Irish citizenship application steps, explained

1. Application received

You apply through the Online Form Portal and pay the €175 application fee. Your application can't be processed without the fee.

2. Acknowledged

The Citizenship Division confirms it has your application and gives you a reference number. Quote it whenever you contact them. This usually comes within days.

3. Accepted for processing

Your documents are checked: certified proof of identity (150 points), proof of residence for each year, and the signed declarations. If something is missing you'll be asked for further documents. Once everything is in order, the application is accepted for processing. This is usually the longest wait.

4. E-vetting

Adult applicants living in Ireland are vetted by the Garda National Vetting Bureau. You first get an invitation from the Citizenship Division, then an email from the National Vetting Bureau with a link to the online form. You have 30 days to complete it. The offences listed in the vetting report are compared with what you declared in your application.

The invite often comes the same day as acceptance, or within a few weeks. After you submit the form, your step is e-vetting completed once the report comes back.

5. Referred for decision, then approved

Your file goes to a decision-maker acting for the Minister for Justice, who looks at your residence, good character and the rest of the application. If it's approved, you'll be told and asked to pay the certification fee (€950 for most adults).

6. Ceremony and certificate

You're invited to a citizenship ceremony, where you make a declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State. Bring the identity documents named in your invitation. Your certificate of naturalisation is sent by registered post afterwards, and with it you can apply for an Irish passport.