Why Irish Citizenship by Descent
Irish citizenship through the Foreign Births Register allows those with Irish-born parents or grandparents to claim citizenship. Ireland offers exceptional global mobility and EU membership benefits.
EU Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 EU member states.
Common Travel Area: Special rights to live and work in the UK even post-Brexit.
Powerful Passport: Irish passport provides visa-free access to 190+ countries.
Dual Citizenship: Ireland fully permits dual citizenship.
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for Irish citizenship by descent through the following pathways:
Irish-Born Parent: If either parent was born in Ireland, you are automatically an Irish citizen (register via Foreign Births Register if born abroad).
Irish-Born Grandparent: If a grandparent was born in Ireland, you can register as an Irish citizen through the Foreign Births Register.
Great-Grandparent or Earlier: If your connection is through a great-grandparent, you may qualify only if your parent registered on the Foreign Births Register before your birth.
Note: Ireland fully permits dual citizenship. No language or residency requirements. Registration on the Foreign Births Register is required for those born abroad.
The Process
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
We verify your eligibility based on your connection to Ireland. If your parent was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you may already be a citizen. If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you can register.
Step 2: Document Collection
We help you gather birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other vital records proving your lineage.
Step 3: Foreign Births Registration
We prepare and submit your application to the Foreign Births Register.
Step 4: Passport Application
Once registered, we guide you through the Irish passport application process.
Need help finding documents? Our genealogical research service helps locate vital records across countries and generations. Learn more →
Requirements
Completed application form: Completed citizenship application form
Passport-sized photos: Recent passport-sized photographs
Copy of valid passport: A copy of your current valid passport
Original birth certificate: Your original birth certificate
Marriage certificate: If applicable
Ancestor certificates: Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each direct ancestor connecting you to your Irish relative
Letter of reason: A signed letter stating your reason for applying
Criminal background check: From your country of residence
Foreign Births Register proof: Proof of registration (or intent to register) in the Foreign Births Register
What's Included
Eligibility verification
Document checklist and guidance
Foreign Births Register application preparation
Application submission support
Follow-up with Department of Foreign Affairs
Passport application guidance
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Eligibility assessment | 1-2 weeks |
| Document collection | 1-3 months |
| Application preparation | 1-2 weeks |
| Foreign Births Register processing | 6-12 months |
Current processing times for the Foreign Births Register are approximately 6-12 months.
Important Notes
If your parent was born in Ireland, you may already be an Irish citizen by birth.
If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you must register on the Foreign Births Register before you can pass citizenship to your children.
Great-grandparent claims require your parent to have registered before your birth.
No Irish language requirement.