Citizenship by Naturalisation (Spouse or Civil Partner)

For the Applicant (Non-Irish Spouse/Civil Partner)

Identity Documents (must total 150 points):

• Certified colour photocopy of biometric page of current passport (100 points) — From 20 April 2023, most applicants need only provide a certified colour photocopy of the biometric page, not the full passport. The photocopy must be certified by a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner, or notary public. The ISD can still request the full passport; approximately 10% of applicants are asked to submit it.
• Birth certificate (certified true copy) (100 points)
• Other identity documents as per the Citizenship Guidance Document to reach 150 points if needed

Residency Documents (must total 150 points for each year of claimed residence): The scorecard system requires one Type A proof (100 points) and one Type B proof (50 points) for each year:

Type A Proofs (100 points):

• P60 or Employment Detail Summary
• Mortgage agreement or tenancy agreement
• Utility bills (gas, electricity, phone, cable/satellite TV)
• Bank statements showing point-of-sale transactions
• Revenue tax documents
• Social welfare statements

Type B Proofs (50 points):

• Utility bills
• Bank statements
• Employment letters
• Social welfare statements
• Mortgage/rent agreements
• Other supporting documents

For each year of residence, you must provide three different proofs of residence corresponding to up to 3 months prior to the date of application.

Marriage/Civil Partnership Documents:

• Certified true copy of marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• Statutory Declaration completed by the Irish spouse/civil partner in the presence of a legal witness (solicitor, commissioner for oaths, peace commissioner, or notary public)

For the Irish Spouse/Civil Partner (Sponsor)

Spouse's Identity Documents:

• Certified copy of Irish spouse's birth certificate (if born in Ireland)
• OR certified copy of foreign birth register entry
• OR spouse's parent's birth certificate (if parent was born in Ireland)
• OR certified copy of naturalisation certificate
• OR certified copy of Irish passport page with photograph

Spouse's Residency Documents: Copies of three different proofs of residence in the island of Ireland for the spouse for 3 months prior to the date of application showing date, name, and current address. Proofs include mortgage/rent agreement, household bills, bank statements, revenue, social welfare, employment letters, etc.

Translation and Certification Requirements

If all documents are not issued in English, they must be professionally translated and certified before submission. The Association of Translators & Interpreters Ireland has a list of professional translators.

Some documents must be certified as 'true copies' by a solicitor, notary, commissioner for oaths, or peace commissioner. These include:

• Birth certificate
• Spouse's birth certificate
• Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• Passport

Affidavits for Missing Documents

If you are unable to send your birth certificate or marriage certificate, you must use affidavits. An affidavit is only accepted if you can show that you are unable to get a certificate.

• Birth affidavit form — available from the ISD
• Marriage affidavit form — available from the ISD

Apostille Requirements

Documents from outside Ireland typically require apostille certification under the Hague Apostille Convention. This should be verified with the ISD or a solicitor.