How to get Scottish or Irish Citizenship without ancestory or marriage?

February 4, 2018 2:38 PM

Is it possible to get citizenship in Scotland or Ireland without ancestory or marriage? I would like to go to school and work there, but how does one get a job there, if possible as a foreigner? I really would like to move to Ireland or Scotland for good, but only my great-great grandfather was born in Ireland and my great-grandmother was born in England but that doesn't grant citizenship. How can one find a job there that will allow them to stay for five years residency? Is it possible, or is it like winning a lottery? I know there are some student work visa arrangemnts for two years--but that doesn't mean staying long term is granted.
posted by RearWindow to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total)

Just to help you clarify what you're asking, you should note that there is no 'Scottish citizenship'. Scottish people, along with the English, Welsh, and the people of Northern Ireland, are all British (UK) citizens. So you're really asking about citizenship of the Irish Republic or the UK.

Here's some information about Irish citizenship.
And here's information about British citizenship.
posted by pipeski at 2:48 PM on February 4, 2018 [6 favorites]

Go there on the student work visa for the couple years, and find a job that will grant you permanent residency asap.
posted by aniola at 2:57 PM on February 4, 2018 [1 favorite]

If you don't go on a student visa (which is easiest), here is the list of occupations that will get you a Tier 2 visa in the UK and Scotland.

A US friend of mine decided he wanted to live in the UK, so trained and qualified as a social worker, then applied for a visa. It looks like social work is the easiest occupation to qualify for, unless you already have a qualification in one of the required fields.

Once you get to the UK, your residence is contigent on employment in your field. So if you get to the UK as a social worker and then decide you hate your job, you can only quit if you have another social work job lined up. You can't quit and start working in a coffee shop; you'll lose your visa.

After 5 (I think?) years on a Tier 2 visa, you can apply for permanent residency; if you get it, you are no longer tied to your job. A year (I think?) after becoming a resident, you can then apply for UK citizenship.

Both the residency and citizenship applications will cost you money for application fees and lawyers. (Lawyers are optional, but it is good to have one.)

Best of luck!
posted by Pallas Athena at 3:16 PM on February 4, 2018 [1 favorite]

I was going to link you to this question, but see it is by you - do you have follow-on questions after the answers you received there?
posted by paduasoy at 4:11 PM on February 4, 2018 [1 favorite]

This is a very googleable question, the first hit gives you everything you need, including the correct term - naturalisation.
posted by Sebmojo at 4:13 PM on February 4, 2018