British Citizenship Registration for Irish Citizens

On 9 July 2025, the Home Office published guidance on considering applications for registration under section 4AA of the British Nationality Act 1981. The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 introduced section 4AA into the 1981 Act. This provision is aimed at Irish citizens who have been resident in the UK for five years and wish to become British citizens.

The guidance can be found using the following link:

Irish citizens registration route caseworker 

This guidance assists caseworkers in assessing applications from Irish citizens seeking to register as British citizens.

Applicants must comply with the requirements set out in the 1981 Act. The caseworker must ensure that applicants meet the following criteria:

1. Residence at the beginning of the five-year period
2. Absences
3. They were not in the UK in breach of immigration laws at any time in that five-year period
4. Good character requirement

There may be “special circumstances” in which an applicant does not fully meet these requirements, and the Secretary of State may exercise discretion. Further examples of how discretion may be applied are illustrated in the guidance.

There are clear distinctions in favour of Irish citizens. These are as follows:

1. No requirement to sit the Life in the UK test
2. Reduced Home Office application fee (£723 for adults and £607 for children.

Drummond Miller LLP specialises in nationality law and has extensive experience in handling complex cases. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance.