Can You Get an Irish Passport if Your Husband Has One?
Being married to an Irish citizen does not automatically entitle you to an Irish passport or citizenship. However, it gives you the right to apply for Irish citizenship through marriage or civil partnership — a process known as naturalisation by marriage.
Once you are granted Irish citizenship, you can then apply for an Irish passport, giving you the right to live, work, and travel freely across the EU as an Irish and EU citizen.
Eligibility Requirements for Irish Citizenship by Marriage
To apply successfully, you must meet several key eligibility criteria set by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS):
Minimum Residence Requirement
You must have legally lived in Ireland for:
- At least three years out of the last five years, and
- Continuously for the 12 months immediately before your application.
Marriage or Civil Partnership Duration
You must have been married to or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen for at least three years before applying.
Intention to Reside in Ireland
You must show a genuine intention to continue living in Ireland after gaining citizenship.
Good Character Requirement
Applicants must be of good character, demonstrated through background checks and police clearance certificates from Ireland and any other countries where you’ve lived.
Meeting all these conditions shows your commitment to living in Ireland and integrating into Irish society.
How to Apply for Irish Citizenship Through Marriage
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for naturalisation as the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need to collect a comprehensive set of documents, including:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of residence in Ireland (utility bills, rental agreements, bank statements)
- Your spouse’s Irish passport or citizenship certificate
- Proof of good character, such as police clearance certificates
- Financial evidence, if requested
Step 2: Complete the Naturalisation Application (Form 8)
Download and fill out Form 8, the application form for Irish citizenship through marriage, available from the INIS website. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee and Submit Your Application
Once your documents and Form 8 are ready, submit your application to:
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
Citizenship Division, Dublin
Include the application fee with your submission.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times for citizenship by marriage can vary but generally take 18 to 24 months. During this time, INIS will review your residence history, relationship evidence, and background checks.
Step 5: Attend a Citizenship Ceremony
If your application is approved, you’ll receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you’ll take an oath of fidelity to the Irish nation. Once you’ve completed this step, you officially become an Irish citizen.
Documents Required for Irish Citizenship by Marriage
Here’s a checklist of commonly required documents:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of residence (utility bills, tenancy agreements, bank statements)
- Your spouse’s Irish passport or citizenship certificate
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where you’ve lived
- Proof of financial stability, such as payslips or bank statements
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Completed Form 8
All documents must be originals or certified copies. If they are not in English or Irish, they must be translated by a certified translator.
Applying for an Irish Passport After Gaining Citizenship
After you receive your Certificate of Naturalisation, you are eligible to apply for your Irish passport.
Steps to Apply for Your Passport
- Complete the Application Form
- Use Form APS1 if applying from Ireland, or Form APS2 if applying from outside Ireland.
- Gather Supporting Documents
- Your Irish naturalisation certificate
- Two passport photos (signed and dated on the back)
- Proof of identity and address
- Pay the Passport Fee
- Fees vary by application method and location but typically start at €75 for a 10-year passport.
- Submit the Application
- Apply online via the Passport Online Service or in person at a passport office or Irish embassy.
Processing times are usually 6–8 weeks, but can be faster for online applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does marrying an Irish citizen automatically make me an Irish citizen?
No. You must apply for citizenship through naturalisation — marriage alone doesn’t grant citizenship or a passport.
Q2: How long must I live in Ireland before applying?
You must have lived in Ireland for three out of the last five years, including 12 consecutive months before applying.
Q3: Can I apply for Irish citizenship if I’m married to an Irish citizen but live abroad?
No. You must be resident in Ireland to apply under this route.
Q4: Is attending a citizenship ceremony mandatory?
Yes. You officially become an Irish citizen only after taking the Oath of Fidelity at the ceremony.
Q5: How long does it take to get an Irish passport after citizenship approval?
Generally 6–8 weeks, depending on the application type and location.
Q6: Can I pass on Irish citizenship to my children?
Yes. Once you’re an Irish citizen, any children born to you after naturalisation are automatically Irish citizens.
Conclusion
Applying for Irish citizenship through marriage is an excellent way to build a lasting connection with Ireland and gain the many benefits of EU citizenship. While marriage alone doesn’t guarantee citizenship, meeting the residency, relationship, and character requirements allows you to apply successfully.
After attending your citizenship ceremony, you can obtain your Irish passport, giving you full rights to live, work, and travel throughout the EU.
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