People applying for Irish citizenship could be required to live in the State for eight years before becoming eligible to naturalise under sweeping reforms being considered by Government.
The proposed changes would significantly tighten Ireland’s naturalisation system, with applicants also facing language testing and new requirements to demonstrate that they are economically self-sufficient.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is expected to bring the proposals to Cabinet this week as part of plans to overhaul the rules governing access to Irish citizenship.
Under the proposed amendments to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, the qualifying period of reckonable residence would increase from the current five years to eight years. The qualifying period was itself increased from three to five years in late 2025.
Applicants would also have to demonstrate proficiency in either English or Irish through a language test. The proposed requirement is intended to ensure new citizens can communicate effectively and participate in civic and everyday life in Ireland.
A further change would require citizenship applicants to demonstrate economic self-sufficiency. This could include restrictions on receiving certain social protection payments for a specified period before an application is made.
The reforms would also affect foreign-national spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens, with the Government proposing to increase the period they must reside in Ireland before becoming eligible to apply for naturalisation.
One of the more significant changes would give the Minister for Justice a specific power to revoke naturalised Irish citizenship on national-security grounds. The proposals would also establish a streamlined process for dealing with citizenship revocations, reflecting concerns around the changing international and European security environment.
Today, Mr O’Callaghan is expected to seek Government approval for priority drafting of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026. He is also expected to seek approval for publication of an outline of the proposed legislation and its referral to the Oireachtas Justice Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny.
The Minister is also addressing Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators at the party’s pre-Dáil-return meeting in Tullamore today, where he is expected to outline the Government’s approach to a “firmer migration” policy.
Among the issues expected to feature is a reported 39 per cent fall in international protection applications since the EU migration pact came into effect in Ireland in June.
The Government says the proposed citizenship reforms are aimed at establishing a robust, rules-based approach to migration and asylum, supporting social cohesion and limiting potential negative economic impacts.
The changes would also bring Ireland’s naturalisation system closer into line with practices in other EU member states, while introducing additional conditions for those seeking to become Irish citizens.
