People seeking Irish citizenship would have to be resident in the country for eight years, an increase on the current five, as well as undertake language testing and be required to be economically self-sufficient under a proposed overhaul of Ireland’s naturalisation system expected to go to Cabinet this week. Ministers for justice would also have the power to revoke naturalised Irish citizenship specifically on national-security grounds under the plans. The proposed reforms – to be brought to Cabinet by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan – are aimed at considerably tightening up the rules for naturalisation of people seeking Irish citizenship.The Fianna Fáil Minister is separately set to make a presentation on Ireland’s “firmer migration” policy at his party’s pre-Dáil-return think-in meeting on Monday.At the gathering of TDs and Senators in Tullamore he is expected to detail a 39 per cent reduction in international protection applications since the European Union’s migration pact came into effect in Ireland in June.Separately on Wednesday, O’Callaghan is expected to seek Government approval for the priority drafting of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026; the publication of a draft outline of the legislation; and its referral to the Oireachtas justice committee for pre-legislative scrutiny.[ Ireland set to join EU-Nigeria ‘migrant returns’ pactOpens in new window ]Proposed amendments to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 include increased qualifying periods of reckonable residence for people seeking citizenship.This was previously increased from three to five years in late 2025 and under the current proposals would be further increased to eight years.There would also be English- or Irish-language testing as part of citizenship applications to ensure people can integrate and communicate effectively in civic and daily life.[ Should new citizens have to pass a language test? Peadar Tóibín vs Neil BrutonOpens in new window ]Citizenship applicants would also be required to be self-sufficient and, for example, not be in receipt of particular social protection payments for a defined period leading up to the date of application.Addressing proposed changes in the process on Monday, O’Callaghan said his intention was to “restrain … the growth” in the numbers of people being granted citizenship here.“I do need to take into account the very significant increase in the numbers of people who have applied for citizenship,” he said in Tullamore.“For example last year, there were 25,000 people who granted citizenship. It’s a wonderful occasion. I’ve been to the ceremonies, they’re very emotional, they’re great occasions. But I do also need to reflect on what the rules are in other countries, because it’s only going to go in one direction. I want to see more citizens but I’m trying to restrain the level of growth in that number.”He confirmed that time spent in Ireland by Ukrainian refugees would not qualify as part of the required eight years.O’Callaghan said that the proposals on citizenship was a result of “work going on in the Department of Justice” and discussions between Ministers over a period of months.Asked if the requirement for a language test was a result of concerns that new Irish citizens were not able to speak English, he said: “No, but there was a discussion about how do they do it in other European countries? We don’t want to find ourselves in a situation where we’re out of synch with other member states of the European Union.“And in terms of not having a language test we are out synch with other members of the European Union. And what’s proposed is that there will be a relatively simple language test, so you’re able to reveal proficiency in Irish, or more probably, in English. That’s reasonable in terms of the state deciding to confer citizenship, which is a privilege, on an individual which for the purposes of integration should be able to speak the language spoken on the island.”He stressed that proficiency in either Irish or English – or Irish sign language – would be required.There are also proposed changes to the naturalisation process for the spouses of Irish citizens including increasing the period of time a foreign-national spouse or civil partner should be residing in the State before being eligible to apply for citizenship.Further amendments would introduce a distinct ground for the Minister to revoke citizenship on national-security grounds and to provide a streamlined process to fast-track the system of revocations amid concerns over changes in the EU and international security landscape.It is understood that the background of the proposals is the importance of having a robust, rules-based system in place for migration and asylum, to ensure social cohesion and mitigate any negative economic impacts.The proposed changes are also said to be set to bring Ireland’s naturalisation practice more in line with similar processes across the EU.