The number of foreign nationals granted Irish citizenship in 2024 increased by 32% to over 24,000 — the highest annual total in the past decade. Other countries whose natives acquired Irish citizenship in large numbers in 2024 were the Philippines, Poland, China, Pakistan, and South Africa. The figures show that 19% of new Irish citizens in 2024 — almost 4,500 individuals — came from other EU countries, mostly Romania, Poland, and Latvia. Per capita rankingThe latest figures show Ireland granted the fifth-highest level of citizenships on a per capita basis in 2024, with 4.5 new citizenships awarded per 1,000 population. "There will be welfare payments that will not, and should not, affect a person’s ability to apply and be granted citizenship,” he added.

Source: Irish Examiner March 29, 2026 14:41 UTC