Naturalisation by Association
If you have a substantial connection to Ireland – then you could apply for Irish citizenship by association. Speak to our Irish immigration solicitors to find out if you’re eligible.
We can be contacted outside of Irish office working hours and can communicate with you via phone, email and WhatsApp.
Call us on 01 901 1355, email info@rnlsolicitors.ie or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back and we will contact you at a convenient time.
What is citizenship by association?
According to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, a person is of Irish associations if:
- He or she is related by blood, affinity or adoption to, or is the civil partner of, a person who is an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen, or
- He or she was related by blood, affinity or adoption to, or was the civil partner of, a person who is deceased and who, at the time of his or her death, was an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen.
This wording is very legalistic. It might not help you understand whether you can get Irish citizenship by association. To find out for certain, contact us at RNL Solicitors LLP. We can confirm whether you are eligible.
You could be eligible. The criteria has recently changed, from April 2025 to a points based system.
The new guidelines provide a points-based approach to assessing the strength of the application.
As an example, to have your statutory residence requirement waived (or reduced), you must achieve at least 50% of the total possible points in two or more of the below categories.
- Experiential connection to the State;
- Family connections to the State;
- Cultural connection to the State;
- Establishment in the State.
If you are assessed as having a strong connection to Ireland, then you may be considered as potentially suitable for the waiving of any or all statutory naturalisation conditions.
Call us on 01 901 1355, email info@rnlsolicitors.ie or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back and we will contact you at a convenient time.
Requirements for Irish citizenship by association
Applications for citizenship by association are assessed on a case-by-case basis. They are reserved for scenarios where the applicant has an affinity to Ireland, but does not meet the normal citizenship criteria. In these situations, the Minister for Justice has the discretion to waive the requirements for naturalisation.
However, the applicant must show that they have some ‘substantial and tangible connection with Irish society and the State’. Typically, this means that you must have:
- Lived in Ireland as a lawful resident for around three years; and
- Have a blood affinity to Ireland, or some other close connection
You might not have to satisfy the residency requirements – it depends on the circumstances. However, an association going back two generations generally requires some other link to the State.
You must also:
- Be 18 or over (applications for minors must be completed by a parent or guardian)
- Be of good character
- Make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish State at an official citizenship ceremony
Are you eligible to get Irish citizenship by association?
It can be difficult to know whether you qualify for Irish citizenship by association as there are no hard-and-fast rules. We can assess your situation and advise whether you meet the requirements. If you want, we can then manage the application process for you.
These applications can be easy to get wrong. If you don’t submit evidence that proves a ‘substantial and tangible connection’ to Ireland, then your citizenship could be denied. We will apply our legal expertise to make sure this doesn’t happen. We’ll guide you through the process, offering our support and knowledge at every stage.
Start your citizenship application today
We can be contacted outside of Irish office working hours and can communicate with you via phone, email and WhatsApp.
Call us on 01 901 1355, email info@rnlsolicitors.ie or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back and we will contact you at a convenient time.
Naturalisation by association – quick facts
Can I get Irish citizenship through a great-grandfather or great-grandmother?
You may be able to get Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent. However, you are not automatically eligible to citizenship and you will still need to show other connection to the State.
How many generations back can you claim Irish citizenship?
It is often said that you can only claim Irish citizenship based on a parent or grandparent. This is true if you want to get Irish citizenship by descent, meaning you register with the Foreign Births Register. However, it might be possible to make an application on the basis of other Irish resident family members by making an application based on citizenship by association (and not descent).
Who is eligible to Irish citizenship by association?
The eligibility is now typically assessed on a points based system which is why we always recommend getting legal advice.
Are you interested in getting Irish citizenship?
Call us on 01 901 1355, email info@rnlsolicitors.ie or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back and we will contact you at a convenient time.
