Good news for Irish people living in the UK

From 22 July 2025, Irish citizens living in the United Kingdom will be able to apply for British citizenship under a new route which is both cheaper and has fewer requirements.

As part of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024, which comes into force from 22 July 2025, Irish citizens living in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man will be able to apply for British citizenship under a new, easier route.

The route offers a streamlined application process and a reduced registration fee, with Irish nationals only being required to pay £723 for adults and £607 for children – 50% less than the registration fee for other nationalities.

Additionally, children cared for by the local authority and adults who cannot afford the registration fee will be processed free of charge.

Irish citizens living in the United Kingdom will also no longer be required to demonstrate knowledge of English language or sit the Life in the UK test.

Under nationality birth rights in the Good Friday Agreement, people born in Northern Ireland to a British citizen, Irish citizen or a settled person have the right to hold British and Irish nationality.

Irish people living in the UK will be able to register as a British citizen provided they can show the following:

• They have been living in the UK for five years;
• During these five years, they have not been absent for a total of more than 450 days;
• During the final year, they have not been absent for more than 90 days;
• They have not breached immigration laws during the five years;
• They are of good character.

Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra said the commencement of this Act and the new route it provides is a product of the close and continued shared history and geographic links between the UK and Ireland.

“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,” Malhotra said.

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