Ireland Advances Proposed Citizenship Reform Bill

• Ireland has approved the drafting of legislation that would increase naturalization residency requirements, introduce language and civics testing and require applicants to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.  

What Has Changed? 

The Irish Government has approved the priority drafting of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, a proposal that would introduce significant changes to Ireland’s citizenship by naturalization framework.  

The measures remain in the draft stage and must complete the legislative process before becoming law.  

Proposed Changes to Naturalization Requirements

Under the proposed legislation, Ireland would: 

• Increase the qualifying period of reckonable residence for most applicants from five years to eight years.  
• Introduce language testing in English, Irish or Irish Sign Language.  
• Introduce an Irish civics, society and politics test. 
• Require applicants for citizenship by naturalization to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.  

Government Rationale 

According to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the proposed reforms are intended to strengthen the integrity of Ireland’s naturalization system and align aspects of the process more closely with those used in several other European countries.  

The government stated that citizenship by naturalization should reflect sustained lawful residence, social integration, civic participation and economic self-sufficiency.  

What Happens Next? 

The government has approved only the priority drafting of the legislation.  

Before any of the proposed measures take effect, the bill must proceed through Ireland’s legislative process, where its provisions may be amended, narrowed or expanded.  

Don’t Miss an Update

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.