Note 01Route summary
Naturalisation is the legal route from long-term residence to full Irish citizenship, ending in a certificate of naturalisation and a place at a citizenship ceremony.
Ref ICBN-12, typed for the wall
Citizenship & familyFor individuals
Irish Citizenship by Naturalisation
Become an Irish citizen by naturalisation, with your reckonable residence proven and your Form 8 built to clear first time.
0 years
Residence
0 years
Spouse route
€0 + €950
Fees
Certificate
Of naturalisation
Folder 01. Route file, Irish Citizenship by Naturalisation
0 to 19 months
Typical time from a complete naturalisation application to a decision, so renew your IRP and plan travel and document expiries well ahead.
Real cost is €1,125
The €175 application fee is only the start.
What we'll do for you
Become an Irish citizen by naturalisation, with your reckonable residence proven and your Form 8 built to clear first time.
Ledger · Irish Citizenship by Naturalisation
Entry 01 · registered
Assess reckonable residence
We audit your full immigration history stamp by stamp, calculate reckonable residence in the nine years before applying and confirm you meet the residence, character and intention tests before a cent is spent.
Allow1 to 3 weeks
Entry 02 · registered
Close gaps and gather proofs
We identify any break in permission or missing renewal, then assemble identity documents, proofs of residence for each year and your continuous final year evidence.
Allow2 to 4 weeks
Entry 03 · registered
Prepare the Form 8 application
We complete the correct Form 8 for your route, compile the residence scorecard and quality-check every entry so nothing is returned for correction.
Allow1 to 2 weeks
Entry 04 · registered
Lodge with ISD and manage queries
We submit the application, pay the €175 fee and act as your point of contact for any request for further documents while it is processed.
Allow1 day to lodge
Entry 05 · registered
Decision and certificate fee
On approval you pay the €950 certificate fee and we prepare you for the declaration and ceremony.
Allowon approval
Entry 06 · registered
Citizenship ceremony
You attend the ceremony, make the declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and receive your certificate of naturalisation.
Allow1 day
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0to0
months to a decision
Lodged with the fee
€0
Queries handled for youTracked weeklyFigures are indicative
65432
Spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen3 years
General applicant5 years
stubs, in the vitrine
EUR 0
full tank, official charges onlyEF
Application fee€175Certificate fee€950
Budget €1,125 in total for an adult. The certificate fee is reduced to €200 for a minor, and for the widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen.
receipts, in the vitrine
Application
€175
Certificate
€950
5 years
03 General3 years
04 Spouse or12to 19 months
Protect your final year
06 tipWhat Stamp 6 means
07 officialHow the main naturalisation routes compare
| Criteria | General adult | Spouse of Irish citizen | Minor child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reckonable residence required | 5 years | 3 years | 3 to 5 years |
| Continuous residence in the year before applying | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Application fee | €175 | €175 | €175 |
| Certificate fee on approval | €950 | €950 | €200 |
Confirm eligibility
3wk
Prepare and lodge
3wk
Processing and vetting
60wk
Decision and ceremony
6wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0weeks
Assess reckonable residence
Close gaps and gather proofs
Prepare the Form 8 application
Lodge with ISD and manage queries
Decision and certificate fee
Citizenship ceremony
Generally 5 years reckonable residence in the 9 years before applying, or 3 years as the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizenOne full year of continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of applicationA complete, unbroken IRP registration and valid immigration stamps throughoutGood character, with disclosure of any convictions, cautions or pending proceedings in any countryCurrent valid passport plus evidence of identity for every year of residence claimedDocumentary proof of residence for each year, such as payslips, P60s, bank statements or tenancy recordsA stated intention to continue to reside in the State after naturalisationThe €175 application fee on lodging and the €950 certificate fee on approval
Q01How much residence do I need?
Generally 5 years reckonable residence in the 9 years before applying, reduced to 3 years if you are the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen. The final year, in both cases, must be continuous residence in the State.
Q02Does time on Stamp 2 count?
No. Student time on Stamp 2 is not reckonable towards naturalisation, though your final continuous year must still be lawful residence. We build your count from the stamps that do qualify and flag any shortfall before you apply.
Q03Will short trips abroad break my residence?
Reasonable absences are allowed, but long or frequent absences, especially in your final continuous year, can put the application at risk. We assess your travel record against current ISD guidance and advise before you lodge.
Q04Can a past visa overstay or conviction stop me?
Not automatically, but character is assessed on the whole picture. Full and honest disclosure is essential, as a concealed matter is far more damaging than the matter itself. We help you present the context so nothing derails the decision.
Q05Do I lose my current citizenship?
Ireland permits dual citizenship, so you keep your existing nationality unless your home country forbids it. Some dual citizens also hold an optional Stamp 6 endorsement, which is separate from the certificate of naturalisation.
Q06What happens if I am refused?
Naturalisation is at the Minister's discretion and there is no formal appeal, but you can address the stated reason and reapply. We review the refusal, fix the underlying issue, typically residence or documentation, and rebuild the case.
Official€175 fee
Become an Irish citizen, official ISD page
Check the residence rules, download the correct Form 8 and read the current naturalisation guidance before you apply.
irishimmigration.ie
Portal12 to 19 months
ISD online portal
Submit your naturalisation application, upload scorecard proofs and pay the fee through the Immigration Service Delivery portal.
portal.irishimmigration.ie
Guide
Immigration stamps explained
Confirm what each stamp counts for, including the optional Stamp 6 endorsement for dual citizens, and which past permissions build reckonable residence.
irishimmigration.ie
Official€300 per year
Registering your immigration permission
Keep your IRP registration valid right up to decision day, a gap in permission can reset your residence clock.
irishimmigration.ie
Guide
Citizens Information, moving to Ireland
Read a plain-English overview of citizenship by naturalisation, birth and descent to confirm your route.
citizensinformation.ie
After ceremony
Irish passports, Department of Foreign Affairs
Once you have your naturalisation certificate, apply here for your first Irish passport.
ireland.ie
Note 02Booking note
Naturalisation is at the Minister's discretion and there is no formal appeal, but you can address the stated reason and reapply. We review the refusal, fix the underlying issue, typically residence or documentation, and rebuild the case.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.