Irish citizenship by marriage

For obtaining Irish citizenship merely through marriage to an Irish citizen, there is no explicit requirement. To put it another way, getting married does not automatically make you an Irish citizen. However, it may offer you a route to Irish citizenship via a procedure known as naturalization. After fulfilling certain residency conditions, you may be qualified to petition for Irish citizenship if you are married to an Irish citizen.

5 criteria to qualify for Irish citizenship through marriage

  1. Residency. Before you may submit an application for citizenship, you must have lived in Ireland for a predetermined amount of time. In general, before applying, you must have spent at least three of the previous five years in Ireland. However, you might be able to apply right away if you’ve been married to an Irish citizen for at least three years.
  2. Decent character. You must provide evidence of your good moral character and lack of involvement in illegal activity.
  3. Language ability. You should be able to communicate in either English or Irish on a basic level.
  4. A desire to stay. You must provide evidence that you want to remain in Ireland.
  5. Supplementary records. A marriage certificate, proof of residency, a character reference, and any other supporting documents requested by the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) will need to be provided.

FAQ

Does marrying an Irish citizen automatically grant me Irish citizenship?

No, marriage to an Irish citizen does not automatically grant you Irish citizenship. It provides a pathway to citizenship through the process of naturalization.

How long do I need to be married to an Irish citizen before I can apply for Irish citizenship?

Generally, you must have lived in Ireland for at least three out of the previous five years before applying for citizenship. However, if you are married to an Irish citizen for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply immediately.

Can I apply for Irish citizenship if my spouse is an Irish citizen but lives outside of Ireland?

Yes, you can still apply for Irish citizenship even if your Irish spouse lives outside of Ireland. However, you must meet the residency requirements by having lived in Ireland for the specified period.

What documents do I need to provide when applying for Irish citizenship by marriage?

The required documents may include your marriage certificate, proof of residency, evidence of good character, language proficiency, and any other supporting documents as requested by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Is there an application fee for Irish citizenship by marriage?

Yes, there is a fee associated with the application for Irish citizenship. The fee amount may vary, so it’s best to check with the INIS or the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Will I be interviewed as part of the citizenship application process?

It is possible that you may be called for an interview as part of the application process. The interview helps to assess your eligibility, verify information, and evaluate your commitment to residing in Ireland.

Can I retain my original citizenship if I become an Irish citizen through marriage?

The retention of your original citizenship when becoming an Irish citizen through marriage depends on the laws of your home country. Some countries allow dual citizenship, while others may require you to renounce your original citizenship.

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