Irish citizens living in the UK will soon have access to a new, simplified, and more affordable path to British citizenship—strengthening the historic ties between the UK and Ireland.
On 3 July, Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra visited Belfast to announce the launch of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024, which formally introduces this easier route to citizenship.
Under this new scheme, Irish applicants will enjoy a streamlined process that waives the English language requirement and the Life in the UK test—two steps normally required for other nationalities.
Reduced fees and free applications for vulnerable groups
Citizenship application fees for Irish nationals will be 50% lower than the standard charges:
- £723 for adults
- £607 for children
Children in local authority care will be exempt from all fees, as will applicants who can credibly show financial hardship.
Acknowledging a deep shared history
Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra said:
“The UK and Ireland enjoy a close and continued shared history and geographic links that have fostered deep cultural connections and family ties across generations.
This new route represents the unique relationship between our two countries and builds upon the Common Travel Area arrangements that have benefited citizens of both nations for decades.
I am pleased the route will enable eligible Irish nationals who have made their home in the UK to fully participate in British society while maintaining their Irish citizenship”.
She added that the route offers Irish nationals who have made their home in the UK a way to participate fully in British life while keeping their Irish citizenship.
Eligibility criteria
Starting 22 July 2025, Irish citizens living anywhere in the UK, including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, can apply through this new route if they meet the following criteria:
- Have lived in the UK for the last five years
- Have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days during that time
- Have not been away for more than 90 days in the last year
- Have not breached UK immigration laws during the five years
- Are considered to be of good character
This reform complements the nationality provisions in the Good Friday Agreement, which allows people born in Northern Ireland to hold British and Irish citizenship if they have a parent who is British, Irish, or legally settled in the UK. Photo by Swapnil1101, Wikimedia commons.
