Why Apply for Irish Citizenship?
Ireland offers a straightforward pathway to citizenship through ancestry. If you have an Irish-born parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship by descent. This process grants you access to both European Union and United Kingdom residency—the only passport in the world that does both.
EU Citizenship — Full rights to live, work, study, and retire in all 27 EU countries
UK Residency Access — Irish passport holders retain the right to live and work in the UK
Visa-Free Travel — Irish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries
Ancestry-Based Eligibility — Go back as far as your great-grandparents in some cases
Dual Citizenship Allowed — You can keep your current nationality
The Process
Step 1: Locate and Compile Documents
Locate and compile all necessary documents proving your Irish ancestry.
Step 2: Confirm Your Irish Citizenship
Apply for confirmation of your Irish citizenship.
Step 3: Register in the Foreign Births Register
Register your birth in Ireland's Foreign Births Register.
Step 4: Apply for Your Irish Passport
Apply for your Irish passport.
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
Complete citizenship application — One complete and compliant citizenship application
Full legal counseling — Legal guidance throughout the entire process
Document review and coordination — Document review, apostille handling, and translation coordination
Foreign Births Register assistance — Registration assistance with the Foreign Births Register
Consulate appointment preparation — Consulate appointment preparation and concierge service
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Document compilation and preparation | Varies by case |
| Citizenship confirmation application | Varies by case |
| Foreign Births Register registration | Varies by case |
| Irish passport application | After registration |
Important Notes
Document certification — All supporting documents must be certified by the issuing government authority
Apostille required — All supporting documents must be apostilled for international recognition
Certified translation — A certified translation is required for any document not in English
Missing documentation — Missing documentation? We can help. Use our Genealogical Research service to recover lost Irish records