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Frequent Asked Questions on Temporary process for granting citizenship during COVID-19

Is there a new Citizenship process for securing Citizenship Certs ?

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has announced that a temporary system is in place that will enable citizenship applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty to the state. This signed statutory declaration replaces the requirement for citizenship applicants to attend citizenship ceremonies, which have been temporarily suspended during COVID-19. This is effective from 18/01/2021.


I have not received an email re the New Citizenship Certs?

There is no requirement for applicants for citizenship to contact the unit. Under the temporary new system, qualifying applicants will be contacted by the Citizenship division. This process is only open to applicants who have received an email from the Department inviting them to partake. The invitations will issue on a phase basis over the coming weeks and months. We kindly request all other applicants to continue to be patient, Citizenship staff continue to process applications during the covid-19 pandemic.


Where can I get the statutory declaration to the new Citizenship process ?

Qualifying applicants will be asked to complete a statutory declaration that will be sent to them by email from the Citizenship Division. This email should not be shared with other applicants. There is no advantage to be gained by submitting a statutory declaration if it has not been requested. In fact, this is likely to delay matters for all applicants. It would greatly assist us if you only contact us, after the 6 week period has elapsed and then only if it is absolutely necessary, as this will allow us to devote the maximum time to the processing of applications.


What will be required when I get the statutory declaration?

Qualifying applicants will be required to complete the statutory declaration in the presence of a witness who is either a notary public, commissioner for oaths, solicitor, or a peace commissioner, and authorised to take and receive statutory declarations. Immigration Service Delivery The Witness must be resident in the State and the Declaration must be administered / witnessed in the State. Once completed the applicant must then send the signed statutory declaration, the appropriate fee and any other requested documentation to the designated postal address as instructed in the email on or before the 30 May 2021.


Must I have the Statutory Declaration witnessed in the State?

Yes. The Witness must be resident in the State and the Declaration must be administered / witnessed in the State.


Where do I send the Statutory Declaration to?

The entire process is called out in the email that issues to applicants, including the postal address. This email should not be shared with other applicants. Once completed the applicant must then send the signed statutory declaration, the appropriate fee and any other requested documentation to the Department’s Citizenship Division as set out in the relevant email.


I have sent my Statutory Declaration but I haven’t received my Naturalisation Certificate?

It will take up to 6 weeks from receipt of the above documents to issue a Certificate of Naturalisation if all of the above is in order. Therefore it would greatly assist us if you only contact us, after the 6 week period has elapsed and then only if it is absolutely necessary, as this will allow us to devote the maximum time to the processing of applications. Please note, while every effort will be made to issue same within 6 weeks, this timeline maybe impacted by the ongoing Public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Future Direct specialises in Irish employment permit and immigration. We are happy to advise you on your citizenship application. Call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie.

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