Effective July 31, 2023, the Irish government has implemented significant amendments to citizenship and naturalisation law in Ireland, contained in the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.
Key Changes
- Children born in Ireland who do not automatically qualify for Irish citizenship by birth are now eligible for naturalisation after three years of residency in Ireland, rather than the five years required previously.
- Minor applicants for naturalisation aged 14 or above will be subject to a good character assessment.
- Applicants are now permitted up to 70 days of absences from Ireland in the continuous year preceding a naturalisation application. This replaces the “six-week rule.”
- An additional 30-days of absences may be permitted if these are due to exceptional circumstances. These exceptional circumstances may include health, family, employment, and study.
These changes apply to naturalisation applications which are pending as well as to new applications.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.