Naturalisation is the process through which a person who was not born an Irish citizen becomes one.

This can happen in a number of ways:

• You can acquire Irish citizenship by length of residence in the State
• Through Irish descent
• By being a spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen
• Irish connections
• Being a minor child of an Irish citizen

Under Irish law, you are not required to give up citizenship of another country to become an Irish citizen. However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship, or place restrictions on it. You should check with the embassies of all countries where you already hold citizenship before applying in Ireland.

Length of Residence in the State
A non-EU or EU national who has lived in Ireland legally for at least 60 months, and is of good character, may apply for Naturalisation. 

Spouse of an Irish Citizen
A non-EU or EU national who has been married to an Irish citizen for at least 3 years is eligible to apply for Irish citizenship, as long as certain conditions are met.

Irish Connections
Irish associations means being related by blood, affinity, civil partnership, or adoption to an Irish citizen, including a deceased citizen. People who can lay claim to such associations are eligible to apply for Irish naturalisation. 

Minor Children
Children who are eligible to apply for Irish citizenship are those who have at least one parent who has already been granted Irish citizenship by naturalisation, or who is a child of Irish descent or with Irish associations.