Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship (Form
5)

Irish citizenship by naturalisation comes with a condition that many people don't know about. A naturalised Irish citizen who is ordinarily resident outside Ireland must register a declaration each year of their intention to keep their Irish citizenship. If they live outside Ireland for a continuous period of 7 years without making these annual declarations, the Minister for Justice can revoke their certificate of naturalisation. The declaration is made on Form 5, the Declaration of Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship, and it's registered with an Irish embassy or consular office, or with the Minister. Only the most recently published version of the form is accepted. The requirement applies only to citizens by naturalisation: people who are Irish by birth or descent don't need to make it. ISD doesn't list a fee. Naturalised citizens who move abroad for work, study or family should start making the declarations as soon as they leave, rather than waiting until they've been away for years, and anyone who has missed declarations should take advice promptly. Returning to live in Ireland changes the position.

No. The requirement applies to naturalised citizens living abroad.

After 7 years of ordinary residence abroad without annual declarations, the Minister can revoke your naturalisation certificate.

You register it with an Irish diplomatic mission or consular office, or with the Minister. We'll guide you on the current process.

Contact us straight away. We'll advise you on regularising your position.

Children who became citizens through naturalisation may also be affected. We'll check each family member's situation.

Keeping your citizenship protects your right to an Irish passport. If your naturalisation were revoked, you would lose that right.

Ireland has embassies and consulates in many countries. We'll help you find the nearest one and confirm how it accepts declarations.

The declaration is made annually. We'll remind you each year so it isn't missed.