Major changes to Irish citizenship have been proposed.

These changes are not yet law. The legislation is still being drafted and must pass through the Oireachtas before coming into effect.

The Irish Refugee Council strongly opposes these changes and is urging Government to reconsider. 

Key proposed changes:

• Increase the qualifying periods of reckonable residence from 5 to 8 years for most applicants. For refugees, this would be 8 years from the grant of status (the minister letter)
• Introduce language tests in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language, and an Irish civics, society and politics test; and
• Ensure applicants for citizenship by naturalisation are financially self-sufficient
  

We do not yet know when the changes may be implemented, therefore we encourage anyone who is currently eligible, to apply for naturalisation as soon as possible.

Below please find some information and guidance on the current process and rules.

If you would like more information on current eligibility rules, please see here