Post Brexit, the U.K plans to maintain their close relationship with Ireland. Though Brexit has presented overall uncertainty politically and economically in regard to the UK’s relationship with the EU, the affiliation with Ireland remains iron clad.
In relation to this, the Irish passport will hold a strange and unique position, nevertheless. Ireland is and will continue to be a part of the Common Travel Area which is safeguarded by the UK and the EU. This means British and Irish citizens have the right to travel to Ireland freely and without permission. Citizens will be able to work in the UK and in Ireland. Perks include recognising qualifications, self-employment, health care, education rights, housing and voting.
These benefits are said to impress anyone with plans to own and secure a second passport. The Irish passports unique nature means there is nothing similar offered to other EU citizens, allowing for such free movement. If anything, the UK has made clear that any other free movement of EU citizens in this way is restricted.
In order for a person to gain Irish citizenship, the Department of Justice and Equality in Ireland have stated that persons must have evidence of being a legal resident of Ireland for at least five years out of the past nine. Some may even be entitled due to their Irish descent, parents or grandparents’ citizenship even. In 2018 alone, 822,581 Irish passports were issued, strengthening their popularity. Additionally, for those unable to produce evidence of this, there exists an immigrant investor program that will provide citizenship rights to those who are able to invest in Ireland.
By Idman Omar
Astons is a leading global immigration advisory firm with offices in London, Moscow, Dubai, Cyprus and China and offers residency & citizenship investment solutions in the UK, EU & the Caribbean.
For further information or to discuss your personal circumstances in a private consultation, please contact Astons at [email protected] or call +44 207 292 2977.
