The government has announced a new, easier route to British citizenship for Irish citizens who are resident in the UK. The changes will take effect from 22 July 2025.
An Irish citizen will be able to register as a British citizen if:
- they have been living in the UK for the previous 5 years
- they have not been absent for longer than prescribed limits during this period
- during the 5 years they must have not been in breach of immigration laws and they are of good character.
Applicants will not be required to demonstrate knowledge of the English language or sit the Life in the UK test.
The registration fee will be half of what other nationalities pay. It will cost £723 for adults and £607 for children.