Ireland has published the full General Scheme of the 'Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026

Dublin — The Department of Justice in Ireland has published the full General Scheme of the 'Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026'. This outlines the policy changes approved by the Cabinet earlier this month.

It confirms an increase in the total reckonable residence requirement for citizenship from 5 years to 8 years. Applicants must have 2 continuous years of uninterrupted residence immediately preceding the application, alongside 6 years of residence completed within the 10 years prior to that period.

Furthermore, applicants must meet a minimum income threshold set by the Minister. They must not have received designated social welfare payments or housing supports during the 2 years prior to applying; however, the Minister may grant a discretionary waiver of up to 6 months.

Regarding language proficiency, applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in Irish, English, or Irish Sign Language (ISL), though the specific standard is yet to be determined. A Civics test will be implemented in a similar manner; the Minister will hold discretionary powers to exempt certain applicants from both requirements.

The link provided directs to the official General Scheme (draft outline) document of the 'Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026' published on the Irish Government website (gov.ie).

Key Legal Proposals and Changes

1. Reckonable Residence

• Standard Naturalisation:
  • Total Period: The total required reckonable residence increases from 5 years (1,825 / 1,826 days) to 8 years (2,920 / 2,922 days).
  • Immediate Preceding Period: The continuous residence required immediately prior to the application date is raised from 1 year to 2 years.
  • Prior Residence Period: The remaining 6 years of reckonable residence must be accrued within the 10-year window immediately preceding the final 2-year period.
• Spousal Naturalisation (Citizenship by Marriage):
  • The marriage and residence qualifying period for spouses of Irish citizens is increased from 3 years to 5 years.

2. Financial Self-Sufficiency and Welfare Supports

• Restrictions on State Support: Applicants must not have claimed designated social welfare payments or state housing supports in the 2 years leading up to the application.
• Minimum Income Threshold: The Minister is empowered to establish minimum income requirements (calibrated to household composition) through secondary regulations.
• Ministerial Discretion: The Minister holds discretionary power to disregard up to a maximum of 6 months of social support receipt under exceptional circumstances.

3. Language Proficiency and Civics Test

• Language Requirement: Applicants must show competence in Irish, English, or Irish Sign Language (ISL) (the exact assessment criteria will be defined in subsequent regulations).
• Civics Test: An examination evaluating fundamental knowledge of Ireland's constitutional values, democratic institutions, and civic responsibilities will be introduced.
• Exemptions: The Minister will have the power to waive language and civics conditions based on advanced age, physical or mental disability, or exceptional service to the State.

4. Transitional Provisions

• Pending Applications: Applications that are fully submitted with fees paid before the commencement date of the Act will be processed under the previous 5-year rules.
• Future Applicants: There is currently no grandfathering clause proposed for individuals already residing in Ireland working toward the 5-year mark. Anyone unable to submit before the Act takes effect will fall under the new 8-year requirement.

5. Next Legislative Stages

Because this is currently a General Scheme (policy outline), it must complete the following stages before enacting into law:

1. Pre-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS): The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice scrutinises the scheme and publishes a report.
2. Formal Bill Drafting: The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel prepares the official legislative text.
3. Parliamentary Process: The Bill is debated and amended in both houses of the Oireachtas (Dáil and Seanad), and enters into force once signed into law by the President.

While the current scheme protects applications already submitted from reckonable residence changes, it does not provide transitional protection for those transitioning from 5 to 8 years.

The scheme will now proceed to the Oireachtas Justice Committee, representing the primary opportunity for potential adjustments to the draft provisions.

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