Ask a solicitor: How can I become an Irish citizen?
Happy worker carrying picked apples in a crate while working in orchard.
Dear Angela,
I am from Poland and hold a Polish passport but have lived in Ireland for nearly 20 years.
I would like to become an Irish citizen, but I’m not sure whether I can. I married an Irish woman four years ago, and we have a child together, who is now two.
My child is an Irish citizen, and I would also like to become one because I would like an Irish passport.
I work as a farm labourer and have done this job for over seven years. I get on well with my boss, and he has said that he would be very happy to give me a reference if I need one.
Dear Reader,
It is possible for you to apply to be naturalised as an Irish citizen. There are two methods by which you could do this:
You could apply based on your marriage to your wife, who is an Irish citizen. This is possible because you have been married for at least three years and have resided in Ireland for at least three years out of the preceding five years. You will need to provide:
- Documentary evidence of your residence in Ireland.
- Documentary evidence of your wife’s residence for the three months leading up to the application.
- An affidavit from your wife.
- Evidence of your marriage, i.e., your marriage certificate.
Alternatively, you could apply based on having lived in Ireland for five years.
This requires one full year immediately before your application and four years in the preceding eight years.
This route may be simpler, as no affidavits or evidence of residence are required from your wife. You will need to provide:
- Proof of your identity, e.g., a certified copy of your current passport.
- Employment details, P60, Department of Social Contribution annual contributions, or bank statements (for three consecutive months, showing at least three transactions in Ireland) for each year you are relying on.
- Either a credit card statement, rent agreement, annual mortgage statement, phone bill, or utility bill for each year of residence you are relying on.
A point-based system is in place. If you don’t meet the required points, you can still apply but must swear an affidavit explaining why you haven’t met the points.
These applications are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and should be used as a last resort, as approval is at the discretion of the minister for justice.
You must also be of good character. The gardaí will provide a report on your background, so it is important to disclose any criminal record, including driving offences, warnings, or cautions.
You must not have been outside Ireland for more than 70 days in the year immediately before the application. Exceptions exist, for example, if you were caring for a sick relative abroad.
You must intend to live in Ireland in the future and provide details of referees who can vouch for you. This could be your current employer or any other reliable individual.
Currently, applications take approximately 12–18 months to process. There is a fee of €175 when submitting the application.
If successful, a further fee of up to €950 is charged. You will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony and will receive a naturalisation certificate, which you can use to apply for an Irish passport.
Email: info@walshandpartners.ie
While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this article, solicitor Angela O’Connor does not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, howsoever arising. Readers should seek legal advice in relation to their particular circumstances at the earliest opportunity.
