What is the change?

From January 2022, the Irish naturalisation application process will move to a scorecard approach to further clarify what information applicants must provide to establish their identity and residence in Ireland. This is a significant change to the Irish naturalisation application process.

Key points:

Applicants will be required to reach a score of 150 points for each of the years that proof of residency is required. They must do this by submitting proofs with a predetermined point value until they reach 150 points for each year of residency claimed.

A total of 150 points must also be reached for establishing identity and must be accumulated in order to meet the appropriate standard. Where an applicant is unable to achieve 150 points, they will be required to engage with the Department.

For doctors employed in the HSE or Voluntary Hospitals, the provision of a “Medical Practitioner Employment History Summary” will be accepted as proof of residence.

It is the applicants responsibility to provide sufficient proof of reckonable residence for the period of residence claimed on the application form. The Minister must be assured that the applicant has been lawfully resident in the State for the relevant claimed period, and failure to provide sufficient proofs of residence with the application will result in this being considered ineligible. The Minister reserves the right to request original passports at any stage in the citizenship process.

• Implementation time frame:

This change is set to take effect from January 2022.

• Who is affected:

Individuals that will be applying to naturalise as an Irish citizen from January 2022.

Analysis & Comments:

Deloitte welcomes this change as the introduction of the scorecard approach provides further clarification for applicants on what is required when they submit their citizenship applications.

Deloitte are delighted to offer assistance with Irish naturalisation applications for personal and/or full family applications. Should you require assistance, or have any queries on the above policy update, please do not hesitate to contact us.