Easier British Citizenship for Irish Citizens Living in the UK

(Effective 22 July 2025)

Irish citizens residing in the UK will soon be eligible to apply for British citizenship through a new, simplified and more affordable route, reflecting the deep and longstanding ties between the two nations. Introduced as part of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024, this new pathway significantly eases the process for Irish nationals seeking British citizenship.

Applicants will benefit from a streamlined application process and will not be required to demonstrate English language proficiency or complete the Life in the UK test.

The registration fee for this route will be 50% lower than standard citizenship fees—set at £723 for adults and £607 for children. Applications will be free of charge for children in local authority care and for individuals who can credibly demonstrate financial hardship.

New Features:

• No Life in the UK Test

• No English Language Requirement

• Streamlined application process

• Lower registration fees:

  
  

  • Adults: £723 (50% cheaper than standard)

  • Children: £607

  • Free for:

    • Children in local authority care

    • Applicants who can’t afford the fee (must credibly demonstrate)

      
      

Eligibility:

To apply under this route, an Irish citizen must:

1. Have lived in the UK for the past 5 years, including:

   • Not more than 450 days of absence in total across 5 years

   • Not more than 90 days absence in the final year

2. Have not breached immigration laws during those 5 years

3. Be of good character

   
   

Who can apply?

Irish citizens living in:

• England

• Scotland

• Wales

• Northern Ireland

• Channel Islands

• Isle of Man

• Builds on long-standing Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements

• Recognises the unique relationship between the UK and Ireland

• Complements the Good Friday Agreement, which already grants people born in Northern Ireland the right to both British and Irish nationality