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Irish Citizenship by Investment: How To Get Irish Passport

Updated: 14 February 2024

This program is discontinued as of February 2023.

If you plan to move to Ireland with the intention to become an Irish citizen, obtaining an “Irish Golden Visa” through the Irish Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) is ideal for you.

Becoming an Irish citizen allows you to stay in Ireland without further residence permits, live in a stable economy, access to high standards of living, and explore business options all across the country, and the EU.  

If you’re looking forward to staying in Ireland without any bureaucratic restrictions, getting an Irish passport is the ultimate solution. All you need to do is qualify for the requirements, choose one of the four investment options, and start your journey towards citizenship.

In this guide, you’ll find out how the procedure works and how you can become an Irish citizen.

Benefits Of Irish Citizenship by Investment

Irish citizenship gives you every right an Irish citizen has, in return for investment. With your Irish passport, you can travel more freely, access the EU without restrictions, make use of health services, get quality education, and other fundamental rights as a citizen. 

Work and Travel Easily Within the EU

Since Ireland is a committed member of the European Union, you can avail of the benefits of traveling across other EU member states without visas or restrictions as an Irish citizen. With your Irish passport, you can get jobs in other EU countries without applying for a work visa. The freedom of travel is a significant attraction of Irish citizenship.

Enjoying Free Access to the UK

Once you obtain your Irish passport, you’ll also get the right to live 91ƵAPP. This right stays in effect post-Brexit. An Irish passport also gives you the right to work and study 91ƵAPP. This creates a big opportunity for families with children.

Receiving Regular Income From the Investments

When you invest via IIP, you’re going to receive a return from the investments you’ve made, depending on your investment, as long as you keep them.

Please check our guide on IIP Investment Types for further reading.

High Quality of Education for All Students

Ireland boasts a high-performing education system that consists of different practices that favor equal opportunity. According to studies and surveys done by the, Ireland performs better than the other OECD countries in education. With an Irish passport, your children become eligible for free education at all levels, including university. Irish citizenship also gives the right to study in other EU countries.

Access to the Fundamental Rights

Irish Constitution gives certain rights to the citizens. Once you obtain your citizenship, you’re going to be guaranteed certain rights such as property rights, family rights, and religious freedom. 

How To Get an Irish Passport By Investment

When you invest in Ireland through the Ireland Immigrant Investor Program (IIP), you’re provided with a Stamp 4 visa. This visa stands as your permission to stay in Ireland and is reckoned as a residence when you apply for citizenship. All applications and inquiries for Irish citizenship are dealt by Immigration Service Delivery at the Department of Justice and Equality.

As per the Irish regulations, you’re required to be physically present and a tax resident of the country to receive citizenship. Once you become a citizen in the country, you can apply for a passport via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Requirements for Irish Citizenship

You’ll be eligible for Ireland citizenship if, 

  •       You’re 18 or over (or married if you’re under 18).
  •       You’ve been living in Ireland for the entire year before you apply for citizenship.
  •       You’ve resided in Ireland for at least five years out of the last nine years. This includes one year of continuous residence noted above.
  •       You intend to stay in the country.
  •       You are of good character.
  •       You’re ready to attend the citizenship ceremony and make the declaration of fidelity.

Irish Citizenship Application Process and Naturalization

If your application is completed and all supporting documents are provided, you can expect to receive your Irish passport in 12 months. Please keep in mind that this might vary depending on the circumstances.

Required Documents

When you apply for Irish citizenship based on your Stamp 4 visa, you’ll need to provide some supporting documents along with the application form. Here’s the list:

  •       Your current passport and any previous passports valid during your residence in Ireland,
  •       A certified copy of your original birth certificate, and a copy of an English translation,
  •       Copy of your Immigrant Registration Card,
  •       Two-color passport photographs, taken within 30 days of the date of application, signed and dated on the back to confirm they’re your photographs,
  •       Three different proofs of your residence for each year you claim you’ve resided in Ireland (rent agreement, household bills, bank statements, etc.),
  •       Copies of bank statements for at least three of the previous six months,
  •       An up-to-date tax clearance certificate.

As these documents aren’t returned in case of rejection, the authorities recommend that you keep your copies for your records.

Fees

The application fee is €175 for each application, only payable via bank transfer. This fee is non-refundable in case of rejection.

Once your application has been approved and you’ve been given the right to receive a “Certificate of Naturalization”, you’re required to pay €950. This fee is €200 for children.

Approval

If your application is approved, you’re going to receive a letter stating that you’re granted a certificate of naturalization. Once you receive this, you’ll be required to attend the Citizenship Ceremony and get your Irish passport in due course. Please note that only adults are required to attend this ceremony. 

Citizenship Ceremony

The citizenship ceremony is the last step to complete the naturalization process. At this ceremony, you make a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to Ireland. Once you make your declaration, you obtain your Certificate of Naturalization. This step is compulsory to get your Irish citizenship.

Irish Passport

After your naturalization process is successfully completed, you become an Irish citizen. You can apply for an Irish passport via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Dual Citizenship in Ireland

Ireland allows dual citizenship. Therefore, you can become an Irish citizen as well as retain your citizenship of your native country.

Who Can Apply for Citizenship by Investment in Ireland

If you intend to apply for Irish citizenship by investment, there are certain criteria you’re required to meet:

  •       You’re at least 18 years old.
  •       You’re a non-EEA national.
  •       Your criminal record is clean.
  •       Your net worth is a minimum of €2 million.
  •       You’re going to invest without getting any loan.

 Please read our ultimate guide on Ireland Immigrant Investor Program for further information.

Investment Types To Get Ireland Citizenship

IIP stands out among other programs as it doesn’t require the investment to be made before the application is pre-approved. This is a benefit for investors who don’t want to commit their funds before getting approval for residency and citizenship eventually. There are currently four investment options available under IIP:

1.Enterprise Investment

This option entails investing a minimum of €1 million in a new or existing Irish enterprise. Majority of the investors who apply to IIP use this option.

2.Investment Fund

The investment fund option requires €1 million of investment in an approved fund regulated by the central bank of Ireland.

3.Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT)

The REIT option is for investors who are looking for a lower-risk investment option. The minimum investment required for this option is €2 million.

4.Endowment

This option is the most popular investment option after the enterprise investment. It requires a minimum of €500,000 in an Irish public project that is beneficial to the country.

Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You

At Get Golden Visa, we help individuals become global citizens by residency and citizenship by investment programs. If you’re interested in getting Irish citizenship by investment, let us help you to find the best investment that caters to your specific needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get Irish citizenship?

Getting Irish citizenship is possible through naturalization unless you’re of Irish descent. If you’re planning to get citizenship in Ireland by investment, first you need to make your investment. To be able to be eligible for Irish citizenship, you’ll be required to prove that you’ve lived in the country for at least five years out of the last nine years. You’re also required to have been continuously residing in Ireland for one year immediately before the application date.

How long do I need to live in Ireland to get Irish citizenship?

Ireland requires that you’ve been staying in the country for at least five years out of the nine years. You’re also required to prove that you’ve been a continuous resident for one year when you apply.

Can I live 91ƵAPP with an Irish passport?

Yes, Irish citizens can move freely and reside 91ƵAPP even after Brexit. This is a part of the Common Travel Agreement signed between the two countries.

How can I move to Ireland from the US?

If you’re an American citizen planning to move to Ireland, you can apply to IIP and become eligible for Irish residence and apply for citizenship eventually.

Does Ireland allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Ireland allows dual citizenship. It’s wise to check the requirements of your country of origin though.

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