Ireland’s EU Citizenship Emerges as Top Choice for Third-Country Nationals

Portrait of Lydia Amazouz, a young woman with dark hair tied back, wearing glasses and a striped blue and white shirt, against a solid coral background.
By Lydia Amazouz Published on 16 February 2024 18:14
Ireland Passeport
Ireland’s EU Citizenship Emerges as Top Choice for Third-Country Nationals - © en.econostrum.info

In a revealing glimpse into the aspirations of third-country nationals seeking EU citizenship, a significant majority has expressed a distinct preference for Ireland's passport. Among the myriad choices available within the European Union, a notable consensus among respondents highlights Ireland as the coveted citizenship of choice.

Irish Citizenship: A Prime Choice Among Aspiring EU Citizens

In a recent Reddit discussion on preferred EU citizenships, one respondent stood out, proclaiming their desire for Irish citizenship. This sentiment resonated strongly among a significant number of other respondents, solidifying Ireland's position as a top pick in the eyes of those contemplating EU citizenship, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.com. 

Advantages of Irish Citizenship and Possessing an Irish Passport

Embracing Irish citizenship not only signifies a legal status but opens the door to a myriad of advantages that extend beyond national borders. Here are some compelling benefits associated with holding an Irish passport:

Fundamental Rights Entitlement

As an Irish citizen, you are endowed with a range of fundamental rights safeguarded by the country's constitution. These rights encompass crucial aspects such as the right to life, property, privacy, equality before the law, family, religious freedom, and freedom of expression. This constitutional framework serves to protect not only you but also your family, ensuring a foundation of freedom and security.

Exploration Across EU/EEA Member States

Being a member of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), Ireland grants its citizens unparalleled advantages in terms of living, working, studying, and travelling throughout all member states. The coveted EU freedom of movement becomes a reality, empowering Irish passport holders with visa-free access to diverse destinations. This opens doors to overseas job opportunities, facilitates free travel within the EU/EEA borders, and simplifies immigration processes across multiple destinations.

In essence, an Irish passport is not just a travel document; it is a key that unlocks a world of possibilities, offering a rich tapestry of rights and opportunities that resonate both within and beyond Ireland's borders.

Benefits of Dual/Multiple Citizenship in Ireland

Ireland stands out as a beacon of inclusivity, allowing its citizens the unique privilege of holding two or more citizenships simultaneously. The flexibility inherent in this policy means you need not relinquish any existing citizenships to attain Irish nationality. This affords you the remarkable advantage of navigating the world with multiple passports, retaining the cultural ties and privileges associated with various countries.

Extending Irish Citizenship to Your Children

In the realm of Irish citizenship, the generational legacy unfolds seamlessly. Should you be an Irish citizen at the time of your child's birth, they automatically inherit Irish citizenship. This extends to situations where only one parent holds Irish citizenship or in cases where both parent and child are born outside Ireland, with citizenship being acquired through necessary processes. This provision not only reinforces familial connections but also provides a pathway for future generations to partake in the rich tapestry of Irish identity.

Irish Passport Issuance Surpasses UK in Northern Ireland in recent years

Irish passport issuance has achieved a historic milestone in Northern Ireland, surpassing its UK counterparts for the first time on record, as disclosed by recently obtained figures dating back to 2020. According to Her Majesty's Passport Office in London, 48,555 citizens in Northern Ireland applied for UK passports during that year. Notably, this figure falls at least 356 short of the 48,911 individuals who opted for an Irish passport during the same period.

This significant shift in preference underscores the changing dynamics of citizenship choices in the region. It's worth noting that the provided information, released in 2022, sheds light on a noteworthy trend in passport applications.

Official statistics concerning Irish passports in Northern Ireland exclusively pertain to those issued through the Northern Ireland Passport Express (NIPX) service, accessible through post offices. These figures do not encompass citizens who directly apply for passports through Dublin, providing a specific focus on a subset of the overall data.

6 comments on «Ireland’s EU Citizenship Emerges as Top Choice for Third-Country Nationals»

  • Lesley Bowden and

    I’ve been married to an Irish man for 49 years our kids can get Irish passports why can’t I

    Reply
  • Des Groarke

    As the spouse of an Irish citizen, in order to qualify for an Irish passport, you will need to live in Ireland for a period of 3 years.

    Reply
  • Anthony

    I got dual nationality British and Irish via my late grandmother . The whole process took 15 months .

    Reply
  • Harris Martin

    How long you have to live in Ireland to get PR and passport?

    Reply
  • Taher husean Mahmood

    Hi I want to live Ireland

    Reply
  • Dominic Murphy

    My Ancestry is deep rooted in Eire,GGF GF,mother,my mother had her Christian name changed by nuns abd as a consequence her birth certificate bears her given name dies not match the name on her marriage or my birth certificate,so why can’t I get an Irish passport through my GF birthright?

    Reply
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