Dublin: The government has approved the Justice Minister’s proposals for a major overhaul of Ireland’s citizenship system, including an increase in the residency requirement from five to eight years, language proficiency requirements and a new test on basic knowledge of Ireland.
The Cabinet has prioritised the preparation of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, which the Government has described as the most significant reform of citizenship law in a generation.
If enacted, the new rules would require applicants seeking citizenship through habitual residence to have completed eight years of reckonable residence in Ireland. This would include two continuous years of residence immediately before applying, together with six years of reckonable residence during the preceding 10-year period.
New requirements for spouses of Irish citizens
The proposed legislation would also change the citizenship requirements for spouses of Irish citizens.
The existing three-year marriage and residence requirement would increase to five years. Applicants would also be required to demonstrate that they have been living together as a family and have resided in Ireland for a specified period.
Language and civics tests
Under the proposed reforms, applicants would need to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language.
A new civics test would also be introduced to assess applicants’ basic knowledge of Ireland’s history, society, system of government, culture and democratic values.
The Justice Minister would have the power to grant exemptions to applicants who are unable to sit the test because of circumstances such as age, illness or disability.
Financial self-sufficiency and stricter character requirements
Applicants would also have to demonstrate that they are financially self-sufficient and have sufficient income to support themselves and their dependants.
The income threshold would be determined with reference to average earnings and the cost of living in Ireland. People who have received certain social welfare payments during the two years before applying could also face restrictions, although the government has yet to specify which welfare schemes would be covered. Further details are expected to be set out through regulations.
The assessment of an applicant’s good character would also become stricter. Serious criminal offences committed in Ireland or abroad, immigration violations, providing false information during the citizenship process and outstanding debts to the State could all be grounds for refusing an application.
The Bill would also introduce provisions allowing citizenship that has already been granted to be revoked in exceptional circumstances involving threats to national security or public order.
Temporary protection period excluded
Another significant proposal is that time spent in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Scheme would not count towards the residency requirement for citizenship.
The change would primarily affect people from Ukraine who are living in Ireland under temporary protection.
Government says reform will strengthen integration
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said citizenship was among the most important forms of recognition a country could grant and argued that applicants should demonstrate their ability to integrate into Irish society and contribute to the country.
The government said the proposed reforms are intended to bring Ireland’s citizenship system more closely into line with standards operating in other European countries.
However, none of the proposed changes has yet come into effect.
Cabinet approval at this stage only authorises the preparation of the legislation. The bill will still have to pass through the Oireachtas and receive the President’s signature before the new rules can take effect. Until then, the existing five-year reckonable residence requirement remains in place.
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