Taise Azevedo As of 16th October 2023, the process for applying for Irish citizenship has been incorporated into an existing online application portal (ISD Portal). Prior to that, applicants were required to complete a paper application form (Form 8), which had to be signed in the presence of a lawyer. Additionally, the full application including supporting documents … Read more
The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 brought into effect by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, has introduced significant changes to Naturalisation applications in Ireland, starting from 31st July 2023. Below are the main amendments: The previous “six-week rule” has been replaced, and now applicants are allowed to be absent from Ireland for … Read more
The Minister for Justice, Simon Harris TD, has announced the closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) in Ireland to all new projects from 15th February 2023. The IIP was introduced by the Irish Government in 2012 and it was a pathway for non-EEA nationals to secure a residence permission in Ireland based on long-term … Read more
In order to apply for Irish Naturalisation you must have lived in the State for a certain length of time. The specific requirements for an ordinary application (based on your own residency and not based on marriage or associations) are that you: Reckonable residence means residence in Ireland that counts towards becoming eligible to apply … Read more
The Court of Appeal has recently found, by a two-to-one majority, that an immigration officer exceeded his permitted powers by retaining screenshots of messages from a man’s phone following an interview at Dublin Airport. In the case of Akram v. Minister for Justice and Equality & Anor [2022] IECA 108 , Ms. Justice Aileen Donnelly … Read more
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has announced changes to the immigration rules for non-EEA doctors. The new rules establish that doctors who have been working in the State for more than two years will immediately be able to access a Stamp 4 permission and spousal work rights. To apply, they should complete the … Read more
Generally speaking, “Legal Associate Professionals” such as legal executives, paralegals etc. are not eligible for employment permits, as these positions are included in the “Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits” under category 352 of that list. There is an exception for employment of legal associate professionals who are fluent in an official language, apart … Read more
We have recently received many questions about the employment permits system in Ireland. The legislation underpinning this system is complex and nuanced so it can be beneficial to seek legal advice in relation to obtaining an employment permit and certainly in relation to appealing a refusal to grant one. Below are the five most asked … Read more
The Department of Justice have introduced significant changes for applicants regarding the number of proofs required to establish their identity and residency as part of the Naturalisation application process. From January 2022, Naturalisation applications will be moving to a scorecard approach. Applicants will be required to reach a score of 150 points in each of … Read more
