Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
754. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration her views on a case (details supplied) regarding citizenship applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72432/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month Minister O’Callaghan and I secured Government approval to introduce new policies and legislative changes to strengthen Ireland’s migration and asylum system to ensure it is rules-based, efficient and more aligned with EU Member States.
As part of this, there are plans to make a number of changes to the rules on the granting of citizenship, one of which relates to the residency requirements of a person granted international protection to be granted citizenship, which came into effect on 8 December 2025.
Previously, individuals granted international protection status could apply for citizenship after a time period of three years. Effective from 8 December 2025 people granted international protection will generally be required to have five years of reckonable residence in the State before they can apply for citizenship.
Applications for citizenship received before 8 December 2025 will continue to be processed under the previous three year rule, while applications submitted on or after that date will be assessed in line with the new five year residency requirement. This change brings citizenship applicants with international protection status in line with most other citizenship applicants.
It is important to note that applications for naturalisation are not prioritised on the basis of an applicant's length of residence in the State. Rather, applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are assessed individually based on the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation and other resources is available on my Department’s Immigration website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/ .
I want to clarify for the Deputy that International Protection applicants are not eligible to apply for naturalisation. Only individuals who have been granted an International Protection declaration and who have accrued the required period of reckonable residence in the State can be considered for Irish citizenship. I would further note that there has been no change in this regard. The recent policy change relates solely to the length of reckonable residence time.
