Citizenship rules to tighten as Government approves eight-year residency requirement

Applicants will also face civics testing and financial requirements as ministers say citizenship must reflect sustained integration

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said the new rules are not a 'judgment on the contribution of migrants' to Ireland. Picture: PA

The Government has backed plans to overhaul Ireland's immigration system.

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan and minister of state for migration Colm Brophy on Wednesday secured Government approval for the priority drafting of legislation that will increase the length of time a person must live in Ireland to be eligible for citizenship from five years to eight years and require applicants to prove they can speak English or Irish proficiently.

The new rules will fall under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026. 

A government statement said the changes, much criticised by opposition parties, "reflects the Government's policy that Irish citizenship by naturalisation is an earned privilege and the culmination of sustained lawful residence, economic self-sufficiency, social integration, civic participation and compliance with immigration law, rather than merely the passage of time".

Mr O'Callaghan said the new rules are not a "judgment on the contribution of migrants" to Ireland.

"I want to be clear in saying that Ireland values the contribution migrants make to our economy, communities and public services. The proposed reforms are balanced, proportionate and necessary.

“The measures concern the requirements for naturalisation and should not be interpreted as a judgment on the contribution of migrants. They seek to ensure that citizenship reflects a demonstrated, durable connection to Ireland, knowledge of the State and its institutions, and a sustained commitment to participation in Irish society.

“I have a responsibility to manage migration in the interests of the economic and social wellbeing of the country and to promote independence and self-sufficiency to support positive integration."

He said Ireland will continue to welcome those who choose to build their lives here and contribute to Irish society.

The new rules will also see testing on Irish “civics” knowledge; a requirement to be self-sufficient with a specified annual wage and a requirement not to receive social protection for two years before the application.

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Meanwhile, culture minister Patrick O’Donovan announced his approval for the next phase of the redevelopment of the National Library of Ireland, enabling the West Wing project to proceed to tender invitation stage. 

The redevelopment will see the West Wing, the most prominent part of the Library fronting onto Kildare Street, open to the public for the first time. The wing has been used for storing the library’s collections since 1890.

Mr O'Donovan said the project will "restore this historic heritage building and transform it into an exciting exhibition, education and visitor engagement space that will showcase the library’s unique collections".

• Paul Hosford, deputy political editor