Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said new rules for people seeking Irish citizenship – which will involve the undertaking of a language test – will help bring Ireland in line with other European countries.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is to bring forward plans to the Cabinet this week for an overhaul of Ireland’s naturalisation system.

This will include a stipulation that people seeking Irish citizenship would have to be resident in the country for eight years, an increase on the current five.

Aspirant citizens will also have to undertake a language test and prove that they are economically self-sufficient.

Speaking at Fianna Fáil’s think-in in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Mr Martin confirmed the Government is to discuss the proposals as it tries to strike “a balance” on granting Irish citizenship.

“On the citizenship proposals, this is bringing us more in line with other European Union member states,” the Taoiseach said.

“In terms of first of all ensuring that the residency would go from five to eight years, also in terms of language, English language and some very basic Irish language familiarisation would be aspects of that, and an understanding of Ireland, obviously, and the values in our country, and also ensuring that with citizenship comes the capacity to contribute to society.”

Watch: Citizenship proposals will bring Ireland in line with other EU states – Taoiseach

The Fianna Fáil leader added that there needs to be a “balance between independence, self-reliance, as opposed to total dependency”, adding how the Cabinet will discuss the proposals “and take them forward”.

Mr Martin said the Coalition has made a “significant change” on migration with the implementation of the EU migration pact.

“I think this Government has made a significant and decisive change.

“We have a firmer and more robust migration system now, and numbers of those seeking asylum is reducing, and has reduced over the last 12 months.

“And also, in terms of returns, all of that is happening more efficiently and effectively,” he added.

“The European Union Asylum Pact is working, and we’ve been well prepared, and the Minister for Justice is well prepared in terms of having the capacity to implement the pact. And the costs of accommodation in respect of asylum are also coming down very significantly.”

Biggest citizenship reform for ‘a generation’

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said the new citizenship application rules were “the biggest reform of Ireland’s citizenship rules in a generation”.

Along with the skill to demonstrate ability in both the Irish language and English, applicants will also be required to have a knowledge of Irish civics.

A key provision of applying for citizenship will be proving self-sufficiency, so as not to be “a burden on the State”, the minister said.

This would include a requirement not to be in receipt of particular social protection payments for a defined period leading up to the date of application.

Minister O’Callaghan said further amendments will introduce a distinct ground for the minister to revoke citizenship on public order and national security grounds and to provide a streamlined process to fast track the system of revocations.

The new law will also clearly state that if an applicant contravenes immigration law, they could be barred from receiving citizenship.

The minister said this is to discourage the abuse of the immigration and naturalisation process.

Non-Irish spouses or partners will also have to be residing in the State longer before being able to apply for citizenship.

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 will be brought before the Cabinet on Wednesday.