New Route to British Citizenship for Irish Citizens: Key Changes and Fees

In an effort to simplify the path to British citizenship for Irish nationals, the UK government has introduced amendments to the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018. These changes, coming into force on July 22, 2025, provide a unique application route for Irish citizens, recognising the special relationship between the UK and Ireland. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

1. New Application Route for Irish Citizens

The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 introduces a new section 4AA to the British Nationality Act 1981. This section offers a distinct pathway for Irish citizens residing in the UK for at least five years to apply for British citizenship. This route is tailored to the unique status of Irish nationals, exempting them from certain requirements like the knowledge of language and life in the UK, due to their pre-existing rights under the Common Travel Area arrangements.

2. Adjusted Fees for Citizenship Applications

The new application fees have been set significantly lower than those for existing citizenship routes:

• Adults (18 and over): £723
• Children (under 18): £607, with the possibility of a fee waiver if the cost is unaffordable.

These fees reflect a 50% reduction compared to similar routes for other nationalities, aligning with the broader rationale of recognising Irish citizens' unique position.

3. Waivers and Exceptions

Children in local authority care applying under this new route will benefit from the same fee exemptions available to other child applicants. This ensures consistency and fairness across different application routes.

4. Impact and Future Monitoring

The introduction of this new route is expected to have a minimal impact on businesses, charities, and voluntary bodies. It primarily affects the Home Office's revenue, with an estimated reduction of £330,000 per year due to lower application fees. However, this could be offset if the number of Irish citizens applying increases.

5. Ongoing Evaluation

The Home Office will continuously monitor the impact of these changes, assessing application volumes and revenue against historical trends to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the new route.

These amendments underscore the UK's commitment to maintaining and strengthening its relationship with Irish citizens, simplifying their path to obtaining British citizenship while acknowledging their unique status within the UK. Keep an eye on GOV.UK for updates to the fee tables and further guidance as the changes take effect.