Irish Citizenship by Descent FAQ: 15 Questions Answered

You may be eligible for Irish citizenship by descent if you have Irish ancestry through your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. The specific requirements vary based on your generation:

• Parent born in Ireland: You're automatically an Irish citizen
• Grandparent born in Ireland: You can apply directly for citizenship
• Great-grandparent born in Ireland: Your parent must register first, then you can apply

Each case has specific documentation requirements and conditions that must be met.

The current processing time for Irish citizenship by descent applications is approximately 9 months from the date your complete application is received by the Department of Justice. This timeframe can vary depending on:

• Application volume
• Completeness of your documentation
• Complexity of your case
• Need for additional verification

Processing times are updated regularly on the official Irish government website.

Yes, for Irish citizenship purposes, Northern Ireland is considered part of Ireland. If your parent or grandparent was born anywhere on the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland) before 1922, or in what became the Republic of Ireland after 1922, this qualifies as being "born in Ireland" for citizenship eligibility.

This is particularly relevant for many families tracing their ancestry back to counties like Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone.

Yes, once you're registered as an Irish citizen, you can pass citizenship to your children. However, the rules depend on when and where your children were born:

• Children born after your registration: Automatically Irish citizens
• Children born before your registration: May need to apply separately
• Children born outside Ireland: Must be registered in the Foreign Births Register

Your grandchildren (if born outside Ireland) would then need to register before passing citizenship to their children.

Required documents typically include:

• Your documents: Birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Parent's documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate (if deceased)
• Irish ancestor's documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate
• Additional: Any relevant immigration records, naturalization documents

All documents must be official certified copies. Documents not in English or Irish require certified translations. Specific requirements vary by case complexity.

The current fee for registering in the Foreign Births Register is €278. This fee:

• Must be paid online when submitting your application
• Is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful
• Covers the processing and registration of your citizenship
• Does not include document certification or translation costs

Additional costs may include obtaining certified documents, translations, and later applying for an Irish passport.

It depends on your specific family situation:

• If your grandparent was born in Ireland: No, you can apply directly
• If your great-grandparent was born in Ireland: Yes, your parent must register first in the Foreign Births Register before you can apply
• If your parent was born in Ireland: You're already an Irish citizen and don't need to register (though you may need to for passport purposes)

This "chain of citizenship" requirement ensures continuous connection to Ireland through generations.

Yes, but not directly. If your great-grandparent was born in Ireland, you can claim citizenship through a two-step process:

1. Step 1: Your parent (the great-grandchild) must first register in the Foreign Births Register
2. Step 2: Once your parent is registered, you can then apply for registration

Both applications require separate fees and documentation. Your parent must complete their registration before you can begin your application process.

If official records are missing or damaged, you have several options:

• Alternative records: Church records, census records, immigration documents
• Statutory declarations: Sworn statements from family members or community members
• DNA evidence: In some cases, genetic testing may support your application
• Professional help: Genealogists can help locate alternative documentation

The Department of Justice will consider alternative evidence, but cases without standard documentation may take longer to process.

No, there is no language requirement for Irish citizenship by descent. Unlike some other countries, Ireland does not require applicants to:

• Speak or understand Irish (Gaeilge)
• Pass any language tests
• Take citizenship classes
• Demonstrate cultural knowledge

The citizenship by descent process is based purely on your ancestral connection to Ireland and meeting the documentary requirements.

Yes, Ireland fully recognizes and allows dual (and multiple) citizenship. This means:

• You don't need to renounce your current citizenship
• You can hold Irish citizenship alongside other nationalities
• Ireland won't inform your current country of citizenship
• You'll have full rights as an Irish citizen

However, check your current country's laws, as some nations restrict or prohibit dual citizenship for their citizens.

Brexit has significantly increased interest in Irish citizenship:

• UK citizens: Irish citizenship provides continued EU rights and freedom of movement
• Increased applications: Processing times have lengthened due to higher demand
• Northern Ireland: People born in Northern Ireland have the right to Irish citizenship under the Good Friday Agreement
• No change to requirements: Eligibility criteria remain the same despite increased applications

Irish citizenship offers valuable EU benefits that UK citizenship alone no longer provides.

The application process is completed through the official Irish government portal:

1. Visit: The Department of Justice Foreign Births Register website
2. Create account: Set up your online application account
3. Complete form: Fill out the detailed application form
4. Upload documents: Submit all required certified documents
5. Pay fee: Pay the €278 application fee online
6. Submit: Review and submit your complete application

Ensure all documents are properly certified before uploading to avoid delays.

Once approved, you'll receive:

• Certificate of Registration: Official proof of your Irish citizenship
• Foreign Births Register entry: Your details are recorded in the official register
• Reference number: Used for future passport applications and official purposes

With your certificate, you can then:

• Apply for an Irish passport
• Live and work anywhere in the EU
• Pass citizenship to your children (if born outside Ireland, they'll need to register)
• Access Irish consular services worldwide

Once you have your citizenship certificate, Irish passport processing times are:

• Standard processing: 10-15 working days (online application)
• Postal applications: 4-6 weeks
• First-time adult passport: May require additional verification time
• Express service: Available for urgent travel (additional fees apply)

You can apply for your Irish passport online or through Irish consulates worldwide. The passport application requires your citizenship certificate as proof of Irish citizenship.