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Hi, what are the rules of British citizenship for Irish citizens? Can Irish citizens apply for British naturalization after 5 years or do they need to wait for 6 years? Thanks

mkdr wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 13, 2022 4:40 pm

Hi, what are the rules of British citizenship for Irish citizens? Can Irish citizens apply for British naturalization after 5 years or do they need to wait for 6 years? Thanks

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... _final.pdf
Irish nationals
The position of Irish citizens is different to that of other EEA nationals. Irish citizens are not
normally subject to any form of immigration control on arrival in the United Kingdom, because
Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA). These rights were underlined by the
Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2019.
Section 2 of the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020
puts on a statutory basis that that Irish citizens do not require leave to enter or remain in the
UK. The only exceptions are where the person is subject to a deportation order, exclusion
decision or exclusion direction.
If you are an Irish national, you will be free from immigration time restrictions for
naturalisation purposes.
So you don't need Settled Status or ILR - residency requirements are the same as for everyone, five years (or three if spouse of British citizen). As you don't need ILR the 12 months wait time doesn't apply.

Thanks for your detailed reply. very helpful. So to summarise, I can apply to UK citizenship after 5 years of residence in the UK as an Irish national. Right?

Yes, as your 'settled status' starts as soon as you arrive in the UK.
I think you still need to pass LITUK (but not language) as well.

Thank you.