Naturalisation - What is it & how to apply?

"The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he (she) shall be able and willing to pull his (hers) own weight." - Theodore Roosevelt, 26th Prez. of the United States.

Making an application for an Irish citizenship is actually quite a simple process, however, you must never submit a fraudulent document, else it may be revoked in the future at the discretion of the Minister for Justice and Equality. Naturalisation is a process under which long-term residents i.e. Stamp 1, Stamp 4 and even 3 can apply for a citizenship after they have spent 5 years in the state out of the 8 years residence and your last year prior to the application must be of continuous residence, basically not leave the state for 365 days (literally, even add one for 29 days in Feb) before applying.

What do I need to make the application?

Well first, you need to print the updated version of the naturalisation form a.k.a. Form 8 for adults and Form 9 for minors, please keep in mind that these forms change regularly thus please fill and submit the recent forms available on the INIS website here.

Right so, step 1: Read the form thoroughly, make sure to highlight the documents which need to attested by a Peace Commissioner, yeah lol that would be me :P please feel free to connect with me if you ever wish to avail my services, PC duties are free of cost. Usually, as a Peace Commissioner for such applications, I attest Passport Copies, Birth Certs, Sign & Date behind photos and witness Statutory Declarations. (Marriage Cert. if the application is based on Irish/EU spouse)

Step 2: Make a list of documents that need to be attached. This too changes regularly, thus it is advisable that you please read the form and know what they are asking for.

Step 3: Fill the form as per instructions stated on the first few pages. Some key points to keep in mind,

- Documents you can use as proof of address:

You can use household bills such as Electricity, Gas, Water, Fixed line telephone, Fixed line internet ,Fixed line TV or Documents from the Revenue Commissioners (tax authorities), eg P60, P21, Bank statements showing daily transactions, eg debit-card transactions in a supermarket, Documents from Department of Social Protection, eg confirming receipt of payments, Employment letters or payslips, Mortgage agreement, Tenancy/rental agreement, Letter from the Private Residential Tenancies Board, Doctor's letter showing date of registration and dates of attendance.

For a dependent young adult (aged 18-23): A letter from your school or college showing your date of registration and attendance

- Yes, you are required to submit the original of your current passport and any previous passports valid during periods of residence in the State, together with a photocopy of the biometric page of each passport, but don't worry they usually return it within 4 weeks.

- All documents must be translated into English or Irish, preferably English else you wont understand what the content is, lol. Submit your original certified document alongside translated version.

Step 4: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Naturalisation_Residency_Calculator You must use the above given link to calculate your actual residence in the state, residency days are counted from your GNIB/IRP date of issue to date of expiry, anything in between is not counted as per the residency calculator. Remember your last year must of continuous residence and you must add 1 day for any period which includes 29 February, though this law makes no sense to me.

Step 5: Ready for submission? Form filled? Check mark? All documents certified and attached? Good! €175, yup this is your statutory application fee which must be paid via a Banker’s Draft only, made payable to the Secretary General, Department of Justice and Equality. Postal orders, personal or business cheques are not acceptable. This fee is non‐refundable and is required for each application for a certificate of naturalisation.

You will know within a week whether your application has been accepted or not or if they need any further documents, if accepted then

WAITING....... MORE THAN 6 MONTHS (CALL INIS: Can I get an updated please? No attention given, sad, waiting...... A YEAR LATER!

Congratulations!

A day of citizenship ceremonies is held periodically throughout the year. Several ceremonies are often conducted at each event. Successful applicants will receive an invitation to the ceremony by post about 4 or 5 weeks before it is scheduled to occur. You are allowed to take 1 guest with you, minors (children) do not have to attend a citizenship ceremony, they will receive their Certificate of Naturalisation by post.

At the ceremony you will receive your Certificate of Naturalisation and make a declaration of fidelity and loyalty. You do not become an Irish citizen until you have made your declaration.

The citizenship ceremony itself will be presided over by a judge and is usually attended by a government minister. Press reporters or photographers may also be present and may last a couple of hours.

Declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State. <3

"I Shashank Chakerwarti having applied to the Minister for Justice and Equality for a certificate of naturalisation, hereby solemnly declare my fidelity to the Irish nation and my loyalty to the State.

I undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values."