Ireland proposes stricter citizenship and naturalisation rules

Ireland is proposing to tighten naturalisation requirements following five consecutive years of high immigration. Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy has introduced proposals to increase the required residence period from five years to approximately eight years. Additionally, the government plans to introduce an English language test and require applicants to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and a lack of certain social welfare dependency.

Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows that immigration to Ireland declined by 12% in the 12 months leading to April 2026, falling to 110,600 arrivals. Net migration also saw a decrease, dropping to 48,100 compared to 59,700 in 2025. Despite this decline, the total population of Ireland has risen to 5,525,600.

The CSO report also noted a decline in births and a decrease in the number of people aged 0 to 14, which fell below one million for the first time since 2014. Conversely, the population aged 65 and over increased by 30,000 people over the same period.