Obtaining Irish citizenship through marriage, also known as naturalisation, is a pathway available to spouses of Irish citizens. This process allows foreign nationals to become Irish citizens by meeting specific residency and legal requirements. Abbey Blue Legal LTD offers expert guidance to help you navigate this process with ease.

Key Pathways to Irish Citizenship Through Marriage

Naturalisation through marriage is one of several routes to becoming an Irish citizen. Here are the primary options:

• Citizenship by Naturalisation Through Marriage: Tailored for spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens who meet specific residency and good character conditions.
• Citizenship by Birth or Descent: For individuals born in Ireland or those with Irish ancestry.
• Foreign Birth Registration: A route for individuals whose grandparents were born in Ireland, granting them eligibility to register as Irish citizens.

The Naturalisation Process for Spouses

Applications for naturalisation, including those through marriage, are managed by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) under the authority of the Minister for Justice. The Minister holds absolute discretion in granting or rejecting applications, taking into account various factors such as residency, character, and supporting documentation.

Citizenship for Spouses of Irish Citizens

If you are married to or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen, you may apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation. To be eligible, you must meet the following conditions:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Marriage Duration: You must have been married or in a civil partnership for at least three years.
• Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Ireland or Northern Ireland for three out of the five years prior to your application. Additionally, you must have resided continuously in Ireland or Northern Ireland for 12 months immediately before the date of your application.
• Future Intentions: You must intend to live in Ireland after obtaining citizenship.
• Good Character: You are required to demonstrate good character, which involves a review of your background by the Garda Síochána.

Both you and your spouse are required to complete the declarations in Form 8, the designated naturalisation form.

How to Apply for Irish Citizenship Through Marriage

Abbey Blue Legal LTD provides end-to-end support to ensure your application is complete and accurate. Below are the steps to successfully apply for Irish citizenship through marriage:

Step 1. Check That You Qualify

To qualify for Irish citizenship through marriage, you must meet the conditions outlined in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended). These include:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: You need three years of reckonable residence within the last five years, including continuous residence in Ireland for the 12 months immediately before applying.
• Good Character: Garda Síochána (Ireland’s police) will assess your background for criminal records, pending investigations, or civil cases. Abbey Blue Legal LTD ensures you meet this criterion.

Step 2. Complete the Application Form

Use the latest version of the naturalisation form (Form 8) available on the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website. Fill out all sections accurately. Both you and your spouse must complete the required declarations.

Step 3. Gather Supporting Documentation

Compile essential documents to support your application, including:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Proof of residence in Ireland (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements)
• Identification documents (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
• Evidence of your spouse’s Irish citizenship (e.g., Irish passport or naturalisation certificate)
• Proof of reckonable residence, such as immigration stamps, bank statements, and employment records

Abbey Blue Legal LTD provides tailored advice to ensure your documentation is accurate and complete.

Step 4. Make a Declaration

Sign the statutory declaration included in Form 8. This declaration affirms your intent to become an Irish citizen and your commitment to comply with Ireland’s laws and values. Spouses of Irish citizens must also complete declarations included in the form.

Step 5. Submit Your Application

Send your completed application form, supporting documents, and the €175 application fee to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). Abbey Blue Legal LTD ensures that your submission is accurate and on time.

If your application is successful, you will be required to pay a certification fee of up to €950. Fee exemptions may apply in certain cases, such as for refugees or stateless persons.

Key Considerations for Reckonable Residence

Reckonable residence refers to the time spent legally in Ireland that counts toward your eligibility for naturalisation. This includes:

• Time on an employment permit (e.g., Stamp 1 Irish Residence Permit)
• Time on a Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 (Without Condition as to Time)
• Time as a dependent of a legal resident
• Time as a spouse or partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder

Periods spent outside Ireland exceeding six weeks per year may affect your eligibility for Irish citizenship through marriage unless due to an emergency, which should be explained in your application. Abbey Blue Legal LTD can assist in calculating your reckonable residence to ensure eligibility.

Special Provisions for Spouses of Irish Citizens

Spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens can apply for naturalisation under specific conditions:

• Married or in a civil partnership for at least three years
• Resided in Ireland for three out of the last five years
• Continuous residence in Ireland for the 12 months before application

Irish citizenship through marriage provides unique opportunities for spouses of Irish citizens. Abbey Blue Legal LTD is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your application is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Why Choose Abbey Blue Legal LTD?

With over 20 years of experience in immigration consultancy, Abbey Blue Legal LTD has a proven track record of helping individuals successfully navigate the complexities of Irish citizenship applications. Our services include:

• Personalised Advice: Receive tailored support specific to your circumstances.
• High Success Rate: Benefit from our 98% success rate across various application types.
• Streamlined Process: We handle every aspect of your application, saving you time and reducing stress.

Start Your Irish Citizenship Journey Today

Whether you’re just beginning the process or need assistance with an ongoing application, Abbey Blue Legal LTD is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving Irish citizenship through marriage.