Naturalisation Applications

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Ceisteanna (842)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

842. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position of refugees who submitted applications for naturalisation before 8 December 2025, whose applications were based on three years residency from date of entry into the State, as opposed to date of refugee declaration; if the position favours approving such applications in circumstances where refugee status is declaratory in nature, meaning that a person is deemed to have had refugee status from the date that they applied for international protection in the State; and if applications submitted before 8 December 2025 will continue to be processed under a policy recognising declaratory relief of refugees for reckonable residency purposes. [8677/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Last November, 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, a number of changes are planned to the rules on the granting of Irish citizenship. One such policy change relates to the residency requirements of a person granted refugee status and who wishes to apply for Irish citizenship. This change came into effect on 8 December 2025.

Previously, individuals granted international protection status could apply for citizenship after a period of three years. Effective from 8 December 2025, refugees are generally required to have five years of reckonable residence in the State to meet the eligibility criteria for citizenship. Applications for citizenship submitted prior to 8 December 2025 will continue to be assessed in accordance with the previous residency requirement, while applications submitted on and after that date are assessed under the revised policy.

The extension of the reckonable residence requirement reinforces the principle that Irish citizenship reflects a sustained and meaningful connection with the State, demonstrated over time.

All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are assessed individually based on the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Applications are assessed in line with the policy and legislative framework in force at the time the application is made.