New Fast-Track British Citizenship Route for Irish Nationals

What has changed with British Citizenship under the Irish route?

From 22 July 2025, Irish nationals who can prove five continuous, lawful years in the UK will be able to take a short, cut-price route to a British passport. The changes mean that Irish nationals applying for British citizenship will no longer need to complete the following:

• English language test – no longer required for Irish nationals
• Life in the UK test – no longer required for Irish nationals

In addition to removing some of the bureaucratic barriers to citizenship for Irish nationals, there have been significant fee changes, including:

• British citizenship application fees are halved for Irish nationals compared to all other nationalities.

How much will British Citizenship cost for Irish nationals?

• £723 for adults
• £607 for children
• Children who are looked after by the local authority will be processed for free
• Irish nationals who can “credibly demonstrate” they cannot afford the application fee may go free

Currently, the fee for British Citizenship for Irish nationals, like other nationalities, is as follows:

• £1,605 for adults
• £1,214 for children

When can I apply for British Citizenship under the new Irish route?

Applications open on 22 July 2025 and are available to Irish citizens living in:

• England, Scotland and Wales
• Northern Ireland
• The Channel Islands
• The Isle of Man

Eligibility requirements

You must be able to show that you:

• Have lived lawfully in the UK for the past five years
• Have no more than 450 days of absence during that period
• Have no more than 90 days of absence in the final 12 months
• Have not breached UK immigration laws at any point
• Meet the Home Office good-character requirement

Time spent in the UK under any lawful status including work, study or family visas can count towards the five-year residence rule.

Why are the changes happening?

Westminster says the reform is in the spirit of the Common Travel Area and the Good Friday Agreement, trimming paperwork for applicants and easing added paperwork on Home Office case-workers.

The change comes amid sweeping immigration changes as the government looks to implement their immigration white paper policies on 22 July and beyond.

Seema Malhotra, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said:

“The UK and Ireland enjoy a close and continued shared history and geographic links that have fostered deep cultural connections and family ties across generations.”

“This new route represents the unique relationship between our two countries and builds upon the Common Travel Area arrangements that have benefited citizens of both nations for decades.”

“I am pleased the route will enable eligible Irish nationals who have made their home in the UK to fully participate in British society while maintaining their Irish citizenship.”

Benefits of British citizenship?

• The right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions
• Voting rights, including participation in national and local elections.
• Easier sponsorship routes for non-UK family members to settle with you in the UK.
• A flexible and future-proof future with dual citizenship. Keep your Irish passport while adding a British one.

How Immigration Advice Service can help

Our immigration lawyers have guided clients through complex nationality applications. With the dedicated Irish to UK citizenship route we can:

1. Confirm your eligibility 
2. Audit your travel history to ensure you meet the absence limits.
3. Prepare and submit your online application with full supporting evidence.
4. Liaise with the Home Office until a decision is issued.

The application window opens on 22nd July 2025. Avoid the rush by getting your documents ready now.

Call +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online to speak with an immigration lawyer specialising in British citizenship today. Your dedicated lawyer can outline the next steps and provide a fixed-fee quote with no hidden costs.