Our Citizenship by Descent Programmes
The Irish citizenship by descent programme is applicable to those who have an ancestor dating back to a great-grandparent who holds Irish citizenship. To apply, you must be able to provide genealogical information required to verify your Irish citizenship through heritage.
What Can I Expect from Irish Citizenship-by-Descent
Often referred to as the Emerald Isle, Ireland boasts vibrant cities, stunning bays, and sheer cliffs, so whether you’re seeking the hustle and bustle of traditional music in a cozy pub or have a desire to wander the beautiful coastline, this could be the ideal country to seek citizenship through ancestry.
Ireland is rich in culture, ranked the third most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, and is welcoming of foreign nationals. With Irish citizenship by heritage, the limitations of being a non-citizen will be lifted, allowing you to buy property, reside in Ireland or the UK, apply freely for work and travel as you desire.
- Freedom of movement throughout the European Union (EU) + the UK,
and the ability to live and work anywhere in the EU plus the UK - without
restriction. - Access to high-quality, free education.
- Ireland does not practice citizenship-based taxation, so you will not be
taxed on Irish income unless you are physically present and working in
Ireland. - Once Irish Citizenship-by-Descent is obtained, it can be extended to
include children and future generations. - A safe, culture-rich country makes it a very desirable place to live.
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Irish Citizenship-by-Descent Requirements
To obtain Irish citizenship by descent, you aren’t required to donate, make an investment, or take a citizenship test. All that’s required is proof via documentation to support your claim. To be eligible, you need to meet the following requirements:
If you were born on the island of Ireland on or prior to December 31, 2004, you are entitled to Irish citizenship.
If you were born after January 1, 2005, at least one of your parents must be an Irish citizen, British citizen or a foreign national legally residing in Ireland for at least three out of four years before your birth.
You must be the child of someone born on the island of Ireland prior to 2005.
You are the grandchild of an Irish-born citizen who was an Irish citizen at the time of your parent’s birth.
You are the great-grandchild of an Irish-born citizen, and your grandparent registered your parent’s birth in the Foreign Births Register before you were born.
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How to Apply for Irish Citizenship-by-Descent
If you weren’t born in Ireland before January 1, 2005, you’ll need to gather the relevant documentation to support your application. These can be acquired from the Foreign Births Register, which allows descendants of the Irish diaspora to claim Irish citizenship by descent. As long as each new generation registers the birth before the next is born, citizenship can be passed from parent to child in an unbroken chain.
As long as applicants have all the relevant documentation to support their claim, they will be able to apply for Irish citizenship by descent.
How Long Does Irish Citizenship Through Descent Applications Take?
Applications must be made to the Foreign Births Register, which currently has a processing time of approximately two years.
Does Ireland Offer Dual Citizenship?
Yes, you can hold dual or multiple citizenships as an Irish citizen. This means that you do not have to give up your original citizenship status to qualify for Irish citizenship through ancestry.