26/01/2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Citizenship by Naturalization in Ireland
Hereโs a detailed guide for Filipino workers pursuing Irish citizenship by naturalization, starting from the first day of acquiring either a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Work Permit.
Eligibility for Naturalization in Ireland
To apply for Irish citizenship through naturalization, you must:
1. Be 18 years or older.
2. Have lived legally in Ireland for at least 5 years out of the last 9 years, including 1 year of continuous residence immediately before the application.
Steps to Citizenship: Critical Skills Employment Permit
Day 1: Arrival in Ireland with a Critical Skills Employment Permit
โข Step 1: Register with Immigration
โข Within 90 days of arriving in Ireland, register at your local immigration office and obtain a Stamp 1 residence permit.
โข Fee: โฌ300.
โข Step 2: Start Working
โข Begin employment as per the terms of your Critical Skills Employment Permit.
After 2 Years: Apply for Stamp 4
โข Step 3: Apply for Stamp 4 Permission
โข After 2 years of holding a Critical Skills Employment Permit, apply for Stamp 4, which allows you to work without needing an employment permit.
After 5 Years of Legal Residence: Apply for Citizenship
โข Step 4: Ensure Residency Requirements
โข Have 5 years of legal residency, including 1 year of continuous residence immediately before applying.
โข Residency is calculated using reckonable residence.
โข Step 5: Prepare Documents for Citizenship Application
โข Application form (Form ๐.
โข Passport, residence permits, and proofs of employment.
โข Step 6: Submit Application
โข Submit to the Department of Justice.
โข Fee: โฌ175 (application) + โฌ950 (certificate fee upon approval).
After Submission: Wait for Approval
โข Citizenship applications typically take 12โ24 months to process.
Steps to Citizenship: General Employment Permit
Day 1: Arrival in Ireland with a General Employment Permit
โข Step 1: Register with Immigration
โข Register at your local immigration office and obtain a Stamp 1 residence permit.
โข Fee: โฌ300.
โข Step 2: Start Working
โข Begin employment under the terms of your General Employment Permit.
After 5 Years: Apply for Stamp 4
โข Step 3: Apply for Stamp 4 Permission
โข After 5 years of holding a General Employment Permit, apply for Stamp 4 to work without needing a permit.
After 5 Years of Legal Residence: Apply for Citizenship
โข Steps 4โ6: Follow the same process as Critical Skills Permit holders.
Key Considerations
1. Residency Calculation:
โข Only reckonable residence counts towards citizenship. Time spent on visitor or student stamps does not qualify.
2. Family Members:
โข Immediate family members can apply for reunification under Critical Skills Employment Permit. For General Permit holders, family reunification is subject to income thresholds and case review.
3. English/Irish Language:
โข No formal test is required, but basic communication skills in English or Irish are essential.
References
โข Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (2025) Citizenship by Naturalisation Overview. Available at: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/citizenship/naturalisation/
โข Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (2025) Employment Permits Overview. Available at: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/
โข Citizens Information (2025) Becoming an Irish Citizen. Available at: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving-country/irish-citizenship/
We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice. You can also read our Privacy policy. You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or....