Irish Citizenship

For citizens of the Republic of Latvia and other EU/EEA countries, applying for Irish citizenship by naturalisation is simpler than for non-EU nationals, as EU citizens do not require a residence permit (IRP card or stamp). Below you will find the key requirements and process overview.

1. Main Requirements for EU (including Latvian) Citizens

Reckonable Residence

You must have at least 5 years (1,825 days) of lawful residence in Ireland within the preceding 9 years.

Continuous 1 year: Immediately before applying you must have lived in Ireland for 1 full year (365 days) without a break.

Absence rule (70/30 rule): During that final year, you may spend up to 70 days outside Ireland (in exceptional circumstances up to 100 days, with good reason — health or work).

Irish Immigration Service — Naturalisation
Good Character

A Garda Vetting check is carried out. You must disclose all convictions, offences (including significant road traffic offences) or legal proceedings.
Intention to Remain in Ireland

You must intend to continue living in Ireland after receiving citizenship.

Important exception for spouses: If you are married to an Irish citizen for at least 3 years, the required residence period is reduced to 3 years (1,095 days) within the preceding 5 years.

2. How EU Citizens Prove Their Residence (150-Point System)

Because EU citizens do not have visa stamps in their passports, residence and identity are proven using a document points system — at least 150 points must be collected for each year, plus separate points for identity.

For Identity

Latvian passport or national ID card.
For Each of the 5 Years (documents required per year)

Employment/Income documents: Employment Detail Summary (from Revenue/P60), payslips, social welfare statements.

Accommodation/residence: Tenancy Agreement / RTB registration, Bank Statements showing day-to-day transactions in Ireland, utility bills in your name.

Other evidence: GP/doctor visit history, children's school letters, etc.

3. Application Process and Costs

Submitting the Application

Applications are made online through the Immigration Service portal: Irish Immigration Online Service (ISD Portal).
Application fee: €175

Paid at the time of submission.
Processing Time

Processing typically takes between 6 and 12 months.
Approval and Ceremony

Once the application is approved, a final certificate fee of €950 (adults) or €200 (minors) is payable. You are then invited to a Citizenship Ceremony, where you take an oath of fidelity and receive your naturalisation certificate.

4. Dual Citizenship (Latvia and Ireland)

Permitted and lawful

Under the Latvian Citizenship Law, Latvian citizens are permitted to retain their Latvian citizenship when acquiring citizenship of another EU/EEA or NATO member state, including Ireland.

You do not need to give up your Latvian passport. After receiving Irish citizenship, you simply notify the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in Latvia to register your dual citizenship.

5. Planned Legislative Changes (Please Note)

The Irish government is developing a new Irish Nationality and Citizenship Amendment Bill. If enacted, future naturalisation requirements may be tightened — for example, extending the required residence period from 5 to 8 years, and introducing financial self-sufficiency and language/civics tests.

If you already meet the current requirements (5 years' residence), it is advisable to prepare and submit your application without unnecessary delay.