This article will explain what citizenship by descent is, eligibility requirements, and the application process for Irish citizenship by descent.

What is Irish citizenship by descent?

What is Irish citizenship by descent means you have an Irish ancestor and can claim Irish citizenship based on familial bloodline.

Who is eligible for Irish citizenship by descent?

If you are hoping to qualify for Irish citizenship by descent, it is necessary that:

  • If you and your parent were born outside of Ireland, your parent was an Irish citizen, or entitled to be an Irish citizen at the time of your birth.
  • You have a grandparent who was born on the island of Ireland.

Great-grandparents

Eligibility relating to Irish-born great-grandparent is more complex.
In order to qualify for Irish citizenship by descent through a great-grandparent, the following must apply:

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

If you do not qualify for citizenship by descent through a great-grandparent by meeting the above requirements, it is still possible to make an application based on association, which falls under citizenship by naturalization.

You can read more about applying for Irish citizenship through a great grandparent via association on our related page here.

How do I apply for Irish citizenship by descent?

In order to have your Irish citizenship recognized it is necessary that you submit an application to have your details entered into the Foreign Births Register (FBR).

The FBR is a register of Irish descendants who were born outside the island of Ireland.

It is important to remember that if you live in the U.S., Canada, Australia or Great Britain,
Irish embassies and consulates abroad do not process citizenship by descent applications. All applications are processed by The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

How do I apply?

Before submitting an application, it is first necessary to gather all of the required documents (original copies) and complete the online application form.

You will then need to print a copy of your application, make an online payment, and send the application form, supporting documents, photos, and checklist to the designated PO Box address in Ireland, which will be stated on the application form.

A witness must also certify documents and photos “as a true copy of the original”.

Expectant parents

Expectant parents who wish that their child also be able to claim Irish citizenship by descent, must remember to register on the FBR before their birth. Otherwise the child will not be eligible for citizenship by descent and Foreign Birth Registration.

Documents needed to make an application

To submit an application for Foreign Birth Registration, you will need:

  • Your birth certificate, showing your parents’ names.
  • A certified copy of your current ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card). Two proofs of address.
  • If applicable, your marriage certificate or a document showing a name change.
  • Four recent passport-sized photos.

Documents relating to your Irish ancestor (parent or grandparent) that prove Irish line of descent, such as:

  • Their birth certificate.
  • Their marriage certificate or a document for a name change, if that applies.
  • A certified copy of their ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) or a copy of their death certificate if they have passed away.

If you are applying for Irish citizenship through an Irish-born grandparent, you will also need to submit the same documents for your Irish citizen parent.

Your documents will be returned to you once processed and reviewed by the Foreign Births Registration Department.
You will not need to include a pre-paid envelope, and documents will be returned to you by recorded delivery, which you will need to sign for upon receipt.

These documents need to be state-issued and original copies in the long form.
There may be slight variations in the documents you are required to send, depending under which category you apply, and so it is important to refer to the guidance that will be outlined in the application form.

Can I apply with siblings?

It is possible to apply with your siblings and send all applications in one envelope.
You can also use the same documentation for the relevant Irish ancestor. However, if you intend for the documents to be used for each sibling, you should also enclose a letter stating so, for the sake of clarity and to avoid the risk of confusion and delay.

How much does it cost to apply?

For adults (over 18) the fee to make an application, plus certificate, is €270.
In addition to this there is a non-refundable postage and handling charge of €8.
For minors (under 18), the fee is €145.
Payment is made online upon completion of your application.

How long is the application process?

In general, it can take up to 9 months to process and review Foreign Births Registration applications.

Once your application has been successful, and your details have been entered on the FBR, you are officially an Irish citizen and can apply for an Irish passport.

This article has explained what Irish citizenship by descent is, who is eligible for citizenship by descent, and how to apply for citizenship by descent.

If you would like to know more, or wants support in applying for Irish citizenship, you can  contact us directly and one of our expert advisors will be in touch to answer your questions.