Government increases length of residency of refugees to apply for citizenship

Following government approval of proposed policy changes and legislative developments relating to international protection and citizenship, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration stated that as of 8 December 2025 people granted international protection must generally have 5 years of reckonable residence in the State before they can apply for citizenship.

Applications received before 8 December 2025 will continue to be processed under the previous 3-year rule, while applications submitted from 8 December 2025 onwards will be assessed in line with the new 5-year residency requirement.

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