London, 18 July 2025 — From 22 July, Irish citizens residing in the United Kingdom will be able to apply for British citizenship through a new, simpler, and more affordable route, as part of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024.
Under the new legislation, eligible Irish nationals will benefit from a streamlined application process that removes two key requirements faced by other nationalities: demonstrating knowledge of the English language and passing the Life in the UK test.
The Home Office has also announced that the registration fee under this new route will be 50% lower than the standard citizenship fee for other applicants. In addition, applications for children in the care of local authorities will be processed free of charge, along with those for applicants who can credibly prove they cannot afford the fee.
The changes reflect the UK government’s commitment to recognising the unique historical and cultural ties between the UK and Ireland, ensuring that Irish citizens can more easily secure their status in Britain if they choose to do so.
Further details about the new citizenship route and how to apply can be found on the Home Office website.
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