Learn more about requirements, documents, and processing timelines in the eligibility guide below:
What is Irish citizenship?
Irish citizenship is a legal status recognised under Irish nationality law.
As an Irish citizen, you typically have:
Right to live and work in Ireland
Ability to apply for an Irish passport
Recognition under Irish nationality law
Access to public services available to Irish citizens
Irish Citizenship Overview Topics
Learn more about requirements, documents, and processing timelines in the eligibility guide below:
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1. How long does Irish citizenship take?
According to the Department of Justice, most naturalisation applications are processed within around 12 months after submission. Processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and application volumes.
Initial Review
The Citizenship Division checks your application and documents. This stage usually takes around 2–4 weeks.
Investigation and Verification
Background checks and residence history review are carried out. This stage may take 3–6 months.
Final Decision
The application is reviewed by the Minister for Justice, who makes the final decision. This stage typically takes 1–2 months.
Ceremony Invitation
If approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony and receive your certificate, typically within 1–2 months.
2. Typical Government Processing Stages:
Immigration application procedures can be challenging and time-consuming. Future Direct is here to take stress out for you and deliver results in a professional and timely manner.
3. Irish Citizenship Application Government Fees:
The Department of Justice charges government fees as part of the Irish citizenship application process.
At application stage
An application fee of €175 is payable when submitting your application. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
If Approved
A certification fee of €950 is required before the citizenship ceremony. The fee is €200 for minors and free for refugees.
Total Government Cost
The total government cost ranges from €175 to €1,125, depending on individual circumstances.
*Please note: Timeframes and fees are estimates only and may vary. Final decisions are made by the Department of Justice.
4. Three Pathways to Irish Citizenship
Irish citizenship is governed by Irish nationality law and administered by the Department of Justice. Depending on individual circumstances, citizenship may be obtained through different legal pathways, each assessed under separate provisions of the law.
The main pathways differ based on whether citizenship is sought through residence in Ireland, family relationships, or Irish ancestry.
Irish Citizenship by Naturalisation
Citizenship based on lawful residence in Ireland, assessed under the Irish naturalisation process and subject to conditions set by the Department of Justice.
Irish Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Partnership
Citizenship based on a family relationship with an Irish citizen, assessed under specific legal provisions relating to relationship status and residence in Ireland.
Irish Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship based on Irish ancestry, typically through an Irish-born parent or grandparent, and may involve registration in the Foreign Births Register.
Looking for eligibility requirements and timelines?
Detailed information on documentation, residence requirements, and processing timelines is available in the Irish Citizenship Eligibility Guide.
ASPECT
Based On
Process Type
Key Consideration
Assessment
Generally Applies To
CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALISATION
Lawful residence in Ireland
Application assessed by the Department of Justice
Residence history in Ireland
Department reviews residence, documentation, and character
Individuals living in Ireland who meet residence conditions
CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
Irish ancestry (family connection)
Registration through the Foreign Births Register (where applicable)
Irish-born parent or grandparent
Department verifies family connection and ancestry
Individuals with Irish family lineage seeking citizenship recognition
5. Naturalisation vs Citizenship by Descent
The Department of Justice charges government fees as part of the Irish citizenship application process.
6. Where to Find Irish Citizenship Eligibility and Requirements?
This overview provides general information about how Irish citizenship works. For detailed information on eligibility conditions, specific documentation requirements, processing timelines, and pathway-specific details, refer to the Irish Citizenship Eligibility Guide.
Learn more about requirements, documents, and processing timelines in the eligibility guide below:
Need Guidance Before Applying?
Citizenship Consultation
Offers clear guidance on Irish citizenship eligibility, application pathways, and current Department of Justice guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Irish citizenship is a legal status recognised under Irish nationality law. It provides the right to live and work in Ireland without immigration restrictions and allows eligible individuals to apply for an Irish passport. Irish citizenship applications are administered and assessed by the Department of Justice.
Irish citizenship applications are submitted to the Department of Justice and assessed through several stages, including application review, verification of documentation and residence history, and a final decision by the Minister for Justice.
Irish citizenship processing time varies depending on the pathway and individual circumstances. According to the Department of Justice, many naturalisation applications are processed within approximately 12 months, although timelines may vary.
The Department of Justice charges government fees for Irish citizenship applications, including an application fee at submission and a certification fee if the application is approved.
Irish citizenship may be obtained through naturalisation, marriage or civil partnership to an Irish citizen, or citizenship by descent, depending on individual circumstances.
Naturalisation is generally based on lawful residence in Ireland, while citizenship by descent is based on Irish ancestry and may involve registration in the Foreign Births Register.
The pathway that may apply depends on residence history in Ireland, immigration permission, family connections, and ancestry. Eligibility is assessed by the Department of Justice based on individual circumstances.
Overview of Irish Citizenship
Irish citizenship is administered by the Department of Justice under Irish nationality law. This overview explains how citizenship applications are generally processed, the main pathways available, and where to find detailed eligibility and requirement guidance before applying.