Known as “The Land of a Thousand Welcomes,” Ireland is internationally recognised as a safe and friendly country with a rich heritage, vibrant culture and positive outlook for the future. It’s no wonder so many people who now call Ireland home, and those abroad with Irish ancestry, are keen to become Irish citizens. In this blog post, we take a closer look about the benefits of Irish citizenship and the common questions citizenship applicants ask our immigration specialists.
What is the benefit of becoming an Irish citizen?
Irish citizens enjoy a wide range of benefits that support some of the best personal and professional opportunities of any country in the world. First and foremost, Irish citizenship guarantees access to the fundamental rights outlined in the Irish Constitution, such as rights to equality, freedom of expression and religious liberty, fostering a peaceful, tolerant and inclusive society. Irish citizens are also empowered to participate in the nation’s democratic processes, can stand for government election, and access Irish diplomatic support abroad. Citizenship also provides access to free tertiary level education, and enables citizens to live, work, study and travel throughout the European Union and European Economic Area without the hassle of having to apply for, and obtain a visa. Irish citizens can also create a legacy for future generations, by passing on citizenship to their children.
How long can I stay in the EU with Irish citizenship?
Ireland is one of 27 member states of the European Union. One of the central tenets of the bloc is to provide the citizens of member states with the freedom to live, work, study, and travel throughout the EU, without the need for a visa. This opens up an abundance of opportunities for Irish citizens to explore career, lifestyle and travel opportunities through the EU. Irish citizens can also apply for a European Health Insurance Card, which gives them access to healthcare during temporary stays in EU member states, as well as in Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Can I live and work in the UK if I have Irish citizenship?
Irish citizens are permitted to live, work, study and travel throughout the United Kingdom under a longstanding reciprocal agreement. Irish citizens do not need a visa to travel to the UK nor do they have to apply for permission should they wish to live or work there permanently. Brexit – the UK’s departure from the European Union – doesn’t affect this agreement and as such, Irish citizens have permission to stay in the UK permanently.
Can I live in the USA with an Irish passport?
Irish citizens don’t need to apply for or obtain a visa to visit the United States if visiting for 90 days or less. Longer stays in the US or a permanent move, whether for career, family, or another reason, will require a valid visa and permission from US immigration. Irish diaspora currently living in America account for approximately 9.5% of the population according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 data, so there is no shortage of kindred spirits to share your love of Irish culture within the US! However, you must adhere to US immigration regulations to secure the appropriate visas and permits for long-term residency. How many passports can an Irish citizen hold? Irish citizens can hold multiple passports. That means if you are granted Irish citizenship, Irish immigration rules allow you to keep your current passport. However, not all countries offer the same privilege. Countries such as Nepal, Myanmar, China, Malawi, Kuwait and Laos do not allow dual citizenship. It is important to check with the relevant country’s passport office whether you can retain your citizenship or will be required to renounce it. Ireland typically allows its citizens to hold dual or even multiple citizenships, providing the flexibility to hold multiple passports and enjoy the rights and privileges associated with each country.
How do I apply for Irish citizenship?
There are a number of routes to apply for Irish citizenship; which one you choose will depend on your eligibility. If you have a grandparent born in Ireland, you could be eligible to apply for citizenship by descent. If you have no ancestral links to Ireland and have been living or working in Ireland for the required amount of time, you could be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation. We understand the process can feel daunting, especially given the amount of paperwork and involved. That’s why our experienced immigration team is here to help and support citizenship applicants with the information and advice for a hassle-free application process. For help with your application or if you have a specific query about the process, please get in touch with our team.
