Irish citizenship is the most valuable in the world. It allows visa-free travel to the US and Australia and enables you to stay for as long as you want in the European Union and the UK. The Ireland citizenship by ancestry program is a great way to get a Irish passport. The Ireland citizenship by Ancestry or Descent is open to individuals with Irish ancestry going back as far as great grandparents. Foreigners normally must have 5 years of residence in Ireland before being able to apply for naturalization.
Ireland accepts dual citizenship, so you won’t have to forfeit your citizenship to apply. We can assist you to become an Irish citizen now and claim your Irish passport.
While the laws have been amended several times since since, including as recent as 2005, the creation of the Foreign Birth Register for descendent of Irish Citizens born abroad was established under the original provisions.
Ireland has the largest global diaspora on a per capita basis.
Almost 10% of the US population may qualify for EU Citizenship.
The Irish State's fundamental law was established by the 1937 Constitution, replacing the Irish Free State Constitution. The latter granted citizenship to those born in Ireland or to those who had lived there for at least seven years. After the Constitution of Ireland replaced it, anyone granted citizenship under the previous constitution became a citizen of Ireland.
Following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the 19th Amendment to the Irish Constitution was adopted. As a result, the Constitution was amended to include the right to citizenship at birth.The acquisition and loss of Irish citizenship is now determined by law. In 2004, the 27th amendment eliminated automatic citizenship by birth for anyone born in Ireland after January 1, 2005.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1956 established that anyone born in Ireland was automatically a citizen, and foreign-born descendants of Irish citizens could register as citizens. In 2005, the practice of wives of citizens of Ireland claiming citizenship through a post-nuptialdeclaration ended.
The rules for those born outside of Ireland hinge upon whether they have an Irish-born parent.
An individual is automatically an Irish citizen if at least one of their parents was born in Ireland, and was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth. This also applies to children who are adopted by at least one Irish citizen.
However, if the parent was not born in Ireland, then Irish citizenship is not an automatic right. Even so, it may still be possible to claim Irish citizenship by descent. This applies to those who have an Irish parent, grandparent or, in exceptional circumstances, a great-grandparent.
As outlined above, an Irish parent can pass citizenship to their children, if they were born in Ireland and were Irish citizens at the time of their child's birth. In this instance, their children are automatically Irish citizens.
If a parent is born outside of Ireland, but was an Irish citizen at the time of their child's birth, then that child can claim Irish citizenship by descent. This involves registering with the Irish Foreign Births Register. Once approved, the applicant becomes an Irish citizen, effective from the date of registration.
If someone has an Irish grandparent, then they can claim Irish citizenship by descent - but only if that grandparent was born in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The process is the same as applying for citizenship through a parent. Namely, it is necessary to register with the Irish Foreign Births Register. Once approved, the applicant becomes an Irish citizen, effective from the date of registration.
It is theoretically possible to claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent. However, these applications will only succeed if:
What Documents Are Needed to Apply?
Documents relating to the Applicant
Documents relating to the Irish citizen Parent
Documents relating to the Irish citizen Grandparent born in Ireland
What information is on an Irish Birth Record?
All Irish birth certificates / civil birth register entries contain the following information:
Date of birth
Place of birth
Townland or urban street name/house number
Name of child
Sometimes blank or 'male' or 'female' if name not yet decided
Sex of child
Father's name and address
Townland or street name/house number
Mother's name and maiden name
Father's occupation
Name, address and 'qualification' (relationship) of informant.
Date registered
Name of registrar
Superintendent Registrar's District
County
You are formally recognized as a national of Ireland and a citizen of the European Union. You have certain rights. These include the right to:
You may also request consular assistance from Irish embassies and consulates abroad, or from those of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish representation (EU Consular Protection Directive).
The key question:
Are you an Irish citizen who was born on or before December 31, 2004?
Or, are you a child of a parent born in Ireland on or before December 31, 2004?
Answer:
Yes - Congratulations, you are eligible for Irish citizenship
in both situations.
The key question:
Are you a grandchild of someone born in Ireland, BUT your parents and you were born outside of Ireland?
Answer:
Yes- Congratulations, you’re entitled to Irish citizenship. BUT you’re first required to register in the Foreign Births Register.
Are you the great-grandchild of someone born in Ireland, AND all your grandparents, parents and you were born outside of Ireland?
Answer:
Yes- You're possibly entitled to Irish citizenship only if your parents had already registered with the Foreign Births Register before your birth. If you’re fortunate enough to be in this position, then you also must register with the Foreign Births Register.
The key question:
Are you the great-grandchild of someone born in Ireland, AND all your grandparents, parents and you were born outside of Ireland?
Answer:
If your parent had not registered in the Foreign Birth Register before your birth, you can apply for citizenship by association after 2-3 years of residency.
How long does it take to get Irish Citizenship by Descent?
The Do-It-Yourself Route (DIY): 30-48 Months
What are the steps in applying for Irish Citizenship?
Identify and obtain the records for all applicable family members
in-line with your anchor-ancestor.
How long does it take to get Irish Citizenship by Descent?
The Do-It-Yourself Route (DIY): 30-48 Months
Once you have collected all your lineage documents, it's time to begin filling out the citizenship/ foreign birth registry application.
To complete the entire application process, you will require the assistance of a legal witness. They must complete the applicable section of the application according to the guidelines. Few categories of persons can serve as your legal witnesses.
Along with the online application, hard copies must also be submitted to the appropriate authorities.
Once your initial application is approved, you’ll receive your official Irish Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) in the mail, now its time to apply for your Passport. The actual application for an Irish passport must be mailed.
Once your initial application is approved, you’ll receive your official Irish Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) in the mail, now its time to apply for your Passport. The actual application for an Irish passport must be mailed.
The cost for processing your Italian dual citizenship application can very from consulate to consulate, however are generally in the range of $350-$400 USD. This is a non-refundable fee paid directly to the Italian Consulate General.
18 years of age and over:
Under 18 years of age
Once your application have been approved and you are an Irish Citizen, you will need to apply for your Irish Passport
The fees that vary depending on the validity length and size of the Irish passport are as follows:
The figures mentioned above do not include the additional postal fees which amount to €5 if you’re inside Ireland whereas they cost an additional €15 if you’re outside Ireland.
It is estimated that over 6 million Irish people have emigrated to the US since 1820.
Of all the emigrants to the US between 1851 and 1860, it is estimated that 81 per cent (990,000) were Irish. Today one sixth of US citizens (43 million) identify their national background as IrishThe peak of Irish emigration resulted from the Great Famine of 1845-1852. It has been estimated that nearly two million people - about a quarter of the population - emigrated to the United States in a ten year period at that time. In Mayo the population declined from 388,887 to 274, 830, between 1841 and 1851.
19th Century Irish Population Growth
The relative prosperity that resulted from Napoleonic wars from 1790 to 1815 was followed with a doubling population of Ireland in the first half of 19th century. By 1800 the population of Ireland was 4,500,000. This rose to 8,200,000 by 1841.Factors encouraging this 19th century growth included marriage at young ages and increased numbers of births as well as the practice of subdividing land for the next generation. The same land was supporting a greater number of people. In tandem with this population growth was a growing dependence on a single crop - the potato. The ‘spud’ could be grown on relatively infertile soil and in sufficient quantities to nutritionally feed the doubling population.
Irish Famine and Emigration
A peak in Emigration occurred as a result of the Great Famine of 1845-1852. The failure of the potato crop, due to blight, and insufficient provision of alternative food supplies resulted in destitution, death and emigration on a cataclysmic scale. It was not until 1855 that the total harvest reached half of what it had been in 1844. Mass evictions, the near-famines of 1861-1864 and 1879-82, and the hardships of subsistence farming meant emigration to North America continued to be seen as an opportunity to support and improve life. Migration to the US declined during World War 1 when shipping was severely disrupted, but reached a peak from 1921 to 1923 followed by a decline due to international depression and introduction of US restrictions on immigrant numbers.
Gender – Irish female Immigrants
A distinguishing feature of Irish emigration was the large number of females, often young single women, who emigrated to America. Between 1856 and 1921 half of all Irish emigrants were young women. Between 1876 and 1885 the female /male emigration ratio was 120:100 from County Mayo to the USA via Irish ports. In the years 1886 to 1905 it reached a peak of 175:100.
Source; Fitzpatrick, David, “The Modernization of the Irish Female”, in P O’ Flanagan, P Ferguson and K. Whelan (eds.) Rural Ireland 1600-1900: modernisation and change, (Cork, Cork University Press, 1987)
Best Places to Live
Being a major tech hub in Europe, offers numerous opportunities to meet people. Apart from frequenting your local pub, you can also join social groups such as Meetup to connect with both locals and fellow expats.
If you're looking for a more affordable option than Dublin, consider Cork as your new home. Situated in the southern part of the country, the cost of living in Cork is approximately 23% less than Dublin.
Galway is another popular city in Ireland, especially for expats looking for a quieter lifestyle, low crime rates, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. It's one of the best places to live in Ireland if you prefer a smaller city.It's important to be ready for the gloomy weather, regardless of where you choose to live in Ireland. Due to the dark winters, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADS) affects both locals and expats. You can learn how to cope with expat depression by discovering ways to adjust to the climate, make friends, and tackle other challenges that come with adapting to a new place and culture.
Furthermore, expats considering a move to Italy should also be aware of the high income tax and social security requirements compared to other EU countries.
The cost of living in Ireland is comparable to that of the United States. It's not uncommon to see young people living with their families until their 30s due to the high cost of living and low wages. Additionally, like many cities around the world, there is a shortage of housing in Ireland, which has resulted in exorbitant rent prices.
Many Americans who have relocated to Ireland can attest to the fact that living there as an expat is expensive. Dublin, in particular, is one of the most costly cities in Europe, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment hovering around $2000 per month. Furthermore, it can be challenging to find pet-friendly rentals.
Although housing costs may be more reasonable in smaller Irish cities, the prices of everyday goods tend to be somewhat higher than in many parts of the United States. For instance, a regular cup of coffee will cost approximately $4.50, while a nice lunch out will set you back roughly $25, depending on where you are in the country.
What are the potential tax implications of becoming a dual citizen with Ireland ?
In accordance with citizenship-based taxation, U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide income by the U.S.government, and Irish citizens are taxed on their worldwide income by the Irish government under the parameters of residential taxation. This means that U.S. citizens who become dual citizens with Ireland can be subject to double taxation on the same income.
To avoid this situation, the U.S. and Ireland have a bilateral tax treaty in place that outlines the rules for determining which country has the right to tax certain types of income and provides for tax credits to be claimed in the country of residence. If a U.S. citizen becomes a resident of Ireland, they will be taxed as a resident ofIreland, however, they may be able to claim a foreign tax credit on their U.S. tax return for any Irish taxes paid on the same income.
How does Ireland Define a Tax Resident?
Under Ireland’s tax rules, your tax residency is determined by the number of days you spend within Ireland during a tax year. Therefore, you are tax resident in Ireland if you are in the State:
for 183 days or more in a tax year, or
for 280 days or more in total in the tax year and the preceding tax year
Therefore, if you travel frequently between Ireland and another country, it will be the number of days you’ve spent in Ireland during a tax year that will determine whether Ireland will deem you to be an Irish tax resident under Irish rules. The country you travel to may also deem you to be a resident under their domestic tax rules.
During the early 1900’s, many children in Ireland never received official birth certificates, especially in more rural areas. Because doing so required traveling to the nearest big city (something not every family could do easily).Instead, local churches recorded births with Baptismal Certificates. In this instance, you can still apply for citizenship, but you must first search for your grandparent’s birth certificate through the General Registrar’s Office anyway.
Section of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that process's applications for Foreign Births Registration otherwise known as Citizenship by Descent. This can be a complex process that may require you to submit official documentation relating to three generations which may have been issued by several jurisdictions.
Embassies and Consulates in these countries do not process Foreign Birth Registrations. All applications are now processed in Dublin.
Yes, you can use the same set of papers and supporting documents for both applications. Just enclose the two separate application forms in one envelope and send it to us with a letter saying that some of the documents apply to both applications. This only applies if you are resident in the same country when applying.
- If your children were born after your entry onto the Foreign Births Register then they too are eligible to apply for entry on the register.
- If your children were born before you were registered, they are not eligible to apply as you were not an Irish citizen at the time of their birth.
Yes. At the end of the process we will return all your original certificates to the address on your application form.
No, you cannot apply for an Irish passport until you are an Irish citizen.
Capital city
Dublin
Visa free countries
185
Total area
84,421 km²
Languages
English, Irish Gaelic
Currency
Euro €
Population
4,832,765
Time zone
GMT
Determining eligibility for Irish citizenship by descent is primarily dependent on:
Where and when you and your parents were born.
Where and when your Irish Ancestor was born.
It is theoretically possible to claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent. However, these applications will only succeed if:
Visa-free travel
to 185 countries once citizenship is granted
Freedom of movement
in the EU
European Citizenship awarded after 5 years
No residency requirement
STAGE 1 | YEAR 1
Gather your documents and proof of ancestry by searching records in your home country and Ireland. If you’re in category 1, simply go to the Irish consulate near you and apply for your Irish passport. If you’re in category 2 or 3, you’ll need to file your request with the Foreign Births Register. If you’re in category 4, you’ll need to obtain a resident permit, preferably under the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme. The application process takes a few months.
STAGE 2 | YEAR 2
If you’re in category 2 or 3, expect to have your citizenship certificate sent to you after 12 to 18 months. If you’re in category 4, you’ll have to wait 3years before you can petition the Minister for fast-track naturalization.
STAGE 3 | YEAR 4
If you’re in category 4, you can petition the Minister for naturalization after 3 years of legal residence. You must submit all documents proving your Irish ancestry. The approval is expected to take 2.5 years.
Documents relating to the Applicant:
Documents relating to the Irish citizen Parent:
Documents relating to the Grandparent born in Ireland
When you become Irish, your children automatically become Irish citizens with you. Irish citizenship cannot be passed to your parents. Your spouse could qualify for naturalization after you receive your Citizenship Certificate if you’ve been married for at least 3 years and she has lived most of the year in Ireland during those 3 years, with 12 months of continuous residence before her submission.
Take a free eligibility test today! Your eligibility for ancestry-based citizenship will be determined within 48 hours by the internal genealogy team at Global RCG.
Enjoy our articles related to Ireland
Step 1: Member onboarding
Kick-off call
Portal
set-up
Complete Pedigree Tree
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Step 2: Vital Records Retrieval
Ireland
USA
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Step 3: Vital Records Prep
Notarizacion
Apostillization
Step 4: Application Preparation
Preparation
Submission
Step 5: Citizenship Approval
Preparation
Step 6: Passport Approval
Citizenship Certificate
Irish Passport
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