How do I apply for an Irish passport after becoming a citizen?

Once you have received your certificate of naturalisation at a citizenship ceremony, you are an Irish citizen and may immediately apply for an Irish passport. The passport application is handled by the Passport Office, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

First-time adult passport applications can be submitted through Passport Online, the recommended method, or by post using the paper application form. The online application requires a digital photograph taken through the system, your certificate of naturalisation number, personal details, and payment of the application fee (currently EUR 80 for a standard 10-year adult passport or EUR 30 for a large passport with extra pages).

For an online application, you will need to provide the details of a witness who can verify your identity. The witness must be a member of An Garda Siochana, a practising solicitor, a notary public, a commissioner for oaths, a medical doctor, or another approved person who has known you for at least two years.

Processing times for first-time passport applications through Passport Online are typically 10 to 15 working days, though they can be longer during busy periods. Paper applications take significantly longer, often 8 weeks or more. You should keep your certificate of naturalisation in a safe place, as it is a unique document that cannot be easily replaced and may be needed for future official purposes.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a registered immigration solicitor for advice specific to your situation.