Thousands of migrants around the world choose Ireland as an ideal place to live. And it is not surprising, as the country is known for its picturesque countryside, clean environment and high standard of living. Learn more about the possible ways to obtain Irish citizenship in 2024

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Ireland is one of the most fabulous places in the world. The Emerald Isle is attractive not only for a tourist visit but also for permanent residence. The local government allows foreigners to obtain Irish citizenship in several ways. The article below describes how to move to Ireland for permanent residence and how to obtain citizenship. 

Start-up Entrepreneur Program

The Start-up Entrepreneur Program (STEP) in Ireland is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start an innovative company and obtain residency status. The program is not suitable for those planning a business in the retail, catering or personal services sectors. Ireland attracts businessmen with a low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, with the possibility of reducing it to 0% for some companies.

Participants can apply online at any time of the year. To participate, you need to propose an innovative project with high potential. The applicant must have at least €50,000 to invest in the business, and for two or more participants - €30,000 each. Confirmation of the legality of the source of funds is also required. 

If the startup is approved by the Evaluation Committee, the applicant and his/her family receive a residence permit (residence permit) in Ireland for 2 years. Family members have the right to study and work. After two years, the permit may be extended subject to certain requirements. A new permit is issued for 3 years.

After five years of permanent residence, the applicant and his/her family may apply for Irish citizenship through naturalization. Irish citizens are also citizens of the European Union, which allows them to move freely within the EU without visas. Irish law allows for dual citizenship.

Immigration to Ireland for investors

Since 2012, the Irish Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) has been operating, offering flexible conditions and four investment options. To obtain an investor visa, you need to become a participant in one of the programs that gives the investor and his or her family the right to reside in Ireland. If the investor does not plan to live in Ireland permanently, he or she must come to the country at least once a year to renew the residence permit.

Investment options under the Irish immigration program include:

1. Business investment of €1 million. Investments in the development of one or more Irish enterprises. It can be a startup created by the investor or an existing business registered in Ireland. The minimum investment holding period is three years.

2. Investment fund of €1 million. Investments in an approved investment fund for a period of at least three years. Such funds must be approved and regulated by the Central Bank.

3. Investments in a real estate investment trust (REIT) 2 million €. Investments in any Irish real estate fund (Real Estate Investment Trusts - REIT) listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. The holding period is three years.

4. Donations of €500,000. A charitable donation to a socially significant public project aimed at developing the arts, sports, health, culture or education in Ireland.

This program provides investors with a variety of opportunities to contribute to the Irish economy and obtain a favorable residency status.

Employment visa to Ireland

To obtain a work visa to Ireland, you must have a work permit issued by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI). This permit is issued on the basis of an invitation from an Irish employer. The application for a work visa must be made at least three months before the planned trip to Ireland.

To obtain a work visa, the following documents must be prepared:

1. Passport: provide a current passport and copies of all previous passports;

2. Letter of application: a signed letter containing contact details, the reason for your desire to come to Ireland, information about family members already in Ireland or another EU country, the duration of your stay and details of your place of residence in Ireland;

3. Commitment: a signed document that the applicant will comply with the terms of the visa and leave the country upon the expiration of the residence permit;

4. Work permit: an official document from the DJEI;

5. Employment contract: an agreement between the applicant and the employer;

6. Letter from the employer: must contain a description of job duties, salary, information on housing and accommodation details;

7. Proof of qualifications and experience: documents confirming professional experience, such as pay stubs, letters from previous employers, tax returns, professional certificates;

8. Financial documents: a current bank statement;

It is worth noting that this list of documents may not be final, and additional documents may be required depending on the specific situation. An individualized list of documents is compiled after a full assessment of the situation by a specialist.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, take the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

How to obtain Irish citizenship?

Citizenship of 🇮🇪 Ireland is difficult to obtain, but realistic if you follow all the recommendations, rules and laws. There are several official ways to obtain citizenship of this emerald country:

Citizenship by birth

Children born in Ireland before 2004 are eligible for citizenship by birth. For children born after 2005, citizenship of the Republic is granted only if one of the parents has been legally residing in Ireland for more than 36 months. 

This requirement is aimed at ensuring the family's permanent connection with the country and its society. Thus, children will be able to obtain Irish citizenship only if certain conditions regarding their parents' residence are met.

Citizenship by descent

This is one of the easiest ways to become an Irish citizen. However, you must first prove that you are a child or grandchild of Irish citizens. Even if one of your parents was born on the island or your grandparents are from the country, this gives you the right to apply for citizenship. 

You can also get an Irish passport if one of your great-grandparents was born in the country. But for this, the parents must indicate their origin in the Register of Births Abroad. In general, it is recommended that each generation is registered in the said Register so that future generations have the opportunity to obtain citizenship. 

To become an Irish citizen by descent, you must first apply to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The first step in the application process is to register your birth in the Register of Births Abroad. To do this, you need to attach passport-size photographs, sign and date them, and have a witness signature.

Citizenship after marriage

Foreigners who are married (or in a civil partnership) to Irish citizens can also obtain citizenship quite quickly. If a person has been married to a local resident for three years, he or she is eligible to apply for naturalization.

Citizenship by naturalization

An alien who has legally resided in Ireland for 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit and 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit may apply for Irish citizenship. It is important that during this time the person does not violate the laws of the country. The period of stay on a student visa or the time spent on refugee status is not taken into account.

The main requirements for obtaining citizenship by naturalization include:

1. The age of majority;

2. Reliable reputation;

3. Absence of convictions or their obligatory indication in the application;

4. Residence in Ireland for a continuous period of one year prior to application;

5. Permanent residence in Ireland for 5 years (not to leave the country for more than 6 months within 9 years);

6. Confirmation of intention to reside permanently in Ireland and obtain Irish citizenship;

7. Swearing an oath of allegiance to Ireland and its citizens.

The Emerald Isle is a great place to live and work. In addition, Irish citizenship has many advantages. For example, an Irish passport allows you to travel to 183 countries without a visa. Ireland also ranks 6th in the world in terms of freedom of movement. Another advantage of citizenship is the ability to vote in elections and even apply for a position in the government.