25/09/2026
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People who moved to Ireland on work permits may not have to wait an extra 3 years for citizenship after all.
Earlier this month, Cabinet approved plans to raise the residency requirement from 5 years to 8. Applicants will also need to pass an English or Irish language test and a civics test, and meet a minimum income threshold.
The change drew criticism from legal residents who had planned their lives around the existing timeline. Many have called for a transition period.
Speaking in New York on Thursday, the Taoiseach said people working here had played by the rules as they stood, and that their situation is open for further discussion. He said the Government "will be fair."
The Justice Minister is now working on the details and will bring proposals back to Cabinet.
No decision has been made yet on who, if anyone, will stay under the old rule.
The new requirements are expected to be in place before Christmas.
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