Becoming an Irish Citizen Guide
This guide explains how to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation. It will guide you through the application process, what is required for your application type, what documents you will need to provide and how to submit a complete application.
In This Section
Who can apply for citizenship by naturalisation
The key documents required to make a successful application
The core residency requirements
What is ‘Reckonable Residency’ & Why it Matters
How to get a required document certified correctly
How to prove your identity – The points rule for identity documents
How to use the Online Form Portal to make an application
Tips for Uploading Documents on the Online Form Portal
The legal framework and the decision-making process
How to ensure that all the information you provide is truthful and complete
Applicants applying based on Irish descent or associations
Important:
Applying for Irish citizenship is a formal legal process that should be taken seriously, and we want to help you get it right the first time. This guide is designed to empower you with everything you need to submit a successful application.
To avoid delays or a refusal (and the possible loss of your application fee), please ensure you fully qualify and can back up your claim with properly certified documents.
Before you submit, double-check that you have:
- Verified your eligibility: Make sure you meet the residency and birthright rules.
- Certified ID: A high-quality, colour copy of your passport photo page, signed by a solicitor or notary.
- Proven your residency : Evidence that meets the required points threshold for every year if it applies to your application.
- Properly certify your documents and upload both the certified copies and the certification form.
- Completed all forms: All statutory declarations must be signed and included.
- Only use affidavits in very rare cases when you truly can’t get a required document.
- Paid the fee: Your application cannot be processed without the correct payment.
Taking the time to get these details right now will save you months of waiting later.
An overview of what the guide covers, who it is for, and how naturalisation works before you begin an application
To apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation, you must meet specific legal requirements. These vary depending on your situation (e.g. adult, minor, refugee, spouse/civil partner of an Irish citizen).
This section explains the different eligibility types, residency rules, common exceptions, and how to check your eligibility before applying.
There are 5 different ways you can apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation,
- You are an adult that has lived legally in the Republic of Ireland and meet the 5 years reckonable residence requirement
- You are married to – or in a civil partnership with – an Irish citizen for 3 years, lived legally on the island of Ireland and meet the 3 years residency requirement
- You have are of Irish descent or Irish associations
- You are applying on behalf of a minor (child)
- You were declared a refugee or Stateless person
You are an adult that has lived legally in the county for 5 years ‘ Reckonable Residence’
To be eligible for citizenship you must be:
- An adult and that has legally lived in Ireland and meet the five years reckonable residence requirement
- Able to provide evidence of your identity and show that you are 18 years of age or over
- You must meet the residency requirements (see below)
- Intend to reside in Ireland after you become a citizen
- Be willing to attend a citizenship ceremony and make a declaration of fidelity
- Be of good character.
Important: If you have been granted permission to live in Ireland for a specific amount of time, even as a EU citizen, and during that time you spent long periods outside of the country you must provide us with as much detailed information about those periods spent abroad to help support your application.
You are married to – or in a civil partnership with – an Irish citizen
If you are making an application based on your marriage or civil partnership to an Irish citizen, you must must be:
- An adult and that has legally lived on the Island of Ireland and met the residency requirements
- Able to provide evidence of your identity and show that you are 18 years of age or over
- Provide proof that you are married to – or in a civil partnership with is genuine and enduring
- Provide required proofs including statements in joint names in the 3 months leading up to the application.
- Provide proofs of residence for the 3 years leading up to the application
- Provide a completed statutory declaration form
- You must meet the residency requirements (see below)
- Intend to reside on the Island Ireland after you become a citizen
- Be willing to attend a citizenship ceremony and make a declaration of fidelity
- Be of good character.
Important
To qualify,
- you must have been married or in the partnership for at least three years
- lived on the island of Ireland for three years.
You will both need to provide joint proof of address for the three months before your application, as well as proof of residence covering the past three years.
You are an adult applying based on Irish descent or associations
You may qualify under this category if:
- You are a direct descendant of someone who is or was an Irish citizen (for example, a grandparent).
- You have a family connection to an Irish citizen (blood relative, adopted, civil partner).
- You are related by affinity, meaning a close relationship through your spouse’s family.
You were given refugee status
If you are a refugee, and the Citizenship Division team has a system in place to help you through the citizenship process.
To be eligible to apply for citizenship:
- Able to provide evidence of your identity and show that you are 18 years of age or over
- Have a declaration as a refugee from the Minister for Justice in Ireland
- Provide proof or your identity ( see the Identity Documents section for more details)
- Provide proof of your residency in Ireland for the past five years, since the date of grant of refugee status
You are applying on behalf of a minor (someone under the age of 18)
A minor is a child who is under 18 years old and not married. Children cannot apply for citizenship on their own. A parent, legal guardian, or someone acting in the place of a parent (“in loco parentis”) must apply for them.
There are three main ways to apply for a child:
Parent with Irish Citizenship
If you are an Irish citizen through naturalisation, you can apply for your child.
The child must:
-
- Have lived in Ireland long enough to meet residence rules
- Have a parent who is a naturalised Irish citizen
- You must provide specific documents for a child’s application
Child of Irish Descent or Irish Associations
-
- The Minister for Justice can grant citizenship to a child who is related to an Irish citizen by blood, affinity or adoption.
- It can also apply if the child is related to someone entitled to Irish citizenship.
- Each application is reviewed individually under Irish law.
- You must provide specific documents for a child’s application (see the next section for more information).
Child Born in Ireland on or After 1 January 2005
Since 2005, not every child born in Ireland automatically gets citizenship.
A child born on the island of Ireland is entitled to citizenship at birth only if at least one parent at the time was:
-
- An Irish or UK citizen, or
- Allowed to live in Ireland or Northern Ireland without restriction, or
- Legally living in Ireland for three of the four years before the birth.
If your child does not qualify at birth, you can apply for naturalisation on their behalf if they have:
-
- Lived in Ireland for one continuous year before the application, and
- Lived in Ireland for a total of two years in the eight years before that.
This rule does not apply to children born in Northern Ireland, and residence in Northern Ireland does not count.
The different eligibility types for citizenship by naturalisation
To apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation, you must provide a set of documents that show:
- Who you are
- Where you have lived
- That you meet the eligibility rules
The exact documents depend on your application type (e.g. adult, minor, refugee, spouse of an Irish citizen or Irish Associations).
All applicants are required upload a certified copy of their birth certificate as part of their application process.
Statutory Declaration for Spouses or Civil Partners of an Irish Citizen
- Your marriage or civil partnership is genuine.
- You are still together.
- You live in the same home.
Downloads for the spousal declarations for both spouse and civil partners are available below:
Affidavits (if requested)
In some cases, you may be asked to provide a sworn affidavit to clarify specific information in your application (for example, residency or identity details).
If this applies to you, we will tell you which affidavit is required and provide the appropriate template.
Affidavits may only be used where a required document cannot reasonably be obtained.
If a document such as a passport, birth certificate, or other official record can be obtained, you must provide that document instead of an affidavit.
Submitting an affidavit where a document is available may result in your application being:
• returned for correction
• delayed while additional evidence is requestedYou may be asked to provide evidence that the document cannot be obtained.
Affidavits must be sworn before a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner, or notary public.
Downloadable affidavit templates are available below:
- Residency Affidavit Form
- Passport Affidavit Form
- Birth Affidavit Form
- Birth Affidavit for a Minor form
If applying based on Irish descent or association there are separate criteria that you are assessed on. Supporting documents for that are discussed in that section.
Key Documents for Most Applicants
You will usually need to upload:
| Document Type | What It Proves |
| Certified Birth Certificate | Your legal identity |
| Certified copy of the biometric page of your Passport or Travel Document | Your identity and nationality |
| Proof of Residency (per year) | That you have lived legally in Ireland |
| Identity Documents (150 points) | That your identity is valid and verified |
| IRP Card | That you are legally resident in Ireland |
| Legal Declarations | That your information is true and correct |
Document requirements for minors
When applying for citizenship by naturalisation on behalf of a minor, you must provide specific documents. Choose the type of application below to see what’s required.
Application by a parent with Irish Citizenship
You need to submit:
- A certified copy of your naturalisation certificate or a certified colour copy of the biometric page of your current Irish passport.
- A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your child’s current passport.
- A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate.
- Original school letters from all schools your child attended in the last three years, showing enrolment dates, attendance periods, and days attended. Photocopies are not accepted.
If your child attended school for less than three years, you can provide:
- A letter from the crèche, playschool, or Montessori school showing enrolment dates and attendance periods.
- A letter from the Department of Social Protection confirming child benefit payments and the start date.
- A letter from your doctor confirming your child’s registration with the practice, the registration date, and any visits, including the Patient Immunisation Record if available.
- A letter from Túsla Educational Support Service (TESS) if your child is home-schooled.
If you cannot provide a passport for your child, submit a sworn affidavit explaining why, with evidence of attempts to obtain one.
If your child is a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national over 16, include a copy of their current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
Application for a minor of Irish descent or associations
You need to submit:
- A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your child’s current passport.
- Certified copies of documents proving Irish associations, if applicable.
- A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate.
- Original school letters from the last three years (or alternative documents as listed above if less than three years).
- A sworn affidavit if a passport cannot be provided, with evidence of attempts to obtain one.
- A copy of your child’s IRP card if they are a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national over 16.
Guardians must also provide certified copies of court appointment documents.
Application for a minor born in Ireland after 1 January 2005 (not entitled to citizenship by birth but meets the required residency rules)
You need to submit:
- A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your child’s current passport.
- A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate.
- Original school letters from the last three years (or alternative documents as listed above if less than three years).
- A sworn affidavit if a passport cannot be provided, with evidence of attempts to obtain one.
- A copy of your child’s IRP card if they are a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national over 16.
- A certified colour copy of the biometric page of your own current passport.
- A copy of your own IRP card if you are a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national.
Applicants must also provide proof of residency, reaching a score of 150 points for each required year. Submit documents with assigned point values to meet this requirement. Guardians must include certified copies of court appointment documents.
If your application is refused or incomplete, your application fee will not be refunded. To avoid delays or refusal, make sure you:
- Provide the correct documents to prove your identity and residency.
- Upload a certified full-colour photocopy of the biometric page of your passport, together with a completed and signed certification form.
- Meet the required residency points threshold for each year of residence.
- Certify your documents correctly and upload both the certified photocopy and the certification form.
- Provide any required statutory declarations, completed and signed where applicable.
- Only use affidavits in exceptional circumstances, where a required document cannot reasonably be obtained.
- Understand which statutory declarations or affidavits apply to your application.
- Pay the correct application fee before submitting your application.
The documents that are essential to help us assess and decide the citizenship application you make
To be eligible for Irish Citizenship, you must show us the periods of time you have legally lived in Ireland. We refer to this as Reckonable Residency. The guide will explain this in more detail in a later section.
In most cases, you must show:
- Evidence of your identity and that you are 18 years of age or over
- 5 years of legal residency in the last 9 years, and
- 1 full year of continuous residency immediately before your application
This is commonly known as the “5 in 9” rule.
⚠️ Important: Gaps in Permission
You must have continuous legal permission to remain in Ireland.
- Any period where your permission has expired is not reckonable
- Even short gaps can affect your eligibility
- These gaps may make your application ineligible, not just delayed
You should check all your IRP dates carefully before applying.
70 Days Absence Rule
When applying, you must not have been outside of Ireland for more than 70 days in the 12 months immediately before your application date.
- 70 Day Limit: You cannot be outside of Ireland for more than 70 days in the year before you make your application. This qualifying year is calculated back 12 months from the date of your application. For example, if you apply on November 11, 2025, you check your absences from November 11, 2024, to November 10, 2025.
- Travel Day Exceptions: Remember that the days when you both left and returned to the country are not counted during the qualifying period.
- Extra Days: An additional 30 days may be allowed for a rare, severe, or unavoidable event and is decided on a case-by-case basis by the Minister of Justice
⚠️ Time That Does Not Count
The following periods do not count towards your residency:
- Time on Stamp 2 or Stamp 2A (student permissions)
- Time without valid immigration permission
- Time spent waiting for a protection decision (before status is granted)
If you rely on these periods, your application may be refused.
If you exceed the limit: If you were away longer than 100 days (e.g., for a long trip), you need to delay your application to meet the 70-day absence rule. There is no discretion whatsoever for applications over 100 days and they will be considered ineligible, and you will lose your application fee.
Anita applies for citizenship by naturalisation in October 2024.
- In December 2023, Anita travelled to Colombia for 21 days to celebrate Christmas with family.
- In February 2024 she spent 5 days in Scotland for a training course.
- In April 2024 she travels to Denmark for a 3 day conference.
- In June 2024 she travels to Spain for a 14 day holiday.
- In September she returns to Colombia for 7 days to celebrate her birthday and visit family.
Anita has been absent from Ireland for 50 days.
This falls below the 70-day threshold, so Anita meets the continuous-residence requirement and can proceed with her application.
- In July 2024 Vladimir travelled to France for a 14 day holiday.
- In September 2024 he travels to England for 7 days to visit his brother.
- In December 2024 he travels to Russia for 21 days to celebrate Christmas with family.
- In February he travels to Poland for 5 days for his sister’s wedding
- In March he travels to Hungary for 3 days for dental surgery
- In April he travels to the USA for a 14 day holiday
- In May he travels to Russia for 10 days to visit family
Vladimir has been absent from Ireland for 74 days. This exceeds 70 days, and Vladimir must now explain his absences in his application.
Under the ‘Residency permissions’ section of the application form, Vladimir must enter his absences and give reasons for each. The Minister of Justice will then decide whether or not Vladimir’s absences are exceptional circumstances e.g. family circumstances.
What Vladimir should have done
To stay compliant, Vladimir should have planned his absences in advance and kept total time outside Ireland below 70 days in the year before applying.
Plan Before You Apply
To avoid issues:
- Track all travel during your qualifying year
- Check passport stamps and travel records
- Avoid long or multiple trips close to your application date
- Delay your application if necessary
Planning ahead will help ensure your application is valid.
Good planning tips include:
- Tracking travel dates carefully throughout the qualifying year.
- Avoiding long holidays or multiple trips close together.
- Postponing non-essential travel until after submitting the citizenship application.
- Checking passport stamps or travel records to confirm total days abroad. By pre-planning and monitoring absences, applicants can avoid falling above the 70-day threshold and prevent delays or potential refusals.
⚠️ Continuous Residence Requirement
You must have:
- 1 full year of continuous residence immediately before applying
If this requirement is not met: your application will be ineligible.
The key requirements need to prove you residency including the 5 in 9 year rule and the 70 day absence rule
To qualify for Irish citizenship, only specific types of residence in Ireland count — these are known as reckonable residence.
In simple terms, reckonable residence is time spent legally living in Ireland under certain immigration stamps or permissions. Not every type of stay in Ireland counts toward your citizenship application. For example, time spent awaiting an asylum or protection decision is not counted as reckonable residence.
⚠️ Your Evidence Must Be Strong
Each year, you must provide documents that clearly show:
- Your name
- Your address in Ireland
- A date within the correct year
- Evidence of your activity (e.g. work, income, residence)
You can use the Naturalisation Residency Calculator to check if you meet the residency requirements.
This tool is for is for non EU, non EEA and Swiss nationals only. If you are making an application as an UK, Swiss or EEA citizen you just have to show us proof of your residence by using documentary evidence of your history in Ireland. This will be discussed late on in the guide.
The residency calculator shows:
- Whether you have lived in Ireland long enough
- If time spent abroad breaks the rules
- If your IRP card dates are valid
This calculator does not work for refugees.
To qualify for citizenship, you must show that you have lived in Ireland legally for a certain length of time. Count backwards from the date you plan to apply. You need to have:
- at least 1 full year of continuous residence immediately before you apply,
- meet the requirements of the 70/30 rule,
- and have a total of 4 more years (1,460 days) within the 8 years before that. Leap years add an extra day.
The residency calculator helps you work this out — enter the dates of each permission you were granted. You will also need to send photocopies of documents for every year you claim residence.
Each document must clearly show your name and address. In some cases, you may be asked for extra proof.
⚠️ Important: Gaps in Permission
You must have continuous legal permission to remain in Ireland.
- Any period where your permission has expired is not reckonable
- Even short gaps can affect your eligibility
- These gaps may make your application ineligible, not just delayed
You should check all your IRP dates carefully before applying.
Time that Counts Towards Citizenship:
Some immigration permissions count towards the residence you must show when applying for citizenship. These are permissions that allow you to live in Ireland legally and build a continuous history of residence.
Stamp 0 – Permission to stay in Ireland for a temporary period, subject to conditions.
Stamp 0 is a permission granted to individuals coming to Ireland for a limited time who can support themselves or be supported financially—for example, a visiting academic or someone with the independent financial means to live here.
It is also typically used by older dependent relatives supported by a family member.
The financial criteria for sponsoring an older dependent relative are detailed in the Family Reunification Policy document.
Stamp 4 — Long-term residence without an Employment Permit
Stamp 4 allows you to:
-
- work in Ireland without an Employment Permit,
- establish or run a business,
- access state services (where eligible).
You may receive Stamp 4 if:
-
- you are joining your Irish spouse or civil partner,
- you have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection,
- you have completed a qualifying period on an employment permit (for example, after holding a Critical Skills Employment Permit for around two years — usually 21 months — or after a longer period on a General Employment Permit).
Stamp 1 — Employment-based residence
Reckonable when you have permission to work or operate a business, including as:
-
- an Employment Permit holder,
- a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder,
- an Intra-Company Transfer Permit holder,
- a researcher under a Hosting Agreement.
Stamp 1G — Graduate or partner of an employment-permit holder
Reckonable when you hold:
-
- Third Level Graduate Programme permission, or
- permission as the partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder or a researcher on a Hosting Agreement.
Stamp 3 — Dependent residence
Counts if you are legally resident in Ireland as the dependent of a person who has a qualifying immigration permission.
Stamp 5 — Permission Without Condition as to Time (WCATT)
All time on Stamp 5 counts because you are permitted to remain in Ireland indefinitely.
Stamp 6 — Irish citizen with a foreign passport
(For completeness — applies only in specific cases)
Stamp 6 is placed in a foreign passport held by an Irish citizen. Time on Stamp 6 is reckonable because you already have the rights of an Irish citizen.
Protection-based residence
Only the time after you are granted any of the following counts as reckonable residence:
-
- Refugee status
- Subsidiary protection
- Permission to remain on protection grounds
Time spent waiting on a protection decision does not count.
Permissions that do not count as reckonable residence
Stamp 2 and Stamp 2A — Student permissions
These do not count because they are temporary educational permissions.
Exception:
If you are a young-adult applicant who arrived in Ireland legally as a child and continued your education here, limited periods of Stamp 2 or 2A may be considered at the Minister’s discretion.
Time without a valid permission
Any undocumented period — including short gaps where your permission expired before renewal — is not reckonable.
Time before a protection decision is granted
For international protection applicants, only the period after you have been granted refugee status, subsidiary protection, or permission to remain is reckonable.
Time in Direct Provision before the decision does not count.
If you are not sure whether a particular period counts, keep all your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards and letters from Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). These documents show your official permission history.
Reckonable Residence for Spouses/Civil Partners of Irish Citizens
If you are applying as a spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen, you must show that you,
- Have lived continuously on the island of Ireland (including Norther Ireland) for the entire year before your application,
- Meet the requirements of the 70/30 rule.
- Resided on the island of Ireland for a total of 3 years in the 5 years before the application.
- You must also have been married and living together for 3 years.
Reckonable Residence for Citizens of an EEA country, Switzerland or the UK
As mentioned previously, if you are applying on as a citizen of an EEA country, Switzerland or the UK, you do not have to provide ‘reckonable residence’ calculation with your application.
Instead, you must provide strong documentary proof to show your history of living in Ireland. This typically includes documents like:
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, etc.)
- Bank statements
- Rental agreements or mortgage statements
- P60s/Employment Detail Summaries or tax returns
You must have held your UK, EU/EEA, or Swiss nationality for more than 5 years before the date you apply for Irish citizenship.
If you have been a national of these countries for 5 years or less, you must apply using the rules and forms for a Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national (which includes using the reckonable residence calculator).
Reckonable Residence for Children
If you are applying for Irish citizenship on behalf of your child, you must demonstrate that the child meets specific reckonable residence requirements based on their date and place of birth.
- A child born in Ireland after January 1, 2005, is eligible for citizenship if they have 3 years of reckonable residence in the state after their birth, and this can be applied for by a parent or guardian or person in loco parentis.
Reckonable Residence for Young Adults
You may apply for citizenship as a dependent young adult if you meet these certain requirements:
- If you are aged 18-23 at the time of application and entered the state legally with your family.
- If you are currently attending secondary school in the state or went directly from secondary school into third level education in the state.
- If you are a dependent on your parents for accommodation and living expenses,
Reckonable Residence for Refugees or people with international protection
If you are applying as a refugee under section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act the Minister can waive any or all of the criteria listed below but as a guideline for processing applications efficiently we require proof that:
- You have lived in Ireland for the 1 year before application and for a total of 4 years before that.
- Time in Direct Provision as an asylum seeker does not count, but time after being granted refugee status does.
Make sure you keep a record when you register your immigration permissions and take care to ensure there are no gaps during your residence. Gaps in your registration may lead to long delays in your application for citizenship being processed by the Citizenship team.
The identity, residency and supporting documents you must provide, and how to get them certified correctly
What Is a Certified Document?
Some documents must be certified as true copies. This means a professional person such as a solicitor, Peace Commissioner, Commissioner for Oaths, or Notary Public confirms that the photocopy is a true likeness of the original.
You must only send certified copies of your documents, unless we specifically ask for the original.
From 20 April 2023, applicants are no longer required to send their original passports unless requested.
Instead:
- You must submit a certified colour photocopy of the biometric page of your current passport with a certified copy of the certification form for your passport/identity document .
- This copy must be certified by a qualified professional (e.g. practising solicitor, Peace Commissioner, Commissioner for Oaths, or Notary Public).
- We may still ask to see your original passport later. This typically applies to a small sample of applicants, selected randomly.
- The certified biometric photocopy should be accompanied by the completed certification page
How to Certify a Document
Follow these steps:
- Make a full colour photocopy the original document
- Bring both the original and photocopy to someone who is authorised to certify it
- Bring the certification form for the document to the certifier
- The certifier must:
- Complete the form
- Sign and date the copy
- Sign and date the form
⚠️ Certification Is a Mandatory Requirement
If your documents are not certified correctly:
- Your application will be returned
- Processing will be delayed
Who Can Certify Documents?
You can ask one of the following professionals to certify your documents:
- Solicitor (practising)
- Commissioner for Oaths
- Notary Public
- Peace Commissioner
⚠️ Photocopies must be certified in person — not by post, email, or scanned signature.
Common Certification Mistakes (to avoid)
- Submitting an uncertified copy
- Submitting a copy with no date or signature
- Submitting an incomplete certification form
- Certifier did not include their name or role
- Using a person who is not authorised (e.g. friend, employer, member of An Garda Siochána)
If your certified document is missing any of the required information, it will be rejected and delay your application.
Language and Translation
If any document is not in English or Irish you must also include a translation from a professional translation service.
You must also upload:
- A certified translation, and
- A copy of the original document
All translations must be:
- Carried out by a professional translation service
- Accompanied by the translator’s contact details and signature
Certification Forms
What is a true copy certified document what professionals can certify these for you
The 150 Point Rule for Identity Documents
To prove your identity, you must upload certified copies of official documents that add up to 150 points. Each document type has a set point value, as outlined in the Citizenship Identity Scorecard (see below).
Your uploaded documents must:
- Be clear, legible, and under 5MB
- Show your name, date of birth, and photo (where applicable)
- Be certified by an approved authority (see Section 7)
How to Reach 150 Points
You can submit:
- One document worth 150 points
g. A certified colour copy of your valid passport
OR
- A combination of identity documents that together total 150 points.
g. An expired passport (<365 days) which is worth 75 points and a certified IRP card that is worth 75 points.
Naming your files
Please name each file clearly using its content.
Examples:
- IRP Card
- Joe Smith – Passport
- Mary O’Connor – Driving Licence
This helps us match documents to the correct applicant or family member.
| Document | Points | Notes |
| Certified colour copy of valid passport | 150 | Must be in date |
| Expired passport (<365 days) | 75 | Additional documents required |
| Expired passport (>365 days) | 50 | |
| Certified Irish Residence Permit (IRP) | 75 | |
| Driving licence (in date, with photo) | 10 | |
| Public Services Card | 25 | |
| PPS Letter (DSP/Employer) | 25 | |
| Certified National ID (EU Regulation compliant) | 50 | |
| Certificate of Identity, Red Cross, or UNHCR ID | 50 | Acceptable alternatives for some applicants |
Do not submit more than required — we will contact you if more is needed.
What if You Cannot Reach 150 Points?
If you do not have enough identity documents to reach 150 points:
- Upload as many official documents as possible, and
- Submit a Birth Affidavit or Passport Affidavit explaining your situation
These should only be used in exceptional cases and must be completed using the official templates here.
Affidavits may only be used where a required document cannot reasonably be obtained.
If a document such as a passport, birth certificate, or other official record can be obtained, you must provide that document instead of an affidavit.
Submitting an affidavit where a document is available may result in your application being:
• returned for correction
• delayed while additional evidence is requestedYou may be asked to provide evidence that the document cannot be obtained.
If You Are a Refugee
We understand that refugees may not have a national passport. In these cases, your application can still proceed if you upload the following:
- Certified copy of your Irish-issued travel document
- A letter confirming your refugee status
- A Passport Affidavit signed by a legal witness (solicitor, Peace Commissioner, etc.)
The affidavit must include:
- Your full name, and any other names you have used (plus reason for change)
- A clear explanation of why you cannot get a passport
- A short account of how you arrived in Ireland
Your application may be refused if it is incomplete. Should this happen, your application fee will not be refunded. To avoid delays or refusal, make sure you:
- Send the right documents to prove who you are and where you live.
- Upload a certified full-colour photocopy of the photo (biometric) page of your passport, together with a completed and signed certification form.
- Meet the required residency points threshold for each year of residence.
- Properly certify your documents and upload both the certified copies and the certification form.
- Include any required statutory declarations, completed, and signed if needed.
- Only use affidavits in very rare cases when you truly can’t get a required document.
- Understand which declarations or affidavits apply to your application.
- Pay the correct application fee before submitting your application.
How to prove your identity with certified copies of official documents that add up to 150 points
What You Need to Show
To apply for citizenship by residency, you must prove to us that you have that you lived in Ireland during:
- The 12 months immediately before your application
- Four other years in the previous 8 years
We call this reckonable residency.
Your Reckonable Residency Evidence Must Be Strong
Each year, you must provide at least one strong official document that proves you were living in Ireland.
These documents are the most reliable types of evidence. They must show:
- Your name
- Your address in Ireland
- A date from the correct year
- Evidence of your legal residence, work, income, or activity
- A bank statement with regular transactions
- An Employment Detail Summaries from Revenue
- A Department of Social Protection annual contribution or payment record
- A letter from Revenue showing your tax record
You Can Add Supporting Documents (Optional)
You can also upload other documents that support your proof of living in Ireland.
These help but cannot replace the strong document.
Examples of supporting documents:
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, internet)
- Rent agreement or tenancy letter
- Letter from your school or GP
- Credit card statement
To meet the required standard, you should:
- Upload at least 2–3 documents per year
- Include at least one strong official document per year
Providing only one weak or supporting document is not enough.
Special provisions
Special provisions for doctors employed in the HSE or voluntary hospitals
With particular reference to doctors employed in the HSE or voluntary hospitals, the provision of a “Medical Practitioner Employment History Summary” will be accepted as proof of residence.
Special provisions for dependant young adults (aged 18-23)
If you are a ‘dependant young adult’ who depends on their parents for accommodation and general living expenses, a letter from your school or college showing your date of registration and attendance can be submitted as one of your proofs of residence.
The 150-Point Rule (Back-End Scoring)
Internally, we use a points system to assess your evidence.
| Document Type | Points |
| Strong official documents | 100 pts |
| Supporting documents | 50 pts |
To meet the standard for each year, your total must be 150 points or more, with at least one strong official document.
Upload at least 2 documents per year ( Upload only the number of documents needed to reach 150 points per year)
Include at least one strong document
- Use PDF or JPG files under 5MB
- Name each file clearly (e.g. “2023 Bank Statement – John Murphy”)
- Don’t upload the same file to multiple years
What if you are making an application through marriage or a civil partnership to an Irish citizen?
Applying for Irish citizenship through marriage or a civil partnership has specific requirements. Here is a simplified breakdown of what you need to know and provide.
The Basic Rules
To apply this way, you must meet three main conditions:
- Time: You must be married to (or in a civil partnership with) an Irish citizen for at least 3 years.
- Living Situation: You must be living together at the time you send in your application.
- Location: You must meet the specific residency requirements for living on the island of Ireland.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Proof your partner is Irish
You need a certified copy(a copy verified by a legal professional) of one of the following for your partner: Their Irish birth certificate if born in Ireland.
- Their Irish passport (the photo page).
- Their naturalisation certificate.
- Other official documents showing they gained citizenship through a parent or the Foreign Births Register.
- Proof of your Relationship
- A certified copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Note: If you entered a civil partnership outside of Ireland, check that it is legally recognized under Irish law before you apply.
- The Sworn Declaration
- Your Irish spouse or partner must sign a legal document (an a Statutory Declaration confirming your relationship.
- This must be signed in front of a legal witness (like a Solicitor, Notary Public, or Commissioner for Oaths) after you have signed your own part of the application.
- Proof that you live together
You must provide three different documents for both you and your partner that show you lived at the same address for the 3 months leading up to your application. Examples include:
- Utility bills (Gas, Electricity, Phone, TV).
- Bank statements.
- Rent or mortgage agreements.
- Letters from your employer or Social Welfare
5. Proof that you have resided in the island of Ireland
To apply for citizenship though marriage or civil partnership to an Irish citizen you must prove to us that you have lived on the island of Ireland during:
- The 12 months immediately before your application
- Two other years in the previous 4 years
Please submit three separate proofs of address for both yourself and your partner. These must cover the three-month period immediately preceding your application.
What if You Can’t Reach 150 Points for residency?
Affidavits may only be used where a required document cannot reasonably be obtained.
If a document such as a passport, birth certificate, or other official record can be obtained, you must provide that document instead of an affidavit.
Submitting an affidavit where a document is available may result in your application being:
- returned for correction
- delayed while additional evidence is requested
You may be asked to provide evidence that the document cannot be obtained.
If you’re missing a strong official document for any year to prove your reckonable residency:
- Upload what you have
- Submit a Residency Affidavit explaining why you can’t provide stronger evidence
Affidavits are reviewed individually and should only be used in exceptional cases.
Special Circumstances
You may not have standard documents if you are:
- Living in State-supported accommodation (e.g. IPAS)
- On Stamp 3 or a dependent visa
- Living with family where bills are not in your name
In these cases:
- Upload letters from the State body (e.g. IPAS, housing authority)
- Attach a short cover note explaining your situation
Use an affidavit only if no official records are available
Common Mistakes
- Using only supporting documents (e.g. 3 phone bills)
- Uploading unclear scans or files without dates
- Uploading documents from the wrong year
- Forgetting to include a strong official document
| Document Type | Examples | Points |
| Strong official documents | Bank statements (with min. 3 transactions/month for 3 months) | 100 |
| Strong official documents | Employment Detail Summary (P60) or Revenue Statement | 100 |
| Strong official documents | DSP Annual Contribution Statement | 100 |
| Strong official documents | Letter from Employer (confirming dates) | 100 |
| Supporting documents | Utility Bill (gas, , broadband) | 50 |
| Supporting documents | Phone Bill (mobile or landline) | 50 |
| Supporting documents | Rent agreement / tenancy letter | 50 |
| Supporting documents | Medical or hospital letter confirming address | 50 |
| Supporting documents | Credit card statement | 50 |
| Supporting documents | Letter from school, housing authority, IPAS, Direct Provision | 50 |
Your application may be refused if it is incomplete. Should this happen, your application fee will not be refunded. To avoid delays or refusal, make sure you:
- Send the right documents to prove who you are and where you live.
- Upload a certified full-colour photocopy of the photo (biometric) page of your passport, together with a completed and signed certification form.
- Meet the required residency points threshold for each year of residence.
- Properly certify your documents and upload both the certified copies and the certification form.
- Include any required statutory declarations, completed, and signed if needed.
- Only use affidavits in very rare cases when you truly can’t get a required document.
- Understand which declarations or affidavits apply to your application.
- Pay the correct application fee before submitting your application.
How to prove that you have that you lived in Ireland according to the residency rules for citizenship
How to use the Online Form Portal to complete, upload and submit your citizenship application.
To avoid errors or delays, please follow these upload guidelines:
Accepted file types
- PDF (.pdf)
- JPEG/JPG (.jpg, .jpeg)
Maximum file size
- Each upload must be under 5MB
Upload limits
- Some fields allow only one document
- Others allow multiple documents
- Follow on-screen instructions carefully
Naming your files
- Use clear names so we can match documents easily:
- “Amina Yusuf – Bank Statement Jan 2024”
- “John Kelly – Birth Cert Certified”
One file per document
- Do not combine multiple documents into one PDF
- Upload each file separately in its assigned year/tab
If you skip a required upload field or upload the wrong file type, you may not be able to submit your application.
Once submitted, you will not see your form again.
Take screenshots or save a PDF copy before final submission.
📌 If you are asked for more documents later, you will receive a secure message in the portal. These can be found under:
My Forms > Additional Forms
Having trouble uploading documents?
If your files are too large to upload please see our tips below for reducing the file size. The ISD Online Portal only accepts PDF or JPEG files up to 5MB in size.
Reducing the size of PDF documents How can I save a PDF file to a smaller file size? Steps:
- On your device, open Adobe
- Open your document you are trying to
- Click on ‘File’.
- Select ‘Save as Other’.
- Choose ‘Reduce Size PDF’.
See screenshot below.
Photos and JPEGs
If you can’t upload your JPEG file due to it being too large please try one of these solutions:
- Reduce the resolution on your phone’s camera from the options menu and re-take the picture.
- There are many third-party apps available, on the internet or through your phone’s app store, to help reduce the size of your photos and JPEG images.
- For best guidance, please check the help section on your phone manufacturer’s website.
Before attempting to upload your files again please ensure that they are under the 5MB limit
Guidelines on how to upload documents to avoid errors or delays in processing your application
What to expect after sending your application, including processing, additional documents and decisions
The legislation around citizenship, how decisions are processed, and how discretion is used when making a decision
What “Good Character” means and why giving false or misleading information is a serious offence
The rules are different for applicants applying based on Irish descent or associations. These applications are assessed under Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended) where the act states that the Minister can waive any or all of the conditions even if you do not meet all of the conditions outlined in the guide below.
What Does Irish Descent or Irish Associations Mean?
You may qualify under this category if:
- You are a direct descendant of someone who is or was an Irish citizen (for example, a grandparent).
- You have a family connection to an Irish citizen (blood relative, adopted, civil partner).
- You are related by affinity, meaning a close relationship through your spouse’s family.
What the Minister Will Consider
Even if you qualify under Irish descent or associations, the Minister for Justice will only approve your application if you provide strong supporting evidence. Your case will be assessed on:
- Experiential connection to Ireland (e.g. years living here, tax status, visits)
- Family connections to the State
- Cultural connection
- Establishment in the State
You can earn points in each of these areas. The stronger your case, the more likely it is that some naturalisation conditions may be waived.
What You Must Provide
To apply under this route, you must include:
A detailed cover letter explaining:
- How you are connected to the Irish citizen.
- Why you are requesting a waiver of the conditions for naturalisation.
- Any personal or humanitarian circumstances relevant to your case.
Supporting documentary evidence of your connection to the Irish citizen:
To qualify under this route there have been guidelines developed to clarify the criteria applied when making a decision for individuals applying for citizenship based on Irish Descent or Irish Associations.
These guidelines provide a detailed rationale of the criteria applied when considering and making a decision on each application.
The criteria used are taken from Section 16(1)(a) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. More information is also available Applications based on Irish descent or Irish associations information page.
- Experiential Connection (Maximum Score: 50 points)
| Criteria | Scoring Method | Maximum Points |
| Length of reckonable residence in Ireland | 5 points per year of reckonable residence | 25 |
| Current residency in the State for tax purposes | 10 points | 10 |
| Evidence of frequent trips to Ireland in the past ten years (if not currently resident) | 3 points per trip | 15 |
- Family Connection (Maximum Score: 60 points)
| Criteria | Scoring Method | Maximum Points |
| Family members (as defined in section 15C of the Act) are, or were at their time of death, Irish citizens ordinarily resident in Ireland. | 60 points | 60 |
Section 15C defines a family member to include a spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and certain in-laws, step-relations, and extended relations (aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces).
- Cultural Connection (Maximum Score: 60 points)
| Criteria | Scoring Method | Maximum Points |
| Significant contribution to the Irish nation or Irish society (e.g., exemplary voluntary work, engagement in artistic, sporting, academic, or intellectual endeavour, promoting Ireland abroad, etc.). | 30 points | 30 |
| In possession of a professional/third-level qualification issued in Ireland (NFQ levels 6-10). | 10 points | 10 |
| In possession of a Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) from Ireland. | 10 points | 10 |
| In possession of a Junior Certificate (or equivalent) from Ireland. | 10 points | 10 |
- Establishment in the State (Maximum Score: 60 points)
| Criteria | Scoring Method | Maximum Points |
| Holding a current Irish health, car, or home insurance policy. | 10 points | 10 |
| Number of PRSI Contributions | 2 points for every 10 PRSI Contributions | 20 |
| Being a member of a public/private pension fund based in Ireland. | 20 points | 20 |
| In possession of a valid full Irish driving licence. | 5 points | 5 |
| Holder of Irish bank account with evidence of recent transactions in Ireland. | 5 points | 5 |
You must submit original or certified copies of all relevant documents. If a document is not in English or Irish, you must include a certified translation.
More information: Applications based on Irish descent or Irish associations information
Important information on what applicants must provide when making an application based on Irish descent or association.
This section addresses key exemptions, substitutions, and clarifications specifically for applicants who are:
- Refugees (under the 1951 Convention) and Programme Refugees
- Stateless persons
- Subsidiary protection or humanitarian leave holders
Identity Document Exemptions
Refugees are not required to submit a national passport.
Instead, you must submit:
- A certified copy of your Irish-issued travel document
- A letter confirming your refugee status
- A passport affidavit, witnessed and signed by a qualified person
What to Include in Your Passport Affidavit
This legal affidavit must explain why you cannot submit a national passport and include:
- Your full name, including any other names used.
- Your date of birth, and any alternate DOBs used. If no other name or date of birth is used this should be stated in the affidavit
- A clear reason why your national passport cannot be obtained
- A brief summary of the circumstances of your arrival in Ireland
The affidavit must be signed by a:
- Practising solicitor
- Peace Commissioner
- Notary Public
- Commissioner for Oaths
Download the Passport Affidavit form
Affidavits may only be used where a required document cannot reasonably be obtained.
If a document such as a passport, birth certificate, or other official record can be obtained, you must provide that document instead of an affidavit.
Submitting an affidavit where a document is available may result in your application being:
• returned for correction
• delayed while additional evidence is requestedYou may be asked to provide evidence that the document cannot be obtained.
Residency Documents for Refugees
If you are living in accommodation provided by the State (e.g. through IPAS or Direct Provision), you may submit:
- A letter from IPAS or the relevant housing authority confirming your residence
- A cover letter if standard documents are unavailable
- An affidavit if no other official proof exists
If you are unsure, seek legal advice or contact a trusted NGO for assistance.
This section addresses key exemptions, substitutions, and clarifications specifically for applicants who are making an application after being granted refugee status
Where to get more information or assistance with your citizenship application.