News · Ireland
Ireland plans to require eight years' residence instead of five for naturalisation
On 9 September 2026 Irish Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State Colm Brophy secured government approval for priority drafting of an amendment to Ireland's citizenship law. The proposal would raise the residence required for naturalisation from 5 to 8 years for most applicants.
Summary
In brief
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Reckonable residence would rise from 5 to 8 years for most applicants.
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A language test in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language.
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A test on Irish civics, society and politics.
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Applicants would have to show self-sufficiency.
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The bill text has not been drafted yet; there is no official information on transitional rules.
Background
What happened
According to the minister's statement of 9 September 2026, the government approved priority drafting of an amendment to the Irish nationality and citizenship law. The proposal would raise reckonable residence from 5 to 8 years for most applicants, introduce a language proficiency test in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language, require a test on Irish civics, society and politics, and require applicants to demonstrate self-sufficiency.
Minister of State Colm Brophy said: "Irish citizenship is among the most valuable legal statuses the State can confer. It is a privilege, not a right." According to Irish Legal News on 10 September 2026, the minister described Irish citizenship by naturalisation as "an earned privilege". The income threshold and transitional rules have not been published.
For you
What it means for you
- A longer route: if you plan a long-term future in Ireland, under the proposal citizenship would become available later and would be tied to tests.
- Comparison: several EU countries are tightening naturalisation; if citizenship is an important goal, compare residence periods and test requirements country by country.
- Alternatives: when you request a quote, we show you which of our programmes lead to settlement and citizenship.
Sources
Sources
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