This segment will discuss what the Irish Foreign Births Register (FBR) is, and will explain the application process in relation to having Irish citizenship recognized via the Foreign Births Register.

What is the Irish Foreign Birth Register?

The FBR is an official register of Irish descendants who were born outside of Ireland, and claimed Irish citizenship on the basis of having an Irish parent or grandparent.

The FBR is for individuals who qualify for citizenship by descent on the basis of having an ancestor (a parent, grandparent or, in specific cases, a great-grandparent) who was an Irish citizen.

How do I qualify?

If you were born outside of Ireland and your parent was an Irish citizen (also born outside of Ireland), or entitled to be an Irish citizen at the time of your birth; then you have the right to become an Irish citizen.

You can also apply to enter the FBR and become an Irish citizen if one of your grandparents was born on the island of Ireland.
To be eligible to claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent, you must:

  • have a parent who became an Irish citizen through their grandparent (your great-grandparent);
  • have a parent who was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth;
  • You have a parent who was registered in the Foreign Births Register (FBR) between 17 July 1956 and 1 July 1986; or
  • If you were born after 1986, your parent was registered in the Foreign Births Register before you were born.

If you do not meet the criteria outline above, it may still be possible to apply for Irish citizenship through an Irish-born great-grandparent through association.

Expectant parents

If you are an expectant parent, it is important that you enter your details on the FBR before the birth of your child. Failure to do so will mean they will not be automatically entitled to Irish citizenship.

What documents are needed to apply?

For applications, state-issued documents (original copies), will need to be included in your application and submitted. You will need to send long form, birth, marriage and death certificates for each person in your direct lineage, including you (the applicant), your parent, grandparent, and Irish-born great-grandparent (if able to apply through them).

Note that there are variations in what documents are required, depending under which category you are applying, and so it is advised to always refer to the guidelines to know which applies to your case.

Documentation will be returned to you once your application has been reviewed and approved, and it is not necessary to include a pre-paid envelope as documentation is sent by recorded delivery, which you will need to sign for upon receipt.

 How and where to apply?

The Department of Foreign Affairs who is responsible for processing foreign birth registration applications.

For those residing abroad, including the U.S., Canada, Australia and Great Britain, it is important to note that Irish Embassies and Consulates abroad do not process citizenship applications. All applications must be completed online, and then printed and sent, along with other documentation, to the PO Box address in Ireland. The address will be clearly marked on the application form.

Applying with family

If you are applying with siblings, it is possible to send all applications together using the same documents (original copies) of the Irish ancestor through whom you are making the application. To avoid confusion and risk of delays, if you want the documents to be used for all of the applications, it is advised that you include a letter stating so.

How long does an application take?

Applications can take up to 9 months to process, are done so in strict date order. If more information or documents are needed, it will increase the timeframe.

How much does an application cost?

In respect of application fees, for adults over 18 years of age, the fee for the registration and certificate is €270, plus a non-refundable postage and handling fee of €8.

If a minor under the age of 18, the cost of registration plus certificate is €145, plus the non-refundable postage and handling fee of €8.

Payment is made online upon completion of your application.

What happens once citizenship is granted?

Once the foreign births registration department have approved your claim for citizenship, and your details have been recorded in the FBR, you will be sent your official Irish Foreign Birth Registration Certificate, and this means you are officially an Irish citizen and can apply for an Irish passport.

This segment has been written to inform you about the Foreign Births Register. If you have any further queries, or would like more information about applying for Irish citizenship, you can contact us directly and one of our expert advisors will be in touch to answer your queries.