The Naturalisation Process In Ireland

What is Naturalisation?

Naturalisation in Ireland is the process whereby a foreign national, living in Ireland, may apply to become an Irish citizen provided that s/he meets certain residence/physical presence requirements in Ireland. What is the advantage of becoming an Irish citizen? Being an Irish citizen means that you are legally recognised as being a national of Ireland and a citizen of the European Union.

 

What are my rights as an Irish citizen?

As an Irish citizen, you are entitled to carry an Irish passport. You can leave Ireland to travel abroad and are entitled to live, work and travel within the European Union and the European Economic Area. You may vote in an Irish election, be elected to government in Ireland and in the European Union. You are also entitled to equality before the law, freedom of expression, freedom to practice your religion and all the other civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights to which an Irish national is entitled. As an Irish citizen you also have duties and responsibilities- you are expected to follow/abide/the laws of the land and, if called upon, to sit on a jury.

 

What are my rights as an Irish citizen living outside of Ireland?

If you are an Irish citizen living outside of Ireland, you are also entitled to an Irish passport as well as diplomatic supports from Irish embassies/consulates abroad. In this case, with the exception of diplomatic staff and their spouses, posted abroad, you are not entitled to vote in an Irish election by post or in your nearest Irish embassy.