Citizenship rules to tighten by end of this year

Rights groups raise concerns at new rules — including the eight-year residency requirement which will be applied retrospectively to migrants already living in Ireland
Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan speaking to the media at Fianna Fáil's annual think-in at Tullamore Court Hotel in Offaly. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan speaking to the media at Fianna Fáil's annual think-in at Tullamore Court Hotel in Offaly. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026 - 06:02
Louise Burne, Elaine Loughlin, and Tadgh McNally

Aspiring citizens who do not submit their naturalisation application before the end of the year will face increased residency requirements and strict new citizenship requirements.

Senior sources have told the Irish Examiner that the Government expects the new citizenship rules, which include eight years of residency, to be signed into law by Christmas.

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