Residence: 5 → 8 years
How long you must live in Ireland before applying for citizenship.
Head 5 · Section 15(1)(c)
| Now | Proposed | |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous, just before applying | 1 year | 2 years |
| Plus, in the years before that | 4 of the previous 8 | 6 of the previous 10 |
| Total | 5 years | 8 years |
| If you haven't applied by the start date | — | 8 years applies (no transition rule) |
| 70-day absence allowance (s.15C) | Applies to “one year's” continuous residence | Not updated for two years; unclear |
Legal text
Highlighted: current wording proposed wording
15.—(1) Upon receipt of an application for a certificate of naturalisation, the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant the application, if satisfied that the applicant—
15.—(1) Upon receipt of an application for a certificate of naturalisation, the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant the application, if satisfied that the applicant—
(a) is of full age;
(a) is of full age;
(b) is of good character;
(b) is of good character;
(c) has had a period of one year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;
(c) has had a period of two year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the ten years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to six years;