Children of different nationalities born in Ireland now have 3 years to become citizens

The residency requirement for children born in Ireland, who are of a different nationality, to apply for citizenship has now been reduced from five years to three years.

Since the Citizenship referendum, which was enacted in 2004, children born to non-Irish residents in the State have an automatic right to Irish citizenship only if one of the parents is an Irish citizen or is entitled to be one.

Minster McEntee said:

“I am delighted to commence this legislation which reduces the amount of time a child, who was born in Ireland, but doesn’t have automatic citizenship must be resident here before being eligible for naturalisation.

"The reduction to three years will provide comfort and certainty to children and their families and enable our young citizens to flourish and fully participate in Irish life.” 

 

The Act contains wide-ranging legislative amendments will help improve access to justice and make civil processes more efficient, streamlined and people-centred.

The Act contains amendments to matters including Irish nationality and citizenship, court offices, bankruptcy, international protection, data protection, immigration and legal services.

Read More : Minister McEntee commences majority of wide-ranging Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023