9 October 2026
The publication of the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the “Bill”) marks the most significant proposed reforms of Ireland's citizenship and naturalisation framework in decades. The proposed legislation would introduce a range of substantial changes to the eligibility requirements for Irish citizenship, including new conditions relating to residence, financial self-sufficiency, integration and ongoing compliance.
The proposals suggest a move towards a more structured and demanding naturalisation framework, with greater emphasis on a wider range of considerations when assessing eligibility for citizenship and an expansion of the requirements applicants must satisfy throughout the naturalisation process.
Currently, applicants seeking Irish citizenship by naturalisation are generally required to demonstrate one year's continuous residence immediately prior to application and a further four years' reckonable residence during the previous eight-year period. The Bill would substantially increase these requirements by requiring applicants to demonstrate:
According to the explanatory notes accompanying the Bill, the purpose of extending the residence requirement is to establish a proportionate timeline that encourages social and economic integration while demonstrating a meaningful long-term connection to Ireland.
Currently, spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens can apply for citizenship by naturalisation where they have been married or in a civil partnership for at least three years; have one year's continuous residence in Ireland immediately before the application; and have accumulated a total of two years' residence in the State during the preceding four-year period.
Under the new proposals applicants will need to:
The changes are intended to ensure that applicants can demonstrate both an enduring relationship with an Irish citizen and a meaningful long-term connection to Ireland, while also helping to deter marriages of convenience and the misuse of immigration options.
A key feature of the proposed reforms is the introduction of statutory financial eligibility requirements for naturalisation applicants. These measures are intended to promote economic participation and self-sufficiency, ensuring that applicants can demonstrate financial stability and an ability to support themselves without becoming an unreasonable burden on State resources.
To satisfy these requirements, applicants would be required to meet several financial criteria both at the time of application and throughout the period during which their application is under consideration, including:
The proposals provide that many of the practical details will be included in ministerial regulations. For example, key elements of the proposed financial self-sufficiency requirements, including any minimum income threshold, would be prescribed by the Minister having regard to factors such as earnings data, labour costs and living costs. Similarly, the social welfare payments and housing supports relevant to the assessment would be specified separately following consultation with other Government departments.
The Bill proposes to introduce formal language and civic integration requirements, bringing Ireland closer to the approach adopted in many other European jurisdictions.
Applicants would be required to demonstrate:
These requirements are intended to ensure applicants possess a foundational understanding of Irish society and can participate fully in civic life. The proposed civic requirements would specifically assess an individual's knowledge of Ireland's society, system of government and constitutional framework.
The introduction of these requirements would represent a significant departure from the current naturalisation framework, under which applicants for Irish citizenship are not required to satisfy comparable language or civic integration measures.
Another important development would see the introduction of an ongoing obligation to maintain eligibility after an application has been submitted. Currently, naturalisation applications are largely assessed by reference to circumstances existing at the application date. The Bill would require applicants to continue satisfying certain conditions while the application remains under consideration.
Applicants would therefore be expected to maintain lawful residence, continue meeting financial self-sufficiency requirements and remain free from specified disqualifying conduct throughout the processing period. A change in circumstances occurring after submission could potentially affect the outcome of the application.
Generally, the Department's rationale underpinning these proposals is that Irish citizenship should be reserved for individuals who can demonstrate an ongoing and meaningful connection to the State. The requirement to maintain eligibility throughout the application process is intended to ensure consistency and fairness across applicants and reflects the permanence and importance of the status being conferred.
The Bill also proposes broader powers relating to refusal and revocation of citizenship. Applicants who have committed specified immigration offences may be precluded from obtaining naturalisation.
In addition, the proposed amendments include the Minister's powers to revoke citizenship in circumstances involving national security concerns. The guidance refers to a changing European and international security environment and notes that broader statutory wording is intended to provide flexibility in addressing a range of circumstances that may arise.
Although the proposals remain subject to the legislative process, the Bill signals a clear policy shift towards a more structured and demanding citizenship framework. If implemented in its current form, the proposed reforms would significantly increase the evidential, financial and residence requirements for individuals seeking Irish citizenship through naturalisation.
Collectively, the proposed reforms reflect the Department's view that Irish citizenship should be reserved for individuals who can demonstrate a genuine and enduring connection to the State through long-term residence, integration and economic participation. Given the potentially significant implications for current and prospective applicants, we will continue to monitor the progression of the Bill. Please contact a member of the Employment and Immigration Law team should you need advice on citizenship applications or related matters.
Irish citizenship applicants may have to satisfy more stringent residency and financial requirements under new immigration law proposals. Employers assisting non-EEA nationals with their long-term immigration options should be aware of the proposed new rules and get advice as to how best to evidence residency and other requirements for future applications.
Our Employment and Immigration team advises on all aspects of Ireland’s immigration and citizenship framework, helping employers and individuals navigate applications and evolving legal requirements.
