The Republic of Ireland has officially published the comprehensive costs that foreign nationals must incur when pursuing citizenship via the naturalisation process. These fees are subject to variation depending on the applicant's specific category.
Two-Step Fee Structure for Citizenship Applications
The application procedure commences with a non-refundable application fee, which must be remitted through the government's official online portal before any application is formally accepted for assessment. According to Ireland's Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), this initial application fee amounts to €175 (approximately N261,240 in Nigerian naira).
Once an application has been successfully processed and approved by the ISD, the journey to citizenship enters its second phase. Successful candidates are notified of the Minister's intention to grant them a certificate of naturalisation and are subsequently invited to attend a mandatory citizenship ceremony. During this ceremony, applicants are required to take an oath of fidelity.
Attendance at this ceremony is compulsory for all approved applicants aged eighteen and above. Minors, however, are exempt from attending the ceremony but are still eligible to receive their certificates of naturalisation.
Certificate Issuance Fees
Prior to the issuance of the certificate, a second, distinct certification fee must be paid. The precise amount for this fee varies based on the applicant's personal circumstances:
- Adults: €950
- Minors: €200
- Widows, Widowers, or Surviving Civil Partners of Irish Citizens: €200
- Recognised Refugees or Stateless Persons: €0
Applicants from countries situated outside the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are additionally required to upload a copy of their Irish Residence Permit and travel document before attending the ceremony. Following the citizenship ceremony, the certificate of naturalisation is dispatched to successful applicants in the weeks that follow. Upon receipt of this certificate, individuals become eligible to apply for an Irish passport.
Accessing Further Information
The complete details concerning the naturalisation process and the associated fee structure are readily available through the official Irish Immigration Service Delivery website. This resource provides a definitive guide for all prospective applicants.
Related Citizenship and Residency Information
Legit.ng has previously published information regarding the residency periods required for foreigners wishing to obtain Qatari citizenship. In a separate report, Legit.ng also detailed Australia's residency requirements for foreigners seeking citizenship. Applicants to Australia must have resided in the country on a valid visa for a specified number of years prior to their citizenship application, with rules also dictating the maximum time allowed to be spent outside Australia during this period. Additionally, Legit.ng reported on Oman's official costs for foreigners applying for citizenship after twenty years, and Belgium's minimum age and merit requirements for citizenship through naturalisation.