Beginning 22 July 2025, Irish citizens living in the United Kingdom can apply for British nationality through a faster, cheaper, and simplified route under the new British Nationality (Irish Nationals) Act 2024.
This policy marks a significant development in UK immigration, reflecting the deep historical and social ties between Ireland and the UK. It enables Irish citizens residing in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man to acquire British citizenship more easily, and without having to renounce Irish nationality.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Pathway Different
The updated pathway removes several barriers that have previously deterred many Irish nationals from seeking UK citizenship. Key features include:
- No English language test required
- No Life in the UK test required
- Application fee reduced by 50%
- Free applications for:
- Children in local authority care
- Applicants who can prove financial hardship
These changes offer a sharp contrast to the traditional naturalisation process, which requires both language and civic knowledge exams, as well as higher fees.
Who Can Apply for British Citizenship Under the New Law
To qualify for this simplified route, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency Duration | At least 5 years settled in the UK |
| Time Spent Abroad in 5 Years | No more than 450 days outside the UK |
| Time Abroad in Final Year | No more than 90 days outside the UK |
| Immigration Compliance | No violations of immigration laws |
| Character Requirement | Must be of good character |
This pathway applies equally to residents of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Crown Dependencies such as Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Why This Matters
According to UK Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra, this policy recognises the unique status of Irish nationals within the Common Travel Area (CTA), which already allows Irish and UK citizens to live and work freely in each other’s countries.
The updated process will make it easier for Irish nationals to:
- Fully participate in UK public life, including voting in general elections
- Access jobs in the public sector that require British citizenship
- Obtain dual citizenship without renouncing their Irish nationality
A New Chapter for Irish Residents in the UK
Many Irish citizens have lived in the UK for years but avoided applying for British nationality due to:
- High application fees
- Burdensome paperwork
- Concerns about losing Irish citizenship
This new pathway removes those barriers. It simplifies the application and recognises the right to dual nationality, aligning with the Good Friday Agreement, which affirms the right of people born in Northern Ireland to identify as British, Irish, or both.
When to Apply
Applications under the new route open on 22 July 2025. The UK Home Office is expected to release full application guidance before the launch date, including:
- How to submit the application
- Where to access forms
- What documents will be required
Irish citizens considering British nationality are advised to begin gathering documents and monitoring updates from the Home Office in the coming months.
Conclusion
This is one of the most inclusive and accessible citizenship pathways ever offered by the UK. With no tests, reduced fees, and streamlined eligibility, Irish citizens with long-standing ties to the UK now have a historic opportunity to gain British nationality.
