Being an Irish citizen bestows on one a great number of advantages, such as the complete freedom of living, working, and traveling in the EU. For those non-EEA denizens living abroad, and married to Irish nationals, the procedure of acquiring Irish citizenship by marriage is a real opportunity. This article describes a very important and complex procedure: getting Irish citizenship by marriage, beginning with a step-by-step breakdown of eligibility standards, up to the paperwork required for applying.
What is Irish Citizenship Through Marriage?
Often, Irish citizenship by marriage is the only path for overseas non-EU citizens to obtain Irish citizenship. Because it’s the only available course of action, the courts have determined that earning Irish citizenship by marriage is a privilege requiring completion of specific requirements to claim this status.
Who is Eligible for Irish Citizenship Through Marriage?
To be eligible for Irish citizenship through marriage, individuals must meet certain criteria:
Age
Candidates for Irish citizenship by marriage need to be over the age of 18.
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Marriage and Civil Partnership are two distinct forms of institutionalizing an interlocking relationship between people to set up a stable cohabitation on both physical and emotional levels on a long-term basis.
The candidate must be married to, or be in a civil partnership with, an Irish citizen. The union must be recognized by Irish legal law.
Reckonable Residence
Candidates should have a least three years of acceptable settlement in Ireland. Reasonable residency is the term for the period of life in Ireland with the main aim of getting the right to apply for citizenship through naturalization.
Cohabitation
The applicants should be permanently living with their Irish spouses. This cohabitation, thus, proves proof of a real marriage or a civil partnership.
Good Character
Applicants need to show good character, among other things like being clean before the law and adhering to immigration laws.
Intent to Reside
The destination of the applicant must be Ireland and he/she has to promise that he/she will be living in the country after the EIV.
The Application Process
The procedure for obtaining Irish citizenship through marriage is much the same as that for citizenship through naturalization. Here are the key steps:
Form Submission
Candidates have to submit Form 8, the immigration form for obtaining Irish citizenship. The Irish minister for justice and equality is in charge of the evaluation of this form.
Eligibility Verification
Candidates should first demonstrate that they are not visa-required nationals before they can apply. This can be the provision of extra evidence based on the country of origin.
Document Submission
Applicants should submit various documents to support their claim, including Applicants should submit various documents to support their claim, including:
- The official document containing the original passport and birth certificate is necessary.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate is the official document that is used to prove that two people are legally bound to each other.
- The birth certificate of the Irish partner is what enhances the idea.
- Proof of cohabitation
- Proof of good character, including a clean criminal record, is presented as evidence of good character.
- The announcement of intention to permanently stay in Ireland.
Assessment
The authorities of Ireland will review the application, i.e., the eligibility criteria and the provided documents.
Waiting Period
The candidates will get the results of their application after 6 months of waiting, with the total time required ranging from 12 to 18 months, depending on different factors.
Decision
The decision on whether to give Irish citizenship is individualized and the applicants will be notified about the result.
Reckonable Residence
Really good living conditions have a great impact on the application process. The candidates are to have been living in Ireland for at least three years, one of which should be a continuous stay in Ireland in the year preceding the application for Irish citizenship.
Can I Get an Irish Passport Through Marriage?
Indeed, those who have obtained Irish citizenship through marriage can be eligible for an Irish passport. Through the Irish passport, a lot of travel benefits are given to the persons who use it like free travel, working and studying in the European Union. Besides, it allows the holder to travel for free to several countries globally, thus, it is a really useful document for international travel.
Irish citizenship through marriage is a valuable opportunity for non-EEA overseas nationals married to Irish citizens. While the process involves specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, it can lead to the acquisition of Irish citizenship and the associated benefits. Whether you aspire to become an Irish citizen for personal, professional, or cultural reasons, this pathway offers a promising journey toward realizing that goal.