1. Nomination Papers
Nomination papers for a Presidential election are prescribed by regulation by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Prospective candidates can obtain nomination papers from the office of the Presidential Returning Officer during normal business hours. They can also download:
- the nomination paper for nominations by county councils, city councils, and city and county councils
- the nomination paper for nomination by members of the Oireachtas
Nomination papers are also available from local authorities and the Clerks of the Dáil and Seanad.
2. Photographs
If a candidate wishes to have his or her photograph included on the ballot paper, they must provide with the nomination paper:
A photograph in digitised format and 2 identical printed copies of the photograph (passport size – 35mm x 45mm). Photographs must be emailed to the Presidential Returning Officer at: presidentialro@housing.gov.ie on the day that nomination papers are delivered.
The photograph shall be of good quality and in colour showing the candidate’s full face, head and shoulders only, on a light background (any colour) and taken to a professional standard.
The photograph shall have been taken not more than 12 months prior to the date appointed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage by order under section 6 of the Presidential Elections Act 1993, for the taking of the poll at the election.
Each copy of the printed photograph must have the candidate’s name clearly shown on the back.
3. Nomination Period
The nomination period for the next Presidential election, was set by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The nomination period commenced at 10 a.m. on 5 September 2025 and closed at 12 noon on 24 September 2025. A nominated candidate could withdraw his or her nomination at any time before the completion of the ruling on nominations but not thereafter.
A nomination paper must be delivered by the candidate or one or more of the persons making the nomination or, in the case of a city, or county, or city and county council, by an official of the council.
4. Ruling on Nominations
On 24 September 2025, the Presidential Returning Officer ruled on the nominations, in the Custom House, Dublin 1.
Download the Form of appointment of authorised representative – Presidential Election