On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, the Irish Government approved priority drafting of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, which would significantly tighten naturalization requirements. Key proposed changes:
- Longer residency requirement: The qualifying period of reckonable residence would rise from five to eight years for most applicants.
- New testing requirements: Applicants would need to pass a language test (English, Irish, or Irish Sign Language) and a civics/society/politics test covering Irish institutions, history, and culture.
- Self-sufficiency requirement: Applicants would need to demonstrate economic self-sufficiency (stable income, tax compliance, no reliance on social assistance; the press reporting indicates a minimum income level would be set).
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy framed the changes as bringing Ireland’s naturalization rules in line with other EU states, arguing citizenship should be an “earned privilege” reflecting a demonstrated, durable connection to Ireland rather than simply time spent in the country. Both ministers stressed that the measures are not a judgment on the contribution of migrants, and that Ireland will continue to welcome those who choose to build their lives there.
Next steps: The above are proposed changes only at this stage. The General Scheme is to be published and referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny. Timing and passage remain matters for the Oireachtas, though the Government has flagged the Bill as a priority.
The Department of Justice press release is available here.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as more details become available. For any questions or concerns, please contact the T&S EMEA Team.
