Applying for Irish citizenship has changed recently. The Irish government now uses a digital system and strict rules for travel and documents. If you are looking for citizenship consultants in India, it is important to understand these new updates to make sure your application is successful.
New Residency Rules
For most people, you still need to live in Ireland for five years to apply for citizenship. However, a big change happened on December 8, 2025. People who have "International Protection" status now must also wait five years instead of three. If you applied before that date, the old three-year rule still applies to you.
For children born in Ireland to parents who are not citizens, the rules have become easier. These children now only need to show three years of living in Ireland instead of five.
The 70-Day Travel Rule
In the final year before you send your application, you must live in Ireland continuously. The law now says you can be outside of Ireland for up to 70 days during this year. If you have a very serious reason, like a medical emergency or a job requirement, the government might allow another 30 days (totaling 100 days). If you stay away longer than 100 days, you must wait and apply later.
The 150-Point Scorecard
To prove who you are and where you live, you must use a "scorecard" system. You need 150 points for your identity and 150 points for every year you lived in Ireland.
Identity:
A valid passport from your home country is worth 150 points.
Residency:
You must provide one "Type A" document (100 points), like a bank statement with Irish shop transactions, and one "Type B" document (50 points), like a utility bill.
News About Citizenship Ceremonies
The final step is attending a ceremony to take an oath of loyalty to Ireland. Ceremonies that were supposed to happen in April 2026 were cancelled at the last minute. These have been moved to June 22 and 23, 2026, in Killarney. You must attend in person to get your certificate, which is then sent to you by post.
Why Choose Irish Expert?
If you need help from professional citizenship consultants in India, Irish Expert is the top choice. We have offices in many cities, including Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, and Thrissur. Their team helps you check your eligibility, organize your documents for the 150-point scorecard, and prepare for any interviews. With their deep knowledge of the 2026 digital updates and new salary rules, Irish Expert makes the difficult process of moving to Ireland simple and clear for you and your family.