european-union ireland naturalization
Irish citizenship or Permanent residence after 5 years of residence for EU citizen and their non-EU Family?
<p>European Union law secures EU Citizens' right to travel in the member countries freely. They can also bring their non-EU family member(s) with them in certain instances.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/rights_of_residence_in_ireland/residence_rights_eu_national.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">This</a> page mentions that:</p>
<p><strong>Permanent residence</strong>
These Regulations also introduced a right of permanent residence for EEA nationals and their family members after a five-year period of uninterrupted legal residence in the State.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.irishimmigration.ie/citizenship/become-an-irish-citizen-by-naturalisation/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">While</a> this page mentions that:</p>
<p><strong>Adult application based on residence for UK, EU/EEA &amp; Swiss nationals</strong></p>
<p>To apply for citizenship by naturalisation based on residence, you must prove that you have been resident in the State for at least 5 years (1825 or 1826 days) out of the last 9 years.</p>
<p>This includes 1 year (365 or 366 days) of continuous residence immediately before the date you apply.</p>
<hr />
<p>Now does it mean that after 5 years of residence in Ireland, I (EU national) and my non-EU family members should apply for <strong>PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR IRISH CITIZENSHIP?</strong></p>
<p>I am confused.</p>
<p><strong>EDIT:</strong> Several informal sources also mention that Irish PR can be obtained after 5 years of residence (be it through employment, investment etc..). But one of the naturalization requirements is 5 years of residence. Why would one apply for PR when they can apply for Irish citizenship after 5 years of residence? Does Ireland have a concept of a PR like the UK's ILR or the American Green Card anyway? So many sources have puzzled me completely:(</p>
<p>DO NOTE THAT IRISH PR IS <strong>NOT</strong> A REQUIREMENT FOR NATURALIZATION. THERE IS JUST THIS CONTINUOUS 5 YEAR RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT, BESIDES OTHER THINGS.</p>

<p>As an EU Citizen (and your EU family members), you are <strong>automatically</strong> a permanent resident after 5 years.</p>
<p>You <em>can</em> apply for a <strong>permanent resident card</strong> to document this.</p>
<p>Such a card would document the fact that you fulfill the 5 years required for naturalization, should you wish to also become an Irish citizen.</p>
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<p><strong>Sources</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/documents-formalities/eu-nationals-permanent-residence/index_en.htm" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Permanent residence (after 5 years) for EU nationals - Your Europe</a></li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
<p>Now does it mean that after 5 years of residence in Ireland, I (EU national) and my non-EU family members should apply for PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR IRISH CITIZENSHIP?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It seems to mean that you may each choose one option or the other.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Why would one apply for PR when they can apply for Irish citizenship after 5 years of residence?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>One possibility: the current citizenship would be lost by naturalizing, and the person does not wish to lose it.  There could be other reasons for preferring one or the other, of course.</p>
