You don't need a solicitor. Most applications are decided within 19 months. Use the residency calculator on the Immigration Service Delivery website before you apply.
Quick facts
- Residence
- 5 years in the last 9
- Last year
- Continuous, up to 70 days away
- Spouse of Irish citizen
- 3 years' marriage and residence
- Application fee
- €175
- Certificate fee
- €950 (child €200, refugee free)
- Processing
- Most within 19 months
The residence rule
"Have a period of one year continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately before the date of your application for naturalisation and" 4 more years in the 8 before that. "Altogether you must have 5 years reckonable residence out of the last 9 years."
"You can spend 70 days outside of Ireland in the year immediately before your application." "An additional period of up to 30 days may be allowed if you left Ireland due to exceptional circumstances", like illness or family reasons.
What counts, and what doesn't
Time on an employment permit (Stamp 1), Stamp 4, Stamp 3 as a dependant, Stamp 1G as a spouse of a permit holder, and Stamp 5 all count. EU, EEA, UK and Swiss citizens count all their residence.
Not counted: "Time spent on a student visa (usually with a Stamp 2 or Stamp 2A IRP) unless you are making an application as a 'young adult' (see below)", time undocumented, and "Time spent while you were an international protection applicant".
Spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens
You can apply if "You have been married for 3 years or more.", have lived on the island of Ireland for 3 of the last 5 years including the last 12 months, and live with your spouse. Residence in Northern Ireland counts.
The fees
"The fee for each application for naturalisation is €175." If approved: "Application on behalf of a minor €200 Widow, widower or surviving civil partner of Irish citizen €200 Refugee, stateless person or programme refugee No charge Others €950".
Applying
Apply online through Immigration Service Delivery. "You do not have to use a solicitor to complete your application." Documents are scored: "You must have 150 points in both identification and residency."
"Most applications for naturalisation are processed within 19 months." "If your application is refused, you will be given a reason for the decision. You cannot appeal this decision." You can apply again.
Common questions
How long do I need to live in Ireland to become a citizen?
5 years of reckonable residence in the last 9, including one continuous year immediately before you apply. Spouses of Irish citizens need 3 years.
How much does Irish citizenship cost?
€175 to apply and €950 for the certificate if approved. It's €200 for a child or a surviving spouse of an Irish citizen, and free for refugees and stateless people.
How many days can I leave Ireland before applying for citizenship?
70 days in the year before you apply, plus up to 30 more in exceptional circumstances.
Does time on a student visa count towards Irish citizenship?
No, Stamp 2 and 2A time doesn't count, unless you apply as a young adult using a parent's residence.
Do I need a solicitor to apply for Irish citizenship?
No. You do not have to use a solicitor.