The UK government has announced a new and simplified pathway to British citizenship for Irish citizens, marking a significant shift in nationality policy. Historically, Irish citizens have enjoyed a unique position in the UK—able to live and work freely under the Common Travel Area (CTA)—but acquiring formal British nationality still involved complex and sometimes unnecessary hurdles. This newly introduced route removes much of that friction.
The changes aim to reflect the long-standing shared history, rights, and freedoms between the UK and Ireland, and to ensure that Irish nationals who live permanently in the UK can now gain citizenship in a manner that better aligns with their settled status and contributions to British society.
At Axis Solicitors, we understand how important this shift is—not just legally, but personally—for thousands of Irish nationals residing in the UK. This article outlines what the new route involves, who is eligible, how to apply, and what legal support can help ensure success.
Why Has This New Route Been Introduced?
The new route to British citizenship for Irish citizens is rooted in both political and practical reasoning. While Irish nationals have long enjoyed unique rights in the UK under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, this route modernises and simplifies the legal framework to better reflect that reality.
1. Recognition of Unique UK-Ireland Relationship
The UK and Ireland share a deep political and social connection. The CTA, in place since 1923, allows Irish and British citizens to move freely, reside, work, vote, access education, and benefit from social services in each other’s countries. However, formal acquisition of British nationality for Irish nationals still required them to follow general naturalisation processes like any other foreign national.
This new policy acknowledges that this distinction no longer made sense, especially when many Irish citizens have lived in the UK for decades, raised families, and contributed significantly to British life.
2. Brexit Aftermath and Legal Clarity
After Brexit, EU nationals lost many automatic rights they previously held in the UK. Irish nationals, however, retained their CTA protections. Even so, confusion emerged around long-term residency and future legal security. This new route provides certainty and legal status without unnecessary duplication of paperwork or legal hoops.
3. Administrative Efficiency
The streamlined pathway reduces Home Office caseloads by automating aspects of the process for eligible Irish applicants. It also prevents Irish nationals from being treated as general foreign nationals when applying for British citizenship, avoiding redundant documentation, especially around residency requirements.
4. Positive Public Sentiment and Political Pressure
There has been cross-party political support and positive public sentiment around strengthening the UK-Ireland relationship. The new path was partially driven by advocacy groups and Irish community organisations calling for recognition of the long-standing social integration of Irish citizens in Britain.
Who Is Eligible for the New British Citizenship Route?
The new route to British citizenship for Irish citizens significantly reduces barriers for a specific group: Irish nationals who have made the UK their permanent home. But while it’s simpler than before, it isn’t automatic. Applicants must still meet key criteria.
Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility requirements under this streamlined path:
1. Irish Citizenship
Applicants must hold valid Irish citizenship at the time of application. This route is not open to citizens of other countries, even those with Irish heritage, unless they have acquired full Irish nationality.
2. Residency in the United Kingdom
The individual must be ordinarily resident in the UK, meaning they live in the UK on a day-to-day basis and it is their main home. There is no need to go through the ILR eligibility or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme—a key simplification of this new pathway.
This reflects the longstanding special status of Irish citizens under British immigration law, where they are not considered “foreign nationals” for residency purposes.
3. Five-Year Residence Requirement (Reduced Complexity)
While the typical naturalisation process requires five years of lawful residence and at least one year with settled status, Irish citizens applying through this new route do not need to hold settled status. Instead, their presence in the UK and legal standing as Irish nationals under the CTA are sufficient.
Applicants must still demonstrate:
- They’ve lived in the UK for at least five years prior to the date of application.
- They haven’t been absent for more than 450 days in those five years, or more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
These thresholds may be waived or reduced in some cases.
4. Good Character Requirement
Like all citizenship applicants, Irish citizens must satisfy the Good Character Requirement. This involves:
- No serious or recent criminal convictions
- No immigration-related deception or breaches
- Demonstrated respect for UK laws and values
5. English Language and Life in the UK Test – Exemption
A key benefit of this new route is that Irish nationals are exempt from the Life in the UK Test and the English language requirement. These exemptions further streamline the process and reflect the linguistic and cultural integration of Irish applicants.
How to Apply: British Citizenship for Irish Citizens – The Process
Although the new route has simplified many requirements, the application for British citizenship for Irish citizens still involves formal steps. Here’s how the process works, what documents are needed, and where professional legal guidance can make a crucial difference.
Step 1: Prepare Documentation
While Irish citizens don’t need to show settled status or take English language or Life in the UK tests, they still need to provide supporting documents that establish:
- Irish nationality (valid Irish passport)
- Proof of residence in the UK for at least five years
- Details of absences from the UK during the qualifying period
- Proof of identity and good character (police records, where applicable)
Additional documents such as employment records, tenancy agreements, utility bills, or council tax records may be needed to support residency claims—especially for those without a clear digital footprint.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted using the Form AN for naturalisation, now adapted for Irish nationals under the new rules. The form can be completed online or by post, although online applications are processed faster.
Applicants must declare:
- Details of residency
- Personal and travel history
- Any criminal convictions or legal proceedings
- Information about employment, family, and community ties
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
The Home Office fee for naturalisation is £1,580 (as of 2025). This cost covers application processing and biometric enrolment. The fee remains the same for Irish citizens under the new route. Axis Solicitors will monitor updates closely and advise clients accordingly.
Step 4: Attend Biometric Appointment
Even Irish citizens must attend a biometric appointment as part of their application. This involves fingerprinting and photographing at a UKVCAS centre. Booking is typically done immediately after application submission.
Step 5: Home Office Decision
Processing times vary, but most decisions take between 3 to 6 months. Applicants will receive a formal decision letter and, if successful, an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Step 6: Attend a Citizenship Ceremony
This is a legal requirement to finalise naturalisation. During the ceremony, applicants take the Oath (or Affirmation) of Allegiance to the Crown and receive their Certificate of British Citizenship. Irish citizens can retain their Irish nationality, as both Ireland and the UK allow dual citizenship.
Benefits of British Citizenship for Irish Citizens
Even with the special status Irish nationals enjoy under the Common Travel Area (CTA), British citizenship for Irish citizens offers enhanced legal certainty and a wider range of rights. For many, it marks the completion of their long-term integration into British life.
Here are the core benefits:
1. Permanent Legal Security
Irish citizens already have the right to live and work in the UK, but those rights are based on bilateral agreements and political goodwill, not formal citizenship law. British nationality provides unshakeable legal status—it can’t be changed by future governments or treaty revisions.
This matters in the context of Brexit, where many EU nationals lost automatic rights and had to apply under new schemes. British citizenship removes uncertainty about future access to the UK.
2. Full Political Rights
While Irish citizens can vote in UK elections, British citizens can also stand for public office and access certain civil service roles restricted to nationals. Citizenship unlocks a fuller level of political participation, including influence on national policy through candidacy.
3. Easier Travel and Consular Protection
British citizens benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries, along with the right to a UK passport. They also gain full consular assistance abroad under the protection of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)—a benefit that can be significant in emergencies or high-risk regions.
4. Access to Additional Employment Opportunities
Certain security-cleared jobs in the civil service, armed forces, or intelligence sectors are open only to British nationals. Citizenship also enhances credibility with employers who may prefer or require British nationality for long-term contracts or international roles.
5. Rights Transferable to Children
British citizenship is heritable, meaning that future children (born in the UK or abroad) may automatically be considered British, depending on specific rules. This secures your family’s long-term status and simplifies future planning around education, healthcare, and movement.
6. No Impact on Irish Citizenship
Crucially, acquiring British citizenship for Irish citizens does not require renouncing Irish nationality. Both countries permit dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain all existing rights in Ireland and the EU while gaining full rights in the UK.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Applying
Although the new route to British citizenship for Irish citizens is more straightforward, it’s not error-proof. Many applications are delayed—or worse, refused—due to preventable mistakes. At Axis Solicitors, we’ve identified common pitfalls that can cost applicants time, money, and legal standing.
1. Inadequate Proof of Residency
One of the most frequent issues is insufficient evidence of five years’ continuous UK residence. Irish citizens may assume that, because they’re not subject to immigration controls, proof is unnecessary. This is incorrect.
Avoid it: Submit a clear, year-by-year record of presence in the UK using documents like:
- Utility bills or council tax statements
- HMRC employment or tax history
- NHS records
- Bank statements showing regular UK transactions
Gaps or ambiguity raise red flags.
2. Underestimating Absences
Applicants often miscalculate or forget about holidays or time abroad, especially frequent travel to Ireland or other EU countries. The Home Office will count all absences from the UK, and exceeding the thresholds (450 days over five years, 90 days in the last 12 months) may lead to rejection.
Avoid it: Keep a full travel history with exact dates. Use airline records, passport stamps, or even phone location data to support your claims.
3. Failing the Good Character Requirement
Even minor legal issues can cause complications. Fines, drink-driving charges, or unpaid taxes may fall under the “good character” review.
Avoid it: Be honest and transparent. Declare all incidents, however minor. If there are concerns, seek legal advice before applying. Axis Solicitors can present mitigating factors and legal context to support your application.
4. Mistakes on the Form
Misspellings, inconsistent addresses, incorrect dates, or failing to tick a required box can trigger requests for more information—or worse, rejections.
Avoid it: Double-check every entry. Use a solicitor to review or complete the application. Our team ensures accuracy and compliance before submission.
5. Not Using the Updated Form
Applicants sometimes use outdated versions of the Form AN or online systems that haven’t incorporated the new Irish-specific guidance.
Avoid it: Always start with the official UK Home Office site or use an immigration law firm like Axis Solicitors that works with the latest regulatory documents.
How Axis Solicitors Can Support Your Application
Applying for British citizenship for Irish citizens may now be easier, but “simpler” doesn’t always mean “straightforward.” Legal nuances, documentation gaps, and interpretation of good character can still complicate what should be a smooth process.
At Axis Solicitors, we offer professional, tailored legal support that removes uncertainty and ensures your application is both accurate and strategically strong.
1. Expert Assessment of Eligibility
Our first step is a comprehensive eligibility assessment. We go beyond a checklist—we analyse your residency patterns, travel history, legal status, and any personal complications (such as prior convictions, undocumented absences, or dual residence) that could affect your outcome.
If we spot an issue, we don’t just flag it—we build a legal case around why your application should still succeed.
2. Strategic Document Preparation
We work with you to gather and present clear evidence of your five-year residence and Irish nationality. Where official records are incomplete or inconsistent, we help reconstruct a defensible history using alternative documents and legal arguments.
We also prepare you for Home Office scrutiny—proactively addressing potential red flags before they arise.
3. Form Completion and Legal Representation
We handle the actual Form AN submission, ensuring every section is filled accurately, in line with the latest Home Office guidance. For clients with potential risks, we include a cover letter and legal representation statement, laying out your case under the revised nationality rules.
This can be particularly valuable in edge cases, such as:
- Criminal records (spent or unspent)
- Complex travel history
- Informal employment history or cash-based income
- Questions about tax compliance or good character
4. Liaison with the Home Office
Should the Home Office request further documents or clarification, we respond on your behalf. If your application is delayed or queried, we track, escalate, and manage the case through to a conclusion.
5. Post-Approval Guidance
Once approved, we ensure you complete the citizenship ceremony process and advise on next steps—including applying for your British passport, updating your dual nationality status, and explaining your rights moving forward.
6. Peace of Mind
Ultimately, we save you time, reduce stress, and maximise your chances of a first-time approval. Our experience with British nationality law for Irish citizens gives you an edge that DIY applications simply can’t match.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Irish citizens need settled status to apply for British citizenship under the new route?
No. Under the new policy, British citizenship for Irish citizens no longer requires Settled Status or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Irish nationals are considered lawfully resident by default due to the Common Travel Area, removing the need to prove immigration status.
2. Is dual citizenship allowed between the UK and Ireland?
Yes. Both countries permit dual nationality. This means Irish nationals can apply for British citizenship for Irish citizens without giving up their Irish passport or losing EU rights.
3. Are Irish citizens exempt from the Life in the UK Test?
Yes. Applicants under the new streamlined route are not required to pass the Life in the UK Test, nor do they need to meet any English language requirement. This is one of the major benefits of the new approach to British citizenship for Irish citizens.
4. Can Irish citizens apply for British citizenship if they’ve lived in the UK for fewer than five years?
Generally, no. The standard residence requirement for British citizenship for Irish citizens remains five years. However, there may be some flexibility in exceptional circumstances. Legal advice is strongly recommended in such cases.
5. What documents are needed to prove five years of residency in the UK?
To qualify for British citizenship for Irish citizens, applicants should submit:
- An Irish passport
- Evidence of physical UK presence on the application date five years prior
- Utility bills, tax records, NHS letters, employment documents, or tenancy agreements showing consistent residence
Axis Solicitors can help build a strong document portfolio to avoid delays or refusal.
6. How long does it take to get British citizenship for Irish citizens?
Typical processing time is 3 to 6 months, depending on the Home Office’s current caseload. Biometric appointments and delays in document submission may affect timelines.
7. Is the application fee different for Irish citizens?
No. The Home Office fee for British citizenship for Irish citizens is currently £1,580. Although the route is simpler, the cost remains the same as standard naturalisation. Axis Solicitors can advise on any updates to fees or eligibility for reductions.
8. Can I travel while my application is being processed?
Yes, but applicants for British citizenship for Irish citizens should remain mindful of their travel dates. Excessive absences during the application period may raise questions, particularly if they exceed 90 days in the 12 months before submission.
9. What if I have a minor criminal conviction? Can I still apply?
Possibly. The Home Office applies a Good Character Requirement to all applicants, including under the new route to British citizenship for Irish citizens. A minor, spent conviction may not lead to refusal, but full disclosure and legal advice are critical.
10. Do Irish citizens need to attend a citizenship ceremony?
Yes. All successful applicants for British citizenship for Irish citizens must attend a formal citizenship ceremony. This is the final step in the process and includes taking an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Crown.
11. Can I include my children in my citizenship application?
Children are not automatically included in the adult’s application. However, once a parent secures British citizenship for Irish citizens, they may apply to register their child as a British citizen, depending on the child’s place and date of birth.
12. Does having Irish citizenship protect my rights in the UK without applying for British citizenship?
Yes—under the Common Travel Area. However, British citizenship for Irish citizens gives stronger legal guarantees, especially in uncertain political climates, and offers additional rights such as a British passport, full diplomatic protection, and expanded job access.
Ready to Apply for British Citizenship as an Irish Citizen?
The new, simplified route to British citizenship for Irish citizens is a major opportunity—one that removes old hurdles and opens a secure path to full legal status in the UK. But getting it right still requires precision, strategy, and legal awareness.
At Axis Solicitors, we specialise in complex nationality and immigration matters. Whether you’re confident about applying or have uncertainties about your eligibility, our experienced legal team is here to help.
We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish:
- Verifying your eligibility under the new route
- Preparing and reviewing your documentation
- Completing and submitting your application
- Responding to Home Office requests
- Representing your interests every step of the way
Don’t risk delays or refusals. Let us help you secure your future.
Contact Axis Solicitors today
