Dual nationality in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Ireland does not require applicants for naturalisation to give up another citizenship, and an Irish citizen who acquires another nationality keeps Irish citizenship. Citizenship ends by a declaration of alienage lodged by an adult citizen living abroad. A certificate of naturalisation can be revoked on specified grounds, including a voluntary acquisition of another citizenship.

RuleWhat applies
Naturalisation: giving up the previous nationalityNationality rulesNot required [1]
Naturalisation: exceptions to giving up the previous nationalityNationality rulesNone needed: Irish law does not require an applicant for naturalisation to give up another citizenship. [1]
Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationalityNationality rulesNo loss of nationality [1]
Loss of nationality on acquiring a foreign nationality: detailsNationality rulesAn Irish citizen who acquires another nationality keeps Irish citizenship. Irish citizenship ends by renunciation: an adult citizen who is or is about to become a citizen of another country may lodge a declaration of alienage with the Minister, if ordinarily resident outside the State (section 21). Some other countries require renunciation of Irish citizenship as a condition of their own nationality. [2]

Notes

  • The Minister may revoke a certificate of naturalisation on the grounds listed in section 19(1), including that the holder has by a voluntary act, other than marriage or civil partnership, acquired another citizenship (section 19(1)(e)). This is a discretionary power with notice and appeal steps, not an automatic loss, and it applies to naturalised citizens only.

Sources

  1. Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: Dual Citizenship (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts), Office of the Attorney General: Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (revised, updated to 12 June 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.