The Benefits of Becoming an Irish Citizenship

With the rising number of naturalisation applications, Irish citizenship has become a highly sought-after status for people worldwide, including Indians, Chinese, Australians, the United States, and other EEA and UK nationals. While the application process can be complex and time-consuming, the rewards are well worth it. This blog will explore the key benefits of becoming an Irish citizen and how it can open the door to incredible opportunities.

An important note is that although your citizenship is lifelong, it can still be revoked if it is proven that false or misleading information was provided during your application. If you are unsure of the process and documents, it is highly recommended that you approach an experienced legal solicitor or consultant to assist you.

Fundamental rights

Becoming an Irish citizen grants you important fundamental rights protected under the Irish Constitution. These rights safeguard your freedom, your family, and your ability to live with dignity. As an Irish citizen, you are guaranteed the right to travel, freedom of expression, equality before the law, and religious freedom—making Ireland a secure and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.

You can find more detailed information about these here.

Free Education

In Ireland, primary and secondary school education is free for all children residing here, regardless of citizenship status. However, higher education, including university, is not free unless you meet the requirements for the Free Fees Initiative. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be attending an undergraduate course for the first time

2. Be studying full-time, with the course lasting at least two years

3. Have lived in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least three out of the last five years

   
   

While you may be content living in Ireland as a resident, obtaining Irish citizenship can grant you access to a free university education under the Free Fees Initiative.

It is important to note that a student contribution fee may apply even if you qualify for the initiative. However, this fee is capped at €3,000. As an Irish citizen, you also have the right to study in other EU countries, many of which offer free higher education.

EU citizenship

Becoming an Irish citizen also means you automatically become a citizen of the European Union, opening up a world of benefits. As an EU citizen, you gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries worldwide, making international travel much simpler and more convenient. In addition, you'll be able to use the faster EU passport control lanes at airports across Europe, allowing you to breeze through customs and save valuable time during your travels.

One of the most significant advantages is living and working in any EU member state without needing employment permits or visas. Whether you’re interested in starting a career in Germany, advancing your profession in France, or even exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in Spain, your Irish citizenship gives you the right to work in any of the 27 EU countries without restrictions. This opens up an entire continent of job opportunities and enhances mobility within the EU market, offering career flexibility and stability unavailable to non-EU nationals.

Travel, live and work in the UK.

As an Irish citizen, you can reside in the UK. This reciprocal agreement pre-dates the UK’s entry into the European Union. This agreement has continued since Brexit, allowing Irish citizens permanent permission to remain in the UK.

Vote in Irish Elections and Be Elected to Government

Irish citizens can vote in all elections, including general, local, presidential, and referendums. They are also eligible to be elected to government in Ireland and the European Union—an opportunity not available to non-Irish citizens or non-EU citizens in the case of the European Parliament.

While non-EU citizens in Ireland can only vote in local elections, obtaining Irish citizenship grants you full voting rights, allowing you to shape the country’s future. This right is fundamental if you have made, or plan to make, Ireland your home, allowing you to exercise your democratic rights and influence how the country is governed.

Dual or multiple citizenship

In Ireland, citizens can have multiple citizenship; if you successfully gain Irish citizenship, you do not have to renounce your current citizenship from your country of origin. This doesn’t apply to countries with different rules, e.g., China, India and Japan, which forbid dual nationality; if you fall under this umbrella, you must renounce your citizenship to gain Irish citizenship. If not, you can hold multiple passports and keep your rights in each country; this offers much more flexibility.

Do you qualify to become an Irish citizen?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut answer, as it depends on various factors, including your place and date of birth, whether you have Irish relatives, and how long you or your parents have lived or currently live in Ireland.

You may be eligible for Irish citizenship if:

·       You were born in Ireland

·       You have lived in Ireland for 5 of the past 9 years

·       You have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who is/was an Irish citizen

·       You’re a naturalised parent applying on behalf of a child

·       You’re the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen or naturalised person

·       You’ve been a resident abroad in the public service

Not too sure whether that applies to you? Our consultants at Future Direct can assess your eligibility and help you find the best approach for your unique situation. We’ll guide you through every application process step, ensuring a smooth journey towards securing your Irish Citizenship.

Contact us today at +353 (01) 513 4085 or email info@futuredirect.ie for expert guidance. Let Future Direct simplify the immigration process and give you peace of mind.

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