To apply for Irish citizenship, adult applicants must submit the appropriate application form based on their circumstances.

Citizenship Application Form

The Form 8 (CTZ3) is the standard application form for adults. The latest version of this form is available on the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website. ISD regularly updates the application form, so it is essential to use the most recent version to avoid delays.

Signing & Witnessing Requirements

Applicants must sign the application form in the presence of a solicitor, notary public, peace commissioner, or commissioner for oaths. The witness must correctly document:

✔️ The exact date of signing.
✔️ Their full contact details.
✔️ The correct passport number and date of issue.

Additionally, the witness must certify copies of essential documents, including passports and birth or marriage certificates. Errors in this process may result in delays or rejection.

Document Submission & Translations

✔️ Only copies of required documents should be submitted.
✔️ If any document is not in English, a certified translation must be included.

Documentary Evidence – Scorecard System

Applicants must provide sufficient evidence to verify identity, nationality, and residence. The Scorecard system, introduced in January 2022, assigns points to specific documents.

Example: Six months of consecutive bank statements may be worth 50 points.

Full details on the Scorecard system are available on the ISD website.

Alternative Residency Proof for Medical Professionals

Doctors employed by the HSE or Voluntary Hospitals can submit a Medical Practitioner Employment History Summary as proof of residence.

If an applicant cannot reach the 150-point threshold, they must liaise with the citizenship division for further guidance.

Required Documents for an Adult Citizenship Application

✔️ Completed Form 8.
✔️ Statutory Application Fee (€175) – Banker’s Draft payable to the Secretary General, Department of Justice.
✔️ Certified full-colour copies of current and previous passports used during residence in Ireland.
✔️ Certified copy of original birth certificate.
✔️ Copy of current Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
✔️ Employer’s letter (if applicable) – Must be on official headed paper confirming employment start date.
✔️ Three recent payslips (dated within the past six months).
✔️ Two colour passport photographs – Signed and dated on the back by the witness.
✔️ Proof of residence for each year claimed – Based on the Scorecard system.
✔️ Tax clearance certificate (Apply here).
✔️ Online Residency Calculator printout (Check your eligibility).

Reckonable Residence Requirements

To be eligible for Irish citizenship through naturalisation, applicants must meet the following residency criteria:

✔️ Minimum of 60 months (5 years) of lawful reckonable residence in Ireland.
✔️ No absences exceeding 6 weeks in the year before applying (exceptions may apply for work-related travel or family emergencies, which should be explained in the application).

Exceptions to the 5-Year Rule

The residency requirement is reduced to 3 years for:

• Spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens.
• Recognised refugees under the 1951 Geneva Convention.
• Stateless persons under the 1954 UN Convention.
• Individuals with close Irish associations (e.g., family ties).
• People working abroad in the Irish public service.

For spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens residing in Northern Ireland, lawful residence must be on the island of Ireland, not necessarily in the Republic.

Maintaining Continuous Residence

To avoid delays or rejection, applicants must ensure that their immigration permission is continuously renewed. Any gap in permission may lead to non-continuous residence, affecting eligibility.

Tips to Maintain Continuous Residence

✔️ Renew residence before expiry to prevent gaps.
✔️ Count residency backwards from the application date.
✔️ Show 1825 or 1826 days (5 years) of legal residence in the last 9 years.

Residency Calculation for Non-EEA Nationals

Non-EEA nationals must complete the online residency calculator by entering their residence permission dates. The printout must be submitted with the citizenship application.

Exemptions from Using the Residency Calculator

The following applicants do not need to use the residency calculator:

✔️ EU nationals.
✔️ Spouses of Irish citizens residing in Northern Ireland.

Citizenship Based on Irish Associations

If an applicant has strong Irish associations, the Minister for Justice has the discretion to waive normal requirements.

What Qualifies as an Irish Association?

✔️ Being related by blood, affinity, or adoption to an Irish citizen.
✔️ Demonstrating a close connection to Ireland.

However, applicants who have never resided in Ireland are unlikely to be granted citizenship based on associations unless exceptional circumstances apply.