Irish citizens in the UK
Irish citizens have a special position under the Common Travel Area. They can live, work and study in the UK without a visa or permission, and are not subject to immigration control. Their rights do not depend on a visa or a share code.
A simpler route since July 2025
Since 22 July 2025 an Irish citizen who has lived in the UK for five years can register as a British citizen under section 4AA of the British Nationality Act 1981, rather than naturalise. It is a lighter application: there is no English language requirement, no Life in the UK test, and the fee is about half. It is open to adults and to children.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee, adult | £723 (naturalisation is £1,709) |
| Fee, child under 18 | £607 |
| Tests | No English language or Life in the UK test |
| Residence | Five years |
| Ceremony fee, adults | £130 |
The requirements
- You are an Irish citizen, and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for five years.
- You have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in those five years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
- You have not breached the immigration laws in that period.
- You are of good character: see good character.
The application is made online, on Form B(OTA). The fee is waived for a child looked after by a local authority, or where a family can credibly show that they cannot afford it.
Why become British
An Irish citizen may choose British citizenship to hold a British passport, to vote in every UK election, for professional or family reasons, or to give their position and their children’s more security.
Married to a British citizen
An Irish citizen married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen can use the naturalisation route after three years of living in the UK. See citizenship through marriage and naturalisation.
Evidence of residence
There is no visa to date the start of your residence, so evidence of your time in the UK carries the application. The usual evidence is tax records, payslips, bank statements, tenancy agreements, council tax bills and medical records. Every year needs something, and gaps and long absences need an explanation. We help you choose the evidence that proves each year, and count the absences.
Born in Northern Ireland
A person born in Northern Ireland who is entitled to be both British and Irish may hold either or both. If you were born there, you may already be British and not need to register.
Keeping Irish citizenship
Becoming British does not mean giving up Irish citizenship. Both countries allow dual nationality, so you can hold two passports.
Children
A child born in the UK to an Irish citizen who is living here is British from birth, because the parent is treated as settled. A child born abroad may be British by descent, or entitled to register. See born in the UK: are you a British citizen?
How we help
We check your residence and absences, assemble the evidence, advise on good character, and prepare the application. A consultation costs from £99.
