Irish people living in the UK will soon find it easier and cheaper to become British citizens, thanks to a new law – the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024. The law was announced by Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra during her visit to Belfast on 3 July 2024. It shows the strong friendship and shared history between the UK and Ireland.
What’s New in This Route?
From 22 July 2025, Irish citizens who live in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man will be able to apply for British citizenship under this new, easier route.
The process will be simpler than for other nationalities. Irish applicants:
- Do not need to take the Life in the UK Test
- Do not need to prove English language skills
- Will pay lower fees – £723 for adults and £607 for children
Also, children cared for by local authorities or those who cannot afford the fee can apply for free.
Minister’s Statement
Seema Malhotra said that the UK and Ireland share a close and historic connection. This new route celebrates that relationship and helps Irish people who have made the UK their home to fully take part in British society while keeping their Irish citizenship.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for British citizenship through this new route, an Irish citizen must:
- Have lived in the UK for the last 5 years
- Not have been away from the UK for more than 450 days in those 5 years
- Not have been away for more than 90 days in the last year
- Have followed UK immigration laws
- Be of good character
This new route supports the Good Friday Agreement, which already gives people born in Northern Ireland the right to hold both British and Irish citizenship if they have a British, Irish, or settled parent.
Source: GOV.UK
