Irish Citizenship Application Changes

There have been changes with respect to Citizenship laws in Ireland with the introduction of Courts and Civil Law Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 which affects citizenship applications.

Citizenship for Minors in Ireland  

Since the introduction of the this Act now minors who have residency within the state for a total timeframe of 3 years can apply for citizenship.  This is for minors who are born in Ireland.  

Such a minor is required to be of good character.  

Evidently the child will most likely be resident with parent(s) and the parents must have resided here lawfully for the requisite period also.  

Continuous Residence Requirement a Citizenship Application 

When a person applies for a citizenship application it is a conditional requirement that they must have continuous residence in the state for the required timeframe.  

The word continuous has caused much confusion and consternation over the years as exactly what is continuous without specificity arose.  

The period of absence settled upon in the absence of a legislative rule was known as the ‘six week rule’.  

With the introduction of this Act there is now legislative clarity and the timeframe is specified as up to 70 days.  

So a citizenship applicant and be absent from the state for up to 70 days ie in the preceding year of the application.  

There is also legal provision for absence periods for ‘’exceptional circumstances’’ and 6 reasons can be considered exceptional.  

This is welcome clarity in this area and also there is provision for absence reasons in exceptional circumstances. Many people whose country of origin is far away when something happens, such as, as illness want to spend time with their family and there are reasons specified in the legislation now whereby a persons circumstances can justify an exceptional circumstance.  

Cleary & Co. immigration law solicitors advise on all Irish Citizenship matters and our contact details are on our contact us page to the top right.  

Disclaimer

Please be advised that the above-mentioned material is intended as an overview and as a broad outline of the topic discussed. It should not be considered as complete and comprehensive legal advice, nor act as an appropriate substitute.
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