The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, sets out the law governing citizenship of Ireland. The Act distinguishes between the entitlement to citizenship by birth and descent and to the acquisition of citizenship through the naturalisation process.
In relation to citizenship through birth in the island of Ireland, where a child is born to non-nationals the Act specifies certain residence requirements to be met immediately preceding the birth of the child. Citizenship through the naturalisation process on the other hand is based, among other things, on the individual having the required lawful residence in the jurisdiction of this State. The Act requires a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application for naturalisation and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence in the State amounting to four years.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration (INIS) website at www.inis.gov.ie.
The status of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland is solely a matter for the UK authorities, including where the person may have a child who is an Irish citizen.
