This represents a significant increase from 20,000 decisions in 2023 and nearly double the number in 2022.

The Citizenship Division has also held 24 citizenship ceremonies this year, compared to 15 in 2023 and six in 2022. This Monday and Tuesday, more than 6,000 individuals will be granted citizenship across seven ceremonies at the INEC Killarney in County Kerry.

The ceremonies will welcome new citizens from 140 countries who reside across all 32 counties of Ireland. Since their introduction in 2011, citizenship ceremonies have been a formal and dignified way to mark the granting of Irish citizenship. To date, 197 ceremonies have conferred citizenship on people from over 180 countries, with more than 191,000 individuals receiving Irish citizenship since 2011. This figure includes minors and those granted citizenship through a declaration process introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, extended her congratulations to the new citizens, saying, “I encourage our new citizens to continue contributing to inclusive communities. By building cultural connections, we enrich Ireland’s social fabric. Our new citizens are vital to economic growth and addressing labor shortages in key sectors like construction, agriculture, and healthcare. They make our workforce more diverse and inclusive.”

Presiding over the ceremonies are retired Justice Paddy McMahon and retired President of the High Court Mary Irvine. They will administer the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State, as well as confer Irish citizenship on the attendees.

The Department of Justice highlighted recent advancements to streamline the citizenship application process, including online applications, digital payments, and eVetting. These changes aim to ensure that most residency-based applications receive a decision within 12 months, though processing times may vary depending on individual cases.

Applicants must demonstrate five years of reckonable residence in Ireland before applying. Additional details about the application process are available online.