Irish citizens who have been resident in the UK for five years can now apply to register for British citizenship under a new simplified route. From 22 July 2025, the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 introduced Section 4AA into the British Nationality Act 1981, creating a streamlined process for eligible Irish applicants. This post provides an overview of the new route, its eligibility requirements and the application process.
What makes this new route simpler?
Historically, Irish citizens have benefited from the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements, which allow them to live and work in the UK without visas or immigration status. However, obtaining British citizenship still required following the standard naturalisation process, which involved additional requirements such as acquiring settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), passing the Life in the UK Test, and meeting English language requirements.
The new route removes these barriers. Irish citizens applying under Section 4AA will no longer require Indefinite Leave before applying. They are exempt from the English language requirement and the Life in the UK Test, and the application fees are significantly reduced compared to the standard naturalisation process.
What are the requirements for Irish nationals to apply for British Citizenship?
To qualify for British citizenship under Section 4AA of the British Nationality Act 1981 , an applicant must:
- Be an Irish citizen
- Reside in the UK
- Have been present in the UK at the beginning of the five years preceding the application
- Not have been absent for more than 450 days in the five-year qualifying period
- Not have been absent for more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying
- Not have been in breach of immigration laws at any time in that five-year period
- Be of good character, meaning no serious criminal convictions or immigration breaches
These requirements apply to both adults and children.
How much does it cost, and what is the timeline?
The Home Office fee is £853 for adults, which includes an additional £130 to cover the citizenship ceremony fee.
For children, the application fee is £607. An additional £130 per applicant is required to cover the ceremony fee should the child turn 18 during the application process.
While still a significant cost, this is far lower than the £1,735 fee for naturalisation.
Applications typically take three to six months to process, though timelines can vary depending on case complexity.
How to apply for British citizenship as an Irish citizen
Applying for British citizenship as an Irish citizen remains a formal legal procedure that requires careful preparation.
Applications are submitted online using Form B(OTA). In limited cases, applicants in certain territories may submit Form BOTA offline. Applicants will need to provide detailed information on their residency, absences from the UK, personal history, and any criminal convictions or legal matters. Documentary evidence may include a valid Irish passport, evidence of UK residence for the past five years (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements, employment letters, NHS records) and records of absences from the UK. The specific documents required will depend on individual circumstances.
After submitting the application and paying the fee, applicants must book and attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre. This involves having fingerprints and a facial photograph taken as part of the identity verification process. Following this, the Home Office will assess the application, with most decisions issued within three to six months.
If the application is approved, the final step is to attend a citizenship ceremony. At this event, the applicant will take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Crown and will be presented with their Certificate of British Citizenship, formally completing the process of registration.
Why is this change significant?
This legislative reform reflects the UK’s recognition of the deep historical, cultural, and political ties between the UK and Ireland under the Common Travel Area framework. Irish citizens already enjoy extensive rights in the UK, including the right to live, work, study, and access public services without immigration restrictions.
By removing the need for ILR, exempting applicants from language and knowledge tests, and introducing a reduced fee, the new Section 4AA route aligns citizenship acquisition more closely with the unique legal status Irish citizens hold in the UK. It represents a practical and inclusive update to nationality law, making citizenship more accessible while maintaining essential safeguards such as the good character requirement.
How can Whytecroft Ford help?
Our experienced immigration team can assist you through the process of acquiring British Citizenship, from confirming eligibility and preparing accurate supporting evidence to submitting the online application and arranging your biometric appointment. With our expertise, you can move through the process confidently.
To discuss your circumstances, call us on 0208 757 5751 or contact us through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
A longstanding arrangement between the UK, Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies, allowing free movement and reciprocal rights for citizens.
Yes. Both the UK and Ireland permit dual nationality.
No. Irish citizens are exempt under the new route.
From 22 July 2025.
