive a notification and instructions to: Pay the naturalization certificate fee: €950 for standard adult applicants, €200 for children or widows/widowers of Irish citizens. Attend a citizenship ceremony (see next section). If refused, the letter will explain why. Common reasons for refusal include: Insufficient residency, Criminal record or unresolved legal issues, Incomplete or false documentation. You may reapply in 6 months after fixing the problems or appeal the decision in court.
7. Citizenship Ceremony and Oath of Fidelity. New citizens are required to attend a naturalization ceremony, typically held several times per year in venues like Killarney, County Kerry. During the event, participants take the Oath of Fidelity to the Nation, pledging loyalty and commitment to Irish laws and values. The ceremony is formal but celebratory, often attended by judges and government officials. After taking the oath, you’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization—the legal proof of citizenship.
8. Applying for Your Irish Passport. Once you have your certificate, you can apply for an Irish passport via the Department of Foreign Affairs: Apply online (in Ireland) or through an embassy/consulate (abroad), Required documents: Certificate of Naturalization, birth certificate, ID photos, passport application form, Standard 10-year passport costs approx. €75, Optional passport card (valid in EU/EEA): ~€35. Processing usually takes 10–20 working days, depending on location and method of application.

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Requirements for Applicants

The process of naturalization in Ireland is accompanied by a number of requirements for the applicant, in addition to the residency threshold. The main conditions are as follows:

• Age and Legal Capacity. The applicant must be 18 years or older. Children may be included in a parent’s application or may apply for naturalization separately, in which case they must have an official legal guardian. In addition, the applicant must be of sound mind and fully understand the nature of the oath (i.e. must not be under guardianship due to mental health reasons).
• Good Character. The applicant must have a clean criminal record. This includes: No criminal convictions, No serious legal offenses, No involvement in extremist organizations. Even large fines or long periods of unemployment may raise questions. If the applicant is a child under 14, the good character requirement does not apply, but for teenagers over 14, a check for serious offenses may still be conducted. During the review period, the applicant must continue obeying the law — if it turns out that the person has committed an offense or is under investigation, citizenship will be denied.
• Financial Stability. Although there is no direct income requirement, the applicant must demonstrate that they have a means of support and will not become a burden on the state. This usually includes: Payslips, Tax documents, Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds. If someone has spent a long time on welfare benefits, this may negatively affect their application.
• Integration into Society. Ireland values applicants who are integrated into the local community — this means having at least a basic level of English (or Irish) and understanding local norms. Although there is no language or history exam, authorities expect a certain degree of integration. Since 2022, applicants are required to submit proof of social engagement and residence. This may include: Certificates from English language courses, Employment or education documentation, Recommendation letters from Irish citizens, Tax payment confirmations. All these serve as indirect evidence that the person is becoming a full-fledged member of society.
• Intention to Reside in Ireland. The law requires that the applicant intends to continue residing in Ireland after obtaining citizenship. In the application form, you must sign a written declaration stating that you view Ireland as your permanent place of residence. Although leaving the country after receiving the passport is not formally prohibited, this question may be raised during the review or at the ceremony. No interview is usually required, but in complex cases, the applicant may be summoned for one.
• Renunciation of Other Citizenship (Not Required). Ireland does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship when applying through naturalization. You may retain it if your home country permits dual citizenship. For example, a Russian citizen who becomes Irish may remain a citizen of the Russian Federation by simply notifying Russian authorities of the second nationality. This is a major advantage over countries where you must renounce previous citizenship to naturalize.
• Oath of Fidelity. The final requirement is taking the Oath of Fidelity at the citizenship ceremony. Without this oath, citizenship is not activated, so attendance is mandatory (with rare exceptions where the Minister may allow a special form of the oath in individual cases). The oath text is short and does not conflict with allegiance to another state, so it is usually accepted without any issues.

Note: Irish law is flexible. In exceptional situations, the Minister for Justice has the authority to partially or fully waive certain requirements — for example, to accept a shorter period of residence or ignore some formalities if deemed fair. However, ordinary applicants should not rely on leniency — it’s best to fully meet all criteria to ensure a successful outcome.

If you are planning to obtain an Irish passport as a pathway to EU citizenship, don’t risk wasting time or missing your chance. A consultation with a specialized Mycitizensagency lawyer will help you avoid refusals, shorten the processing time, and guide you confidently through the entire journey. Fill out a short application — and we’ll advise you on where to start in your specific case, assess your eligibility, and prepare a personalized action plan. An Irish passport is more than just a status. It’s your freedom to live, work, study, and thrive in any EU country. Start this journey today!

Timelines and Cost of Obtaining Irish Citizenship

The timelines for obtaining Irish citizenship depend on the basis for application: The fastest options are through birth or descent, which can be processed within 1 to 2 years, and do not require residence in Ireland. The longest route is through naturalization, which takes more time due to the residency requirement. Let’s break down the key timeframes:

• Residency Threshold. The standard requirement is 5 years of residence (or 3 years for spouses of Irish citizens). This is the minimum continuous period required before submitting an application. In practice, many people live in Ireland longer than the minimum, especially if there were breaks in residence or delays in receiving long-term immigration status.
• Application Processing Time. After submitting your application, the waiting period ranges from 6 to 19 months. According to official data, most applications are processed in about 12 months. There may be delays, but the government is working to speed up the procedure. For example, in 2024, a record number of applications were processed, and the introduction of the online application system is expected to further reduce processing times. That said, it’s advisable to plan for about 1 year from submission to decision.
• Citizenship Ceremony. Ceremonies are held several times a year. If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to the next available ceremony. Waiting time for the ceremony is usually 1 to 3 months, depending on the schedule. Example: if your decision arrives in September, you might be invited to a ceremony in December or early next year. In rare cases, applicants living abroad may be allowed to take the oath at an Irish embassy.
• Passport Issuance. Applying for your first Irish passport is one of the quickest steps. Processing time ranges from: 10 working days to 6–8 weeks, depending on: where you apply (in Ireland or abroad), and how busy the passport service is. The online service promises 10 working days for standard applications. Thus, the entire naturalization journey, from entry to passport, may take about 6–8 years (5 years of residence + 1–2 years for processing and formalities). If you apply based on descent or marriage, the timeline may be shorter.

The total cost of obtaining Irish citizenship includes state fees and related expenses:

• Government Fees. €175 — non-refundable application fee, €950 — fee for the Certificate of Naturalization (for adults). Reduced to €200 for certain categories (e.g. widows/widowers of Irish citizens, children). Passports are paid separately: Standard 10-year passport: €75, Passport card (valid in the EU): ~€35. If applying by birth or descent through an embassy, there may be a registration fee (e.g., around €270 for the Foreign Births Register, subject to exchange rates and embassy fees).
• Translation & Notarization. Prepare a budget for: Translation of documents into English, Notarial certification of translated documents, Cost per document may range from €30–50, and you may need multiple (birth, marriage, police certificates, etc.). Some documents may also require legalization (apostille), which adds to the expense.
• Legal Assistance (Optional). Many applicants complete the process themselves, but others choose to hire: Immigration lawyers or Specialized agencies. Professional help with citizenship applications may cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the case complexity. This is optional, but many find it helpful for peace of mind.
• Other Expenses. Additional costs may include: Courier delivery of documents: €20–50, Travel and lodging for the citizenship ceremony, if held far from your place of residence, Passport photos, printing, and postage

On average, the official government fees total around €1125 per adult (excluding optional legal help and passport). Compared to many other countries, Ireland’s financial requirements are moderate, but you must be ready to invest time, effort, and organization into the process.

Can you have dual citizenship in Ireland

Ireland is one of the countries with a tolerant approach to multiple citizenship. Dual citizenship with Ireland is officially allowed. When acquiring Irish citizenship, you are not required to renounce your previous nationality. For example, a Russian or Kazakh citizen can become an Irish citizen and at the same time keep their first passport (you just need to notify the authorities of your country about the second citizenship, if this is required by law). Similarly, citizens of most other countries can legally hold an Irish passport as a second citizenship.

Nevertheless, it is worth considering the laws of your home country: some countries do not recognize dual citizenship. For example, a citizen of China or India, when naturalizing in Ireland, effectively loses their original citizenship, since in those countries citizenship is automatically terminated upon acquisition of a foreign one. In such cases, the Irish passport becomes the only one. Therefore, before applying, it makes sense to clarify the rules of your country regarding second citizenship.

The Irish authorities, for their part, do not object to the retention of other citizenships. Many new Irish citizens continue to travel with two passports – this is convenient: for example, you can enter countries where your first passport provides visa-free access, and use the Irish one for the EU and other regions. Dual citizenship also allows you, while remaining a citizen of Ireland, to live in your home country if you wish, without a visa.

Overall, there are no restrictions or additional taxes for people with two passports in Ireland. Ireland does not require renouncing a previous oath or anything similar. You simply gain all the rights of an Irish citizen, while continuing to remain a citizen of your country (if its laws allow it). This approach is a big plus, as you get the best of both worlds. One just needs to remember the legal obligations to each of the countries (for example, military service, taxes – these issues are resolved individually through tax treaties, etc.).

Thus, the answer to the question is: yes, dual citizenship with Ireland is possible and widely practiced. This is confirmed in practice: tens of thousands of naturalized Irish citizens retain their previous passports. For example, Irish and Russian legislation do not prohibit having two passports, so Russians can obtain Irish citizenship without renouncing their Russian one. Ireland recognizes you only as its citizen, but does not require renouncing other allegiances.

Obtaining Irish citizenship is an important step that opens up wide opportunities. The Irish passport gives the right to unlimited travel, work and life throughout the EU, access to one of the best social systems and world-class education, political protection and confidence in the future. It is no wonder that many immigrants strive to follow this path.

To sum up, the main paths to Irish citizenship are by birth, through family ties (descent or marriage), and through naturalization. The latter is the most universal, but it requires patience and planning: you need to live in the country for several years, comply with laws and integrate into society, collect a substantial set of documents, and wait for your invitation to the citizenship ceremony. Key success factors are compliance with the requirements (residency threshold, clean criminal record, financial stability) and proper paperwork.

Common mistakes by applicants include: trying to apply too early (before completing the required years of residence), an incomplete application package, providing false information. All of this leads to refusals and wasted time. Therefore, it is important to carefully study the requirements or consult an immigration lawyer if there are doubts. As the saying goes, trust the lawyers – and sleep well.

In 2026, Ireland continues to welcome new citizens. Despite the tightening of some immigration programs (such as the closure of the “golden visa”), the path to naturalization remains open and transparent. If you see your life and your family’s future in Ireland, it makes sense to analyze your eligibility now. Perhaps you have Irish roots or qualify for a simplified category – then the process will be faster. If not, then you should start with consulting an immigration lawyer, finding a legal way to move (work, study, investment) and gradually move toward the desired citizenship.

By obtaining Irish citizenship, you not only consolidate your status in this country, but also acquire a “European passport” with numerous advantages. This is an investment in your freedom and security. As experience shows, it’s worth it. With the right approach and compliance with all conditions, within a few years you will be able to call Ireland your second homeland – with full rights as a citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions about Irish citizenship

We have compiled answers to the most common questions about obtaining Irish citizenship. If you did not find the information you were looking for or want to learn more about the requirements, timelines, and benefits of Irish passport, contact us for a free consultation.

Can I submit an application for Irish citizenship online?

Yes, this is now possible. Since October 2023, the Immigration Service has launched a digital service, and naturalization applications are accepted online. The applicant fills out an electronic form, attaches scans of documents, and pays the fee online. However, for children (application using Form 11), online submission is not yet available – for them, documents must be submitted by post.

Is a language or history test required to obtain Irish citizenship?

At present, Ireland does not require a language or integration exam when applying for naturalization. Unlike many other countries, you do not have to pass a test in English (or Irish) language, history, or the Irish constitution. A general understanding of the language is sufficient to complete the documents and recite the oath. However, the candidate is expected to integrate into society – this is indirectly confirmed by documents (employment, education, community participation).

What should I do if I’m missing some documents for submission?

Ideally, prepare a complete package of documents before submitting the application. But if during the review it turns out that something is missing or additional information is required, the Immigration Service usually gives you a chance to fix the situation. The applicant will be sent a request indicating which documents or details are needed, and will be given 28 days to submit the missing materials. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your mail (and email) after submitting the application. If you do not meet the deadline or fail to provide the required documents, the application may be rejected as incomplete. In case of rejection, you will have to reapply with a new fee, so it is better to respond to the request immediately.

Do I need to live in the country after receiving Irish citizenship in order to keep it?

No, after obtaining Irish citizenship you are free to live wherever you want, your citizenship will not be lost because of that. Ireland does not have the concept of “conditional citizenship” that requires staying in the country. Naturalized citizens have the same rights as native-born Irish and may go abroad for any length of time. Your Irish passport will remain valid even if you move to another country.

Can you “buy” Irish citizenship through investment or donation?

No, Ireland does not practice direct sale of citizenship. There is no fixed amount or program through which anyone can immediately get an Irish passport for money. Previously, there was the Immigrant Investor Programme (the so-called “Golden Visa”), under which foreigners who invested from €1 million in the Irish economy or €500,000 in charity were granted residence permits. But this program provided only residence, not citizenship, and it was closed to new applicants in February 2023. Therefore, in 2025–2026, there is no official channel for directly buying citizenship.

What is the 7-year rule for Irish citizenship?

While standard naturalization requires 5 years of reckonable residence in the last 9 years (including 1 continuous year before applying), the so-called “7-year rule” often refers to broader immigration norms, such as eligibility for Stamp 5 (without work restrictions) after 8 years of lawful residence. It’s not a direct rule for citizenship, but it may apply in cases where residency isn’t continuous or needs to be calculated across longer periods.

Is Ireland's passport strong?

Yes, the Irish passport is considered one of the strongest in the world. As of 2025, it offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, including all of the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. In global passport rankings, Ireland consistently appears in the top 5–10. In addition, Irish citizens enjoy freedom of movement, residence, work, and study rights across all EU and EEA countries.