Irish Citizenship Ceremony
If you’re a foreign national who wants to gain citizenship in Ireland, you must attend a citizenship ceremony as the final step of the naturalisation process.
As an adult, it is important to note that you will not be recognised as an Irish citizen unless you physically attend a citizenship ceremony. If you require support, guidance or further information regarding citizenship ceremonies in Ireland, call IAS today at +353 061 518 025 or contact us online.
What is an Irish Citizenship Ceremony?
Under Irish law, an Irish citizenship ceremony is an essential part of the process of becoming an Irish citizen. It is the final stage of the naturalisation process and all adults are expected to attend. Ceremony events are planned periodically throughout the year, with several ceremonies being conducted at each event.
Citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in Ireland in 2011. Created to officially welcome new citizens to the nation, they are designed to grant citizenship to foreign nationals in a dignified and solemn manner.
Citizenship ceremonies celebrate the granting of Irish citizenship to foreign nationals. Whilst attendance is required, many ceremony candidates feel the ceremonies in Ireland also play a significant role in their personal journey. They are happy and proud to be recognised by the Irish authorities as someone who is deserving of their title as an Irish citizen and may feel like the ceremony marks a special occasion in their life.
Page Contents
- What is an Irish Citizenship Ceremony?
- Must I Attend a Citizenship Ceremony?
- Who Else Will Attend My Citizenship Ceremony?
- What is the Process of Attending an Irish Citizenship Ceremony?
- Minor/Child Applicants for Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalisation
- Where and When is the Citizenship Ceremony Held?
- Number of New Citizens Attending Irish Citizenship Ceremonies
- What Are The Benefits Of Becoming an Irish Citizen?
- Upcoming Citizenship Ceremonies
- How Can IAS Help?
- FAQs
"My application was approved and a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders this year "
Akeel Lakar
Posted 6 years ago
"I'm very happy with the standard of training received on the OISC Level 1 course, i passed my exam. Thank you IAS"
Liam Calvert
Posted 6 years ago
"We used this service for the spouse visa extension application to assure that all the information was valid and correct."
Nabil Anwar
Posted 6 years ago
Must I Attend an Irish Citizenship Ceremony?
If you’re an adult who has applied for Irish citizenship you must attend the ceremony. If you fail to attend you will not be recognised as an Irish citizen and will not receive your certificate of naturalisation. It is worth noting that it is only adults who are expected to attend a citizenship ceremony. Children who become Irish citizens will not have to attend and will receive their certificate of naturalisation through the post.
Who Else Will Attend My Irish Citizenship Ceremony?
The ceremony is overseen by a judge and a Minister for Justice is usually present. Ceremony candidates are allowed to bring one adult guest with them on the day. Unfortunately, children are not allowed to accompany you to a citizenship ceremony event. The ceremonies are however live streamed online. The live stream allows your family and friends across the globe to witness your ceremony over the internet.
What is the Process of Attending an Irish Citizenship Ceremony?
Step 1 – Invitation
Once you have applied for a certificate of naturalisation, you will be invited to attend your citizenship ceremony by post or email. The details of where you must be present and at what time will be included alongside information on how to register when you arrive.
Step 2 – Register
Upon your arrival at the ceremony venue, you should go straight to the registration department desk and check-in. You will need to take a form of identity with you such as your passport or driving licence. Once you have registered you will be provided with:
- A copy of the constitution of Ireland.
- An Irish emblem.
- A ceremony booklet – (this will provide you with information such as how to apply for an Irish passport, how to register to vote, the words of the Irish national anthem and information about what circumstances could cause your Irish citizenship to be revoked).
Step 3 – The Oath of Fidelity to the Nation
During the ceremony, you will be required to take an oath of fidelity to the nation. The oath of fidelity is a declaration (sworn by you) to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of Ireland. You will be given the words on the day of your ceremony so you won’t need to memorise them, but for reference purposes, they are as follows:
“I (name) having applied to the Minister for Justice for a certificate of naturalisation, hereby solemnly declare my fidelity to the Irish nation and my loyalty to the state. I undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.”
It is important to note that you will not be considered an Irish citizen by law until you make your declaration.
Step 4 – Certificate of Naturalisation
Once you have made your declaration you will be issued your certificate of naturalisation within the following few weeks by post. Once received, you must keep this document safe as it proves your Irish citizenship and cannot be replaced. It is important to note that you should not make unauthorised changes to your certificate in any way (including lamination) as this will cause the document to become invalid. An invalid document will not be accepted when you apply for an Irish passport.
Minor/Child Applicants for Citizenship
Naturalised Irish citizens are able to apply for Irish citizenship for their minor children. The minor child must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for naturalisation. They must:
-
- Be under 18 years of age
-
- Not be married
-
- Meet all the relevant conditions for residence
-
- Have at least one naturalised parent
Note that if the child was born on the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005, their entitlement to Irish citizenship depends on the following:
-
- Their parent’s residency history in Ireland
-
- The child’s residency history in Ireland; the child must have lived continuously in Ireland for one year before applying, and in the 8 years before that, they must have lived in Ireland for a total of two years to be eligible.
Naturalisation cases for minor children are ultimately granted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Minister for Justice.
Certificate of Naturalisation
The Certificate of Naturalisation is the document that shows proof of your having naturalised as an Irish citizen. It contains key information such as your name, date of birth and date of naturalisation.
You should always keep your certificate in a safe place and away form harm’s way as it cannot be replaced.
You should also avoid making any modifications to it, damaging it or laminating it. Doing any of these things b the certificate may invalidate it.
Where and When is the Irish Citizenship Ceremony Held?
Most citizenship ceremonies take place in Killarney at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD). Candidates must travel to the location in order to attend their ceremony. Situated in a convenient city centre location, the venue is minutes away from Dublin airport and is also accessible by road or rail and can even be accessed by sea.
Irish citizenship ceremonies take place on a regular basis and are held throughout the year, however, there are no specific months when the ceremony must take place. Candidates will receive their invitation in good time to give them the opportunity to make arrangements and prepare for the ceremony.
Number of New Citizens Attending Irish Citizenship Ceremonies
According to the Irish government, Ireland welcomed 11,000 new citizens in 2022. Invitations will be sent out to successful Irish citizenship applicants in due course.
What Are The Benefits Of Becoming an Irish Citizen?
If you are a foreign national living in Ireland and intend to stay indefinitely, there are some advantages to applying for Irish citizenship. For example, if granted, your certificate of naturalisation gives you the right to:
- Live and work in Ireland for an indefinite period of time without restriction.
- Vote in Irish elections.
- Apply for an Irish passport.
- Use national services in Ireland such as the public healthcare system.
Upcoming Citizenship Ceremonies
Upcoming dates for citizenship ceremonies are not typically released by the ISD far in advance. You will be told after you successfully apply for citizenship when your ceremony date will be, and the venue.
You will not typically be able to choose what date your ceremony is, or where the venue is, although ceremonies typically take place in Kerry and Dublin.
Ceremonies generally take place a few times a year in selected months often in June, September and December.
How Can IAS Help?
As experienced immigration lawyers, IAS can provide you with impartial advice and practical support regarding your citizenship ceremony. We can advise you on what documents you will need to take with you to your appointment, help you manage your entire Irish citizenship application and help you gain the certificate that proves you are a naturalised Irish citizen.
We can answer all of your questions about citizenship ceremonies easily and accurately and advise you on what to do should your Irish citizenship be refused. To access guidance or one-to-one support call IAS today at +353 061 518 025 or contact us online.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on January 10th, 2025 at 8:16 am
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Document Check Package
Document checking service that ensures your documents are sufficient to prove your eligibility.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration experts will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Department of Justice & Equality on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our team and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Document Check Package
Our Document Checking Package is a service for those who need to submit their application but choose to do so on their own but want help with ensuring their documents are in line with the requirements for the visa. Our immigration consultants will check your documents in this case.
Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
You should expect to be at the ceremony venue for approximately 2 hours.
Whilst there is no official dress code for the ceremonies, they are classed as formal events and therefore candidates are encouraged to dress smartly.