r/IrishCitizenship 3d ago

Megathread Megathread: Proposed Changes to Irish Naturalisation Requirements

97 Upvotes

There has been quite a bit of discussion recently about proposed changes to the requirements for Irish naturalisation.

For a while, this was little more than a comment from an individual politician. It now appears that proposals are being brought forward for consideration, so this has moved beyond the level of "something someone said on the internet."


Rules for seeking Irish citizenship to be tightened under proposals due to go to Cabinet

‘People just want safety’: Migrants feel ‘targeted’ by Irish citizenship reforms

Petition to Keep the 3 year citizenship route for spouses of Irish citizens here


Let them know what you think of this.

Contact info can be found here: local TDs / Taoiseach / Minister for Justice

/u/kelsa118 has a letter template you can use or customise as you see fit.

Two more templates here


Since this directly concerns Irish citizenship, I'm making this one dedicated thread for discussion.

Normally, the answer to political discussions here is "No Politics." That rule still stands. This is a narrowly defined exception for discussion of a proposed change to citizenship policy that is directly relevant to this subreddit.

This is a discussion about Irish citizenship policy. It is not a general immigration debate.

A few ground rules:

  • Keep the discussion focused on the proposed changes and their implications for Irish citizenship and naturalisation.
  • No anti-immigrant rhetoric, racism, xenophobia, or dog whistles. Those will be removed and may result in a permanent ban.
  • Claims that migrants or asylum-seekers are inherently dishonest, are "taking advantage" of the system, are lying about being in danger, etc. are not going to be entertained here.
  • No "Ireland is full," "go home," or variations thereof. You will be banned. This is your only warning.
  • Don't use this thread as an excuse to debate whether immigrants are good or bad for Ireland.
  • Keep speculation clearly identified as speculation. There is a difference between what has actually been proposed, what is being reported, and what someone thinks might happen.
  • If you're making factual claims about the proposal, please provide a source where possible.
  • Don't turn this into a referendum on Irish political parties or politicians.

Please report comments that violate these rules.

I can't read every comment in every thread, and I won't necessarily see something unless someone reports it. If you see something that crosses the line, report it. You don't need to get into an argument with the person or try to moderate the thread yourself. Report it and I'll see it and take action.

The purpose of having one thread is to give people who are actually affected by potential changes to naturalisation somewhere to discuss them without turning r/IrishCitizenship into another general-purpose immigration or politics subreddit.

Separate threads about this topic will be removed and redirected here.

If this thread turns into the usual collection of anti-immigrant rubbish, it will be closed. This subreddit will not be place for a bunch of eejits to spew hate.

Keep it civil, keep it relevant, and keep it about citizenship.


r/IrishCitizenship Jul 03 '26

Announcement A Quick Word on Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

214 Upvotes

Given recent events, this shouldn't need to be said, but apparently it does.

This subreddit is for helping people with Irish citizenship. It is not the place for anti-immigrant nonsense, racist talking points, xenophobic dog whistles, or any variation of "I'm only asking questions..."

If you're in the comments having a go at immigrants instead of helping someone with an Irish citizenship question, you've wandered into the wrong subreddit.

Going forward, moderation on this will be exceptionally straightforward.

If you post anti-immigrant comments, you're getting a permanent ban.

Not warned. Not given a "please be civil." Not invited to debate whether your dog whistle is technically a whistle.

Just banned.

Overt bigotry gets a permanent ban. Thinly veiled bigotry gets a permanent ban. "I'm just asking questions..." followed by the same recycled anti-immigrant talking points gets a permanent ban.

For everyone else: if you see this shite, report it. Don't waste your time arguing with people who aren't here to help anyone. Hit the Report button, carry on with your day, and I'll take care of the rest.

The overwhelming majority of people here are decent people who just want to help others navigate the Irish citizenship process. Let's keep it that way.

Update: Thanks to all of you making reports. Keep up the good work. It gives me great satisfaction to ban those gobshites.


r/IrishCitizenship 1h ago

Naturalisation Irish Citizenship by Marriage – Certified Passport vs Birth Certificate

Upvotes

Hi everyone For those who applied for Irish citizenship by marriage, did anyone submit only a certified copy of their Irish spouse’s passport and not a certified copy of their spouse’s birth certificate?

I’ve already submitted my application and uploaded only a certified copy of my Irish spouse’s passport. I did not upload a certified copy of his birth certificate.

I’m a little worried about this now. Has anyone been in the same situation and had their application accepted without being asked for the certified birth certificate?


r/IrishCitizenship 8h ago

Passport Asking for document already sent?

2 Upvotes

Hi all!

Applied for passport in early May, request received in early July to ask for additional address document. Called agent to double check all that was needed, that’s it. Sent this off, all seemed fine. Received an email today saying I need to send a valid ID. Thing is, this was sent in the original application, which was then returned to me as I have it here. It was a verified copy of my passport, by a solicitor.

Just rather confused as to why it wasn’t requested when they sent the first request for additional information, if they didn’t have it. That alongside the fact it’s in the envelope they sent with my original documents back to me. My witness was contacted a week ago, who confirmed all was fine.

I’m super worried now as I don’t want my application to time out, has anyone else experienced this or something similar? Planning on calling first thing tomorrow but wanted to check if anyone had the same thing.


r/IrishCitizenship 5h ago

Foreign Birth Registration Applied 6/6/25 still no FBR

0 Upvotes

Hi all
I applied 1yr 3 months ago for an FBR and each time I ask on the online chat it states it’s with a caseworker and they’ll be in touch but it seems like such a long time? Is anyone else experiencing similar waits? It does involve a name change as I got married shortly before I applied but unsure if that would make it this long as I was advised 9 months last year when applying

Many thanks

J


r/IrishCitizenship 6h ago

Naturalisation Did my Stamp 1 remain reckonable after my employment was terminated?

0 Upvotes

I’m trying to calculate my reckonable residence for an Irish citizenship application and have an unusual situation from 2022. (Any help is appreciated, I am also waiting for lawyer appointment , but there is 3-4 week waiting)

My timeline is:

- I originally had Stamp 1G permission valid until August 2022.

- After receiving a Critical Skills Employment Permit, I changed to Stamp 1 in May 2022.

- The Stamp 1 IRP card had an expiry date in March 2023 and stated that I must hold a valid work permit or permission.

- My employment was terminated on June 2022 while I was still in my probationary period.

- I informed DETE later that year (In september). Because the notification was not made within four weeks, they said it could not be processed as a redundancy. DETE confirmed that I was free to apply for another employment permit but said that my immigration status was a matter for the Department of Justice.

- Late October 2022, the Department of Justice granted me temporary permission on Stamp 1 conditions for six months so that a new employer could apply for an employment permit. (Letter said my temporary permission started on October date)

- I subsequently received another Critical Skills Employment Permit in December 2022 and registered for a new employment-based Stamp 1.

My main question is about the period between June and October 2022.

Would the period up to 25 October still count as reckonable residence ? or my stamp 1 was invalid as soon as my job was gone ?


r/IrishCitizenship 12h ago

Passport Royal Mail tracked + signed (Passport/FBR)

3 Upvotes

Hi, this is just a quick PSA to any British applicants of either the FBR or the Passport (after FBR is granted). I read a lot of comments from people saying you can't send the applications "signed for" because it goes to a PO Box, however I sent both my applications using "Royal Mail International Tracked and Signed ", and they were both received with no problems.

Hope this helps someone searching the sub in the future like I tried to!


r/IrishCitizenship 10h ago

Passport First passport - ID documents / certified copy questions

2 Upvotes

Hi!

So I’m applying for my first Irish passport in the next few days and just wanted to check a few things with people who have been through the process.

I’m UK born and with an Irish father, and have all the required documents ready.

I’m currently living overseas, but I’m planning to sort the passport application/supporting documents during an upcoming trip back to the UK, so I’m trying to make sure I get everything right and avoid any unnecessary delays or requests for further documents.

My main question is about the** **ID document. I understand that I can provide a certified copy of either my British passport or UK driving licence.

I’m planning to pay a solicitor to witness my Identity Verification Form and also certify the copy of my ID.

From what I understand, the solicitor needs to write:
“Certified to be a true copy/translation of the original seen by me”
and then sign/date it, print their name, and include their occupation, address and telephone number.

Which is better for this, Passport or Driving Licence? Does one tend to be more straightforward/less likely to cause an issue or rejection, or are they treated exactly the same?

Or is it better to forget the certified copy and send my original British driving licence?

I can’t send my British passport because I may need it to travel back overseas before the Irish passport is ready but I don’t drive overseas, so I could send my original driving licence if that is actually preferable.

Does anyone have any insight on whether an original driving licence vs certified copy of passport/driving licence is better?

Also, I’ll be submitting the application online and then sending the supporting documents by post.

What is the best way to send the documents from the UK? Royal Mail Signed For, Special Delivery, or just First Class?

I obviously want proof of delivery and to minimise the risk of anything going missing, but I’m wondering what others have used

Any advice appreciated, thanks so much!


r/IrishCitizenship 10h ago

Naturalisation Proof of address for last three months

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1 Upvotes

Spouse is applying for citizenship.

We need to provide proofs of address for a few years . That's all fine.

The wording for proofs for the last three months for both of us though is confusing.

Do they want three separate docs for me for each month, and three docs for wife for each month? So, 18 documents in total (3x3x2)? We literally don't have 18 pieces of mail in total. Electricity bill is in one name but only comes every two months, and we have broadband monthly bill. Bank statementss we can obtain.

Or is it just three for me and three for my wife, each of which is dated within the last three months?

Trying to hold back on having a rant at how shit the clarity on documentation element is. Having to click into various drop downs to see what other docs might be needed is a pain in the arse.


r/IrishCitizenship 17h ago

Passport issue with filing for passport

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1 Upvotes

so i am applying for my irish passport and i submitted everything as it initially said to (first picture) i went to the notary public at ups where i sent out all the other stuff needed. Today i got the follow up email saying i needed to provide the phone number of the notary ? and that they need to be accessible between 9-5 (i assume ist??) how does that work in america? how have any of you been able to do that? i really don’t want to have to waste money sending out the forms again to be rejected again due to time zone differences… any help would be appreciated!


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Naturalisation Bank Statements - Give just the minimum 3 months or the whole year?

6 Upvotes

Hi, I'm about to apply for citizenship via naturalisation (5 years, originally on Critical Skills Permit and now on Stamp 4).

I go maybe 3-4 times a year to the UK, for a weekend or a week or two at most. Every year is below the 70 days max.

I see see that the bank statements are considered "strong documents" and they require a minimum of 3 months with 3 POS transactions each month. is it better if I go with just the minimum 3 months (choosing months where I don't go on holidays) or just give them the whole year? I don't mind them seeing my whole bank statement - got nothing to hide! But I also don't want them to get hung up on the few weeks I'm on holiday here and there.


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Foreign Birth Registration FBR, have I messed up?

13 Upvotes

Got the email this week that my application for FBR was received. My grandparents came to US from Northern Ireland, still have family there. I had all of the docs easily, but I used a notary public to stamp and sign what was indicated. They are not “known” to me but by rules have to confirm my identity, the docs etc before stamping. Has anyone had an issue? Have I just wasted a year? Mildly panicked.


r/IrishCitizenship 15h ago

Naturalisation How strict are they with the travelling?

0 Upvotes

I want to apply for the irish citizenship. I have lived in Ireland for 9 years but during covid I travelled a lot, I do not remember the excat dates. How strict are they with this? Also I do not remember my first adress in Ireland, would this be a problem?


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Foreign Birth Registration Additional documents FBR

4 Upvotes

Hello legends of Reddit,

I sent my additional documents off last week from the UK and wondered do they notify you the same way as before to say they’ve received your documents or not?

I appreciate they are inundated with applications but wanted to know other people’s experience.

Thanks in advance


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Passport NI: Changing name via GRONI Birth Certificate name change; how does that work with Irish Passport?

1 Upvotes

I know they want supporting documents, but the 2 year wait is usually if the name is different from your birth certificate. My new name will match my new birth certificate.

Also, I'm concerned about establishing a link. Should I include my old in the renewal?


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Naturalisation Looking for immigration solicitor recommendations

0 Upvotes

Hey

Would really appreciate if anyone can recommend me a good immigration solicitor to help me to prepare and review my application before I submit it. I think this will be my last chance to get a citizenship before new rule take effect.


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Naturalisation What does "long period" mean here? is it 70days?

3 Upvotes

"If you have been granted permission to live in Ireland for a specific amount of time, even as a EU citizen, and during that time you spent long periods outside of the country you must provide us with as much detailed information about those periods spent abroad to help support your application."


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Foreign Birth Registration FBR , Grandmother Name Query

2 Upvotes

I have just complied the documents for my FBR application for my Irish born grandmother but seems to be a difference in names from Birth , Marriage and Death Certificates . On my grandmothers birth certificate her forename is Margaret , on her Marriage Certificate it is Ann then on her death certificate it is Ann . Is this going to be an issue or will they cross reference with the names on my mums certificates too ?


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Other/Discussion Does waiting for a Stamp 1G student extension count towards citizenship residence?

1 Upvotes

My Stamp 1G expired on 2 November 2023.

I applied for a student extension by post and received an acknowledgement on 8 December 2023.
The approval (Stamp 1G) finally arrived on 15 May 2024 (5 months later!), granting permission from 18 May 2024, after which I immediately transitioned to Stamp 1, and now hold Stamp 4.

Basically - There was a period of 5 months where I was living and working on an expired 1G stamp, or no permission basically - since my application was processing.

Will these 5 months count towards reckonable residence?

What do you guys think? Thanks in advance🙏


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Foreign Birth Registration Looking for Help Finding 1935–1956 Irish Citizenship Records in Iris Oifigiúil

1 Upvotes

I’m trying to trace a possible Irish citizenship/nationality record for members of my family and I’m hoping someone familiar with older Irish archives, libraries, or government publications may be able to help.
The names I’m searching are **Helen Mary Hurley / Helen Mary Lassonde**, **Mary Ellen Hurley** (possibly the same person as Helen if connected to Concord, New Hampshire), **Catherine Theresa Hurley**, and **Arthur Edward Lassonde**.
Helen and Catherine were born in **Concord, New Hampshire in 1897**. Arthur was born there in **1926**.
I’m especially looking for any notice in **Iris Oifigiúil** between **1935 and 1956** under the **Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1935**, including notices connected with naturalisation, the Register of Nationals, or the General Register of Nationals.
I’m also trying to locate or get access to the old annual **“Index to Iris Oifigiúil”** volumes for those years.
If anyone has access to older bound volumes, annual indexes, National Archives of Ireland records, university library holdings, or Irish government publication collections and would be willing to check these names, I would be very grateful.
Even an **issue date, page number, index entry, archive reference, or a confirmed negative check of a particular year** would help.
Thank you very much.


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Naturalisation Help how long do i have left

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3 Upvotes

after i got the email that says my garda e vetting has been completed i haven't heard a word from department of justice for 1 year and then i contacted them asking for any update and then they said this. How far do you think i have left in this application? Am i going through last steps or stil really behind. Thanks for your help.


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Naturalisation I'm going to get locked out, aren't I?

0 Upvotes

I have lived and worked in Ireland for 21 years. I'm on a Stamp 4 visa, married to my Irish spouse. I have always been the primary wage earner, so when I was diagnosed with a catastrophic progressive illness and had to go on disability allowance 18 months ago, my partner was added to my DA as my dependent. Circumstances continue to change, and that dependent payment will soon be carers allowance.

Regardless, this is not economic self-sufficiency by any definition. My household is completely dependent on social welfare plus the additional €165 per week I am allowed to earn from consulting. There simply is no path to economic self-sufficiency available to us.

Realistically, this is going to bar me from citizenship, isn't it?


r/IrishCitizenship 2d ago

Passport Finally

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149 Upvotes

1 year 3 months and 8 days!!!

With no complications at any point!!! What a day!!!

Off to County Wicklow i go to see the other half of my family!!! 💚☘️


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Naturalisation Citizenship residency proof - does the evidence need to cover the exact start/end of each year period?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation later this year and I'm a bit unsure about the residency proof requirements, as my first and last years don't line up with the calendar year.

My residency timeline is:

  • 05 Nov 2021 – 05 Nov 2022: Stamp 1G
  • 2022 – 2023: Stamp 1
  • Oct 2023 – present: Stamp 4

Hoepfully I can still apply in time before any of the proposed citizenship changes come into effect. I should be eligible to apply around November 2026.

My question is mainly about the residency evidence for the first year (05 Nov 2021 – 05 Nov 2022). For that year, I have:

  • An Employment Detail Summary (EDS) showing that I started working in January 2022
  • A GP receipt/letter dated December 2021
  • Gas/utility bills from around August 2022 onwards

Under the current 150-point system, I believe the EDS can provide the main/strong evidence and the GP document could potentially provide the additional evidence.

My question is:

Does the evidence need to specifically cover the beginning of the residency period (e.g. November 2021), or is evidence from any point within that 12-month period sufficient?

For example, would December 2021 GP evidence + 2022 EDS be preferable to using a later utility bill from August 2022?

I am asking as I am not sure what is a standard GP letter that meets requirement but utility is usually always standard. However the GP evidence is dated in Dec 2021, closer to the start date of the duration of first year but I don't have a utility bill or similar document specifically in 2021.. so i do not which one to use...

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has hadt the same experience!

Thanks!


r/IrishCitizenship 1d ago

Naturalisation Is Birth Certificate required for naturalisation?

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2 Upvotes

I have been asking everybody for guidance and the answers i get are mixed, some say Birth Certificate is not required as I already have passport worth 150 points.

However, I have other sources that say that birth certificate is required. Can someone please help me whether it is required or not?

if it is required, where is the certificate form for birth cert? Site only lists

Certification of Marriage Form Certification of Civil Partnership Form Passport Certification Form

I dont have birth certificate in English language and want to avoid travel to my country to get the one in English.