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Citizenship by Descent

Ireland Foreign Birth Registration (FBR): Complete 2026 Guide

The complete 2026 guide to claiming Irish citizenship by descent through the Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) process. Learn eligibility, documents, process, and timeline. Updated January 2026.

Updated: January 2026 Reading time: 45 min
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What is Foreign Birth Registration?

The Foreign Births Register (FBR) is Ireland’s official mechanism for recognizing Irish citizenship in people born outside the island of Ireland. Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, it’s the pathway through which those with Irish ancestry can claim their birthright citizenship—no residency required, no language tests, no investment.

Unlike naturalization (which requires years of residence) or citizenship by investment (which requires substantial capital), FBR is about proving what you already are: Irish by descent. If you can document your lineage back to an Irish-born grandparent—or in some cases, even further—you’re not applying to become Irish. You’re applying for recognition of citizenship that has been yours all along.

:::info[Key Facts]

  • Eligibility: Irish-born grandparent (or parent registered before your birth)
  • Processing Time: ~9 months (as of January 2026)
  • Application Fee: €278 adults, €153 children
  • Residency Required: None
  • Language Test: None
  • Dual Citizenship: Fully allowed
  • Result: Full Irish (and EU) citizenship + passport eligibility :::

“The demand for Irish citizenship through descent continues to grow,” notes Fragomen, a leading immigration law firm. “The Irish passport has placed first overall as the strongest passport to obtain in 2025, and applications from the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond continue to surge.”

Why FBR Matters Now

Several factors have driven unprecedented interest in Irish citizenship by descent:

  • Brexit consequences: British citizens lost automatic EU rights. Those with Irish heritage can reclaim them through FBR.
  • Political uncertainty: Americans seeking a “Plan B” increasingly look to ancestry-based citizenship.
  • Remote work revolution: An Irish passport unlocks the ability to live and work anywhere in the EU.
  • Passport power: The Irish passport ranks among the world’s strongest, with visa-free access to 176+ destinations.
  • No investment required: Unlike Golden Visas or investment programs, FBR costs only €278.

According to Irish parliamentary records, approximately 45,000 FBR applications are currently in the system—36,000 being actively processed and 9,000 awaiting documentation from applicants. This represents a remarkable pipeline of people claiming their Irish heritage.

A Brief History of the Foreign Births Register

The Foreign Births Register was established under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, which codified how Irish citizenship passes through generations. The law recognized that the Irish diaspora—one of the world’s largest relative to population—maintained deep connections to the homeland despite living abroad.

The system has evolved over decades, with significant improvements in recent years:

  • 2019: Online application system launched at fbr.dfa.ie
  • 2023: Processing times peaked at over 2.5 years due to demand
  • 2024-2025: Significant investment in FBR Unit reduced times to ~9 months
  • 2026: Continued improvements with digital document verification

Who Can Apply for Foreign Birth Registration?

Eligibility for FBR depends on your relationship to an Irish-born ancestor and whether certain registrations occurred in your family’s chain of descent. The rules are precise—understanding them is the first step.

The Basic Rule: Grandparent Born in Ireland

According to Citizens Information Ireland: “You can become an Irish citizen if one of your grandparents was born on the island of Ireland.”

This is the most straightforward path. If you have a grandparent (maternal or paternal) who was born anywhere on the island of Ireland—including Northern Ireland—you are likely eligible for Irish citizenship through FBR.

ScenarioEligible?Notes
Grandparent born in Ireland (Republic)YesStandard FBR eligibility
Grandparent born in Northern IrelandYes”Island of Ireland” includes NI
Parent born in IrelandYou’re already IrishNo FBR needed—just apply for passport
Great-grandparent born in IrelandMaybeOnly if parent was registered before your birth
Great-great-grandparent born in IrelandNoEligibility doesn’t extend this far

:::tip[You Might Already Be Irish] If one of your parents was born in Ireland, you are already an Irish citizen by birth—you don’t need FBR at all. You can simply apply for an Irish passport directly, providing your parent’s Irish birth certificate as proof. :::

What Counts as “Born in Ireland”?

The term “island of Ireland” is legally significant. It includes:

  • Republic of Ireland: All 26 counties
  • Northern Ireland: All 6 counties (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone)

This is particularly important post-Brexit. Under the Good Friday Agreement, people born in Northern Ireland can choose to be British, Irish, or both. If your grandparent was born in Belfast, Derry, or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, they were born on the island of Ireland—and you may be eligible for FBR.

The Parent Registration Path (Great-Grandparent Cases)

What if your Irish-born ancestor is a great-grandparent rather than a grandparent? This is where the generational chain becomes critical.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs: “If your great-grandparent was born in Ireland and your parent registered with the Foreign Births Register before you were born, you will still qualify for Irish citizenship.”

This is the key caveat. For great-grandparent claims, there must be an unbroken chain of registrations:

  1. Great-grandparent born in Ireland
  2. Grandparent registered on FBR (became Irish citizen)
  3. Parent registered on FBR before your birth
  4. You become eligible

If any link in this chain is missing—particularly if your parent didn’t register before you were born—you are not eligible for standard FBR.

:::warning[The Critical Timing Issue] If you’re considering FBR and planning to have children, register yourself before your children are born. If you wait until after their birth, your children will not be eligible for Irish citizenship through FBR.

As Irish Dual Citizenship explains: “Irish citizenship can be passed from parent to child if each generation registers their birth before the next generation is born.” :::

Citizenship by Association (Section 16)

What if you don’t qualify through standard descent? Ireland offers a discretionary citizenship route called “Citizenship by Association” under Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956.

According to Irish Dual Citizenship: “To qualify for Irish citizenship through great grandparents (by association), you need to be 18 or over, meet the residency requirements (approximately 3 years of lawful residency in Ireland), be of ‘good character’, and intend to live in Ireland.”

This path requires actually living in Ireland—it’s not an ancestry-only route like FBR. The Minister for Justice has discretion over these applications, and approval is not guaranteed.

The Generational Chain Explained

Understanding how Irish citizenship passes through generations is essential for determining your eligibility and—if you have children or plan to—ensuring the chain continues.

Generation 1: Born in Ireland

Your ancestor who was born on the island of Ireland is the foundation of your claim. This person was Irish by birth—no registration needed. They could be:

  • A grandparent (most common FBR scenario)
  • A great-grandparent (requires parent registration chain)

This person’s Irish birth certificate is the anchor document for your entire application.

Generation 2: First Generation Born Abroad

If your grandparent was born in Ireland and had children abroad (your parent), those children are Irish citizens by descent—automatically. They don’t strictly need to register, but registration creates documentation and maintains the chain for future generations.

Generation 3: Second Generation Born Abroad (You)

This is typically the FBR applicant. If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you’re eligible for FBR registration. Once registered, you become an Irish citizen with full rights.

Generation 4: Third Generation Born Abroad (Your Children)

Here’s where timing becomes critical. Your children are only eligible if you register on the FBR before they are born.

ScenarioYour Child’s Eligibility
You register FBR, then have a childChild is eligible for FBR
You have a child, then register FBRChild is NOT eligible for FBR
You don’t register, your child can’t eitherChain ends

:::warning[Expectant Parents: Urgent Processing Available] If you’re expecting a child and haven’t yet registered, you may be able to request urgent processing. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs: “An applicant can make an urgent request if they are expecting a child and the right to citizenship would not pass to this child unless the parent is registered.”

Contact the Foreign Birth Registration Customer Service Hub immediately if this applies to you. :::

The Chain in Practice: Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Classic Grandparent Case

  • Mary was born in Cork, Ireland in 1935
  • Mary emigrated to New York and had John in 1958 (John is Irish by descent)
  • John married an American and had Sarah in 1985
  • Sarah can apply for FBR based on Mary’s Irish birth

Scenario 2: Successful Great-Grandparent Case

  • Patrick was born in Dublin in 1910
  • Patrick emigrated to Boston and had Michael in 1940
  • Michael registered on FBR in 1965, becoming an Irish citizen
  • Michael had Jennifer in 1970 (after his registration)
  • Jennifer can apply for FBR based on the unbroken chain

Scenario 3: Broken Chain (Not Eligible)

  • Bridget was born in Galway in 1920
  • Bridget emigrated to Chicago and had Thomas in 1950
  • Thomas never registered on FBR
  • Thomas had David in 1980
  • David cannot apply for FBR—the chain is broken

Northern Ireland & Special Cases

Northern Ireland presents unique considerations for FBR applicants, particularly given Brexit and the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.

Northern Ireland Birth = Irish Citizenship Eligibility

The term “island of Ireland” in Irish nationality law explicitly includes Northern Ireland. According to Citizens Information: “If you were born in Northern Ireland before 1 January 2005, you are entitled to claim Irish citizenship.”

For FBR purposes, if your grandparent was born in Belfast, Derry, Newry, or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, they were born “on the island of Ireland”—full stop. You’re eligible for FBR just as if they’d been born in Dublin or Cork.

The Good Friday Agreement

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement (Belfast Agreement) enshrined the right of people born in Northern Ireland to identify as British, Irish, or both. As the UK Parliament Library notes: “The right to hold both Irish and British citizenship is formally recognized by both governments and remains unaffected by any future change in Northern Ireland’s constitutional status.”

This has significant implications:

  • Your Northern Ireland-born grandparent may have considered themselves British, but they were also entitled to Irish citizenship
  • Their children (your parent) are entitled to Irish citizenship by descent
  • You are entitled to claim Irish citizenship through FBR

Post-Brexit Surge in Northern Ireland FBR Applications

Brexit drove a massive increase in FBR applications from people with Northern Irish connections. When the UK left the EU, British citizens lost automatic rights to live and work across Europe. But those with Irish heritage—including Northern Irish heritage—could reclaim those rights through Irish citizenship.

If your grandparent was born in Northern Ireland, Brexit actually expanded your options: you can claim Irish citizenship (and EU rights) while also potentially qualifying for British citizenship through the same ancestor.

Records from Northern Ireland

Finding birth certificates for Northern Ireland-born ancestors requires different sources than Republic of Ireland records:

  • General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI): Civil registration records from 1864
  • Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI): Historical records, wills, church records
  • District Council offices: Local registration offices

Note: Northern Ireland uses a different civil registration system than the Republic. You’ll need to order certificates from GRONI, not the Republic’s GRO in Roscommon.

Adopted Persons

If you were adopted and your biological grandparent was born in Ireland, you may still be eligible for FBR. Irish citizenship by descent is based on biological lineage, not legal parentage.

However, you’ll need to provide:

  • Your original birth certificate (showing biological parents)
  • Adoption order/decree
  • Evidence of biological grandparent’s Irish birth

Adopted persons may face additional challenges in obtaining biological family records. Consider engaging a genealogist or adoption search service if you need help locating these documents.

Required Documents Checklist

Document preparation is where FBR applications succeed or fail. The Department of Foreign Affairs requires specific documents in specific formats—original certificates, proper certifications, and witnessed signatures. Here’s the complete checklist.

Documents for Your Irish-Born Grandparent

These documents establish the foundation of your claim—proof that your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland.

  1. Original Civil Birth Certificate

    • Must be the long-form version showing parents’ details
    • Must be a civil certificate (not a church baptismal record)
    • For Republic of Ireland: Order from General Register Office (GRO)
    • For Northern Ireland: Order from GRONI

  2. Original Civil Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

    • If your grandparent’s name changed through marriage
    • Establishes the connection to their children

  3. Death Certificate (if applicable)

    • May be requested for deceased grandparents
    • Helps verify identity and family connections

:::tip[Long-Form Birth Certificates Only] The Department explicitly requires “the full, long form (i.e. showing the names of the parents of the child) Irish birth certificate.” Short-form certificates without parental details will be rejected.

When ordering from the GRO, specify you need a “full birth certificate” or “long-form birth certificate” for citizenship purposes. :::

Documents for Your Parent

These documents prove the connection between your Irish-born grandparent and you through your parent.

  1. Original Civil Birth Certificate

    • Long-form showing parents’ names (your grandparents)
    • Must match the names on your grandparent’s marriage certificate

  2. Original Civil Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

    • If your parent’s name changed through marriage
    • Connects your parent to you through your birth certificate

  3. FBR Certificate (if applicable)

    • Only for great-grandparent claims where parent was previously registered
    • Proves the unbroken chain of citizenship

Documents for You (The Applicant)

  1. Original Civil Birth Certificate

    • Long-form showing parents’ names
    • This is YOUR birth certificate, not the Irish ancestor’s

  2. Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Document (if applicable)

    • If your name has changed since birth
    • Deed poll, divorce decree, or other legal name change documents

  3. Certified Photocopy of Current Photographic ID

    • Passport, driver’s license, or national identity card
    • Must be certified as a “true copy of the original” by your witness

  4. Four Passport-Sized Photographs

    • 35mm x 45mm, recent, white background
    • Two must be signed and dated by your witness

Witness Requirements

Your application must be witnessed by someone who knows you personally. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs:

  • The witness must be a professional (doctor, lawyer, police officer, notary, etc.)
  • The witness must NOT be a relative
  • The witness should use their official stamp on the form
  • If no official stamp, include the witness’s business card

The witness must:

  • Sign two of your passport photographs
  • Witness you signing Section D of your application form
  • Certify the photocopy of your ID as a true copy
  • Provide their professional contact details

:::warning[Common Witness Mistakes] Applications are frequently returned because of witness errors. According to Irish Citizenship Assistance: “Once you have completed and submitted the online application, you must ensure that your passport photos have been witnessed, otherwise the application will be rejected and returned to you.” :::

Document Certification and Format

Original documents only: Photocopies are not accepted (except for your ID, which must be a certified photocopy).

Civil certificates only: Church baptismal records, commemorative certificates, or family Bible entries are not accepted. You need official civil registration certificates.

All documents are returned: According to the Department: “At the end of the process all your original certificates will be returned to the address on your application form.”

Step-by-Step Application Process

The FBR application is entirely online, but requires physical documents to be mailed. Here’s the complete process from start to certificate.

Phase 1: Research and Document Gathering (2-8 Weeks)

  1. Verify Your Eligibility

    • Confirm your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland
    • Map out your family tree to identify required documents
    • Check for any name changes through marriage or other means

  2. Obtain Irish Ancestor’s Birth Certificate

    • Search free indexes at IrishGenealogy.ie
    • Order from GRO (Republic) or GRONI (Northern Ireland)
    • Cost: €20 for certified copy from Irish GRO
    • Timeline: 5-10 business days

  3. Gather Supporting Certificates

    • Your birth certificate (long-form)
    • Parent’s birth certificate (long-form)
    • Marriage certificates for any name changes
    • Order from relevant civil registration offices in your country

  4. Prepare Photographs and ID

    • Get passport-quality photos
    • Ensure your ID is current and valid

Phase 2: Online Application (1-2 Days)

  1. Create Account at fbr.dfa.ie

    • Visit the official portal: fbr.dfa.ie
    • Register with email address
    • Verify your email

  2. Complete Online Application Form

    • Enter your personal details
    • Enter details of your Irish ancestor
    • Enter details of your parent (the connecting link)
    • Upload document scans where requested

  3. Pay Application Fee

    • €278 for adults (18+)
    • €153 for children (under 18)
    • Fee includes return postage for your certificates
    • Payment by credit/debit card

  4. Print Application Summary

    • The system generates a PDF to print
    • This is the form that must be witnessed and signed

Phase 3: Witnessing and Mailing (1-2 Weeks)

  1. Have Application Witnessed

    • Meet with your professional witness
    • Sign Section D in front of them
    • Have them sign and date two photographs
    • Have them certify your ID photocopy
    • Ensure they stamp the form (or include their business card)

  2. Compile Your Document Package

    • Printed, witnessed application form
    • All original certificates (grandparent’s, parent’s, yours)
    • Four photographs (two witnessed)
    • Certified ID photocopy

  3. Mail to Dublin

    • Send via registered/tracked mail for security
    • Address: Passport Service, PO Box 12980, Dublin 2, Ireland
    • Keep proof of posting

:::tip[Do NOT Include Passport Application] Do not include a passport application with your FBR documents. According to the Department: “You should not include passport applications in the envelope with a Foreign Births Registration application as these applications are not processed in the same office.”

Wait until your FBR is approved before applying for your Irish passport separately. :::

Phase 4: Processing (Approximately 9 Months)

  1. Application Received

    • You’ll receive confirmation of receipt
    • Your application enters the processing queue

  2. Document Review

    • Officials verify all documents
    • They may request additional documents if needed
    • Applications requiring additional documents take longer

  3. Decision

    • If approved, you’re entered on the Foreign Births Register
    • You receive your Foreign Birth Registration Certificate
    • All original documents returned

Phase 5: After Approval

  1. Receive Your FBR Certificate

    • Mailed to your address on the application
    • This is your proof of Irish citizenship
    • Keep it safe—you’ll need it for passport applications

  2. Apply for Irish Passport

    • Now you can apply at Passport Online
    • Include your FBR Certificate as proof of citizenship
    • First passport typically takes 8-10 weeks

Timeline & Costs

Realistic Timeline

PhaseDurationNotes
Document Gathering2-8 weeksDepends on ancestor research needs
Online Application1-2 daysForm completion and payment
Witnessing1 weekSchedule with professional witness
Mailing1-2 weeksInternational post to Dublin
FBR Processing~9 monthsFrom receipt of complete documents
Passport Application8-10 weeksAfter FBR approval

Total: 11-15 months from start to Irish passport in hand

According to Berkeley Solicitors: “The time taken to process Foreign Birth Registration has decreased from over two and a half years in 2023 to approximately nine months currently. This improvement is a result of the investment of significant extra resources to the FBR Unit over the past two years.”

:::info[Processing Time Calculated From Complete Documents] The 9-month estimate starts when the Passport Service receives all required supporting documents—not from when you submit the online application. If your application is incomplete, the clock doesn’t start until you provide the missing items. :::

Complete Cost Breakdown

ExpenseCost (EUR)Cost (USD)
Government Fees
FBR Application (adult)€278~$300
FBR Application (child)€153~$165
Irish Passport (after FBR)€80-100~$87-109
Document Costs
Irish birth certificate (GRO)€20~$22
Your birth certificateVaries$15-50
Parent’s birth certificateVaries$15-50
Marriage certificates (if needed)Varies$15-50 each
Passport photos€10-20~$11-22
Mailing/Admin
Registered international post€30-60~$33-65
Optional Services
Genealogist assistance€200-1,000+~$220-1,090+
Immigration solicitor€500-2,000+~$545-2,180+

Budget Summary:

  • DIY Minimum: €350-450 (~$380-490)
  • Including Passport: €450-550 (~$490-600)
  • With Professional Help: €1,000-3,000+ (~$1,090-3,270+)

Common Mistakes That Delay FBR Applications

FBR applications are frequently delayed or returned due to avoidable errors. Learn from others’ mistakes to ensure your application moves through smoothly.

1. Submitting Short-Form Birth Certificates

The most common error. According to McGrath Mullan Solicitors: “Incomplete applications and not submitting the correct documentation that prove your direct line of descent to your ancestor will mean your application is denied.”

The fix: Every birth certificate must be the long-form version showing parents’ names, dates, and places of birth. Wallet-sized cards or certificates without parental details won’t be accepted.

2. Missing or Improper Witness Signatures

Photographs not signed, forms not witnessed, or witnesses who don’t meet the professional requirement.

The fix: Use a professional witness (doctor, lawyer, notary, police officer). Have them sign two photos and witness your form signature. Include their stamp or business card.

3. Name Discrepancies Across Documents

Your grandmother’s birth certificate says “Mary O’Brien,” her marriage certificate says “Mary O’Brian,” and your parent’s birth certificate says “Mary Bryan.” These inconsistencies raise red flags.

The fix: Include explanatory documents for any name changes. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, deed polls, or a statutory declaration explaining common name variations (especially Irish names with variable spellings).

4. Not Understanding the Generational Chain

Applying based on a great-grandparent without an unbroken registration chain. Or misunderstanding that your parent being “eligible” for Irish citizenship doesn’t make them (or you) Irish—they need to have actually registered.

The fix: Map your family tree carefully. For great-grandparent claims, verify that your parent was registered BEFORE you were born.

5. Sending Church Records Instead of Civil Certificates

Baptismal certificates from the local parish are not the same as civil birth certificates. Ireland requires official civil registration documents.

The fix: Order certificates from the General Register Office (GRO), not from churches. Civil registration in Ireland began in 1864 for all births (1845 for non-Catholic marriages).

6. Not Including All Required Documents

Submitting incomplete packages delays processing significantly. According to parliamentary records: “Applications which require further supporting documents will take longer to process.”

The fix: Use a checklist. Double-check before mailing. Consider having someone review your package.

7. Applying at Wrong Time (Expectant Parents)

Waiting until after your child is born to apply means your child won’t be eligible for FBR.

The fix: If you’re pregnant or planning children, apply NOW. If already pregnant, request urgent processing.

8. Photocopies Instead of Originals

Sending photocopies of certificates instead of originals.

The fix: Only originals are accepted (except for your ID, which should be a certified photocopy). Your originals will be returned after processing.

Finding Irish Records: A Genealogy Primer

Before you can apply for FBR, you need to prove your Irish ancestor existed and was born in Ireland. Here’s how to find the records you need.

The General Register Office (GRO)

The General Register Office (Oifig An Ard-Chláraitheora) is Ireland’s central repository for civil records.

  • Births: Registered from 1864
  • Deaths: Registered from 1864
  • Marriages: All marriages from 1864, non-Catholic marriages from 1845
  • Location: Government Offices, Convent Road, Roscommon

Ordering certificates: €20 for a certified copy, €5 for an uncertified copy. Order online at Order a Certificate.

Free Online Search Tools

Before ordering certificates, search free indexes to find your ancestor:

:::info[Data Protection Restrictions] According to IrishGenealogy.ie: “Due to data protection, birth records are only accessible when over 100 years old, marriage records when over 75 years old, and death records when over 50 years old.”

For more recent records (e.g., your grandparent born in 1940), you’ll need to order directly from the GRO rather than viewing online. :::

When You Can’t Find Records

If your ancestor was born before 1864 (pre-civil registration) or records are missing/damaged, you’ll face additional challenges:

  • Church records: Baptismal records predate civil registration but aren’t accepted for FBR (though they can help identify when to search civil records)
  • Census records: Irish census returns (1901, 1911) can help locate families
  • Passenger lists: If your ancestor emigrated, ship manifests often list birthplace
  • Professional genealogists: Consider hiring help for difficult cases

Northern Ireland Records

For ancestors born in Northern Ireland, use different resources:

Professional Help

Several organizations specialize in Irish genealogy and FBR assistance:

After FBR: Getting Your Irish Passport

Once your FBR is approved and you receive your Foreign Birth Registration Certificate, you’re an Irish citizen. The next step: getting your Irish passport.

You’re Now Irish

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs: “Once a person is entered onto the Foreign Births Register they are an Irish citizen and entitled to apply for an Irish passport.”

Your FBR Certificate is your proof of citizenship. Treat it like a vital document—store it safely and make copies.

First Irish Passport Application

Apply through Passport Online—the quickest method for first-time applicants.

Required documents:

  • Foreign Birth Registration Certificate
  • Current photographic ID (e.g., your existing passport)
  • Passport photos (digital upload)
  • Payment (€80-100 depending on passport type)

Processing time: 8-10 weeks for first-time applicants born abroad.

:::warning[Submit FBR and Passport Separately] Do not include your passport application with your FBR documents. They’re processed by different offices. Wait until you receive your FBR Certificate, then apply for your passport separately. :::

Passport Validity and Renewals

  • Adult passport: Valid for 10 years
  • Child passport: Valid for 5 years
  • Renewals: Straightforward online process once you have your first passport

Benefits of Irish Citizenship

Why go through the FBR process? Because Irish citizenship opens doors that few other citizenships can match.

EU Citizenship

According to the European Commission: “Irish nationals automatically enjoy EU citizenship and benefit from important rights under EU law.”

As an Irish citizen, you can:

  • Live in any of 27 EU member states—no visa required
  • Work anywhere in the EU without permits
  • Study at EU universities with domestic tuition rates
  • Access healthcare across the EU with European Health Insurance Card
  • Vote in European Parliament elections
  • Own property without restrictions

Passport Power

The Irish passport consistently ranks among the world’s strongest. According to Immigrant Invest: “Ireland ranked number one in 2025 thanks to its extensive visa-free travel. Irish citizens enjoy access to 176 destinations—either visa-free, through a visa on arrival, or via an electronic visa.”

Key travel benefits:

  • Visa-free access to most of the world
  • Faster immigration lines at many airports
  • Easier access to UK (Common Travel Area continues post-Brexit)
  • Stronger consular protection when traveling

Dual Citizenship Allowed

According to Irish Immigration: “Ireland allows dual citizenship, which means that you can obtain Irish citizenship without losing the citizenship of your home country.”

This is crucial for Americans, Brits, Canadians, and others. You don’t have to choose—you keep your existing citizenship AND gain Irish citizenship.

  • USA: Allows dual citizenship
  • UK: Allows dual citizenship
  • Canada: Allows dual citizenship
  • Australia: Allows dual citizenship (since 2002)

:::tip[Check Your Home Country’s Rules] While Ireland allows dual citizenship, your home country may have restrictions. Most Western democracies permit it, but some countries (Japan, China, India, etc.) do not. Check your home country’s laws before proceeding. :::

Post-Brexit Benefits

For those with British connections, Irish citizenship restores EU rights lost through Brexit:

  • Freedom to live and work in EU countries
  • Use EU/EEA passport lanes at airports
  • Avoid future UK visa requirements for EU travel
  • Access to EU consular assistance worldwide

Passing Citizenship to Future Generations

Once you’re registered, your children (born after your registration) will be eligible for Irish citizenship. This is the gift that keeps giving—securing EU citizenship for your descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility Questions

My grandparent was born in Northern Ireland. Does that count?

Yes. The “island of Ireland” includes both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. A grandparent born in Belfast, Derry, or anywhere in NI qualifies you for FBR.

Can I apply if my great-grandparent was born in Ireland?

Only if your parent was registered on the Foreign Births Register before you were born. If not, the standard FBR route isn’t available. You might qualify for citizenship by association (Section 16), but that requires living in Ireland.

Both my grandparents were Irish. Does that help?

You only need one Irish-born grandparent. Having two doesn’t change the process or speed it up—but it does mean you have backup documentation if one line’s records are problematic.

My grandmother was Irish but I only have her married name. Can I still apply?

Yes, but you’ll need her marriage certificate to document the name change. Search Irish records under both her maiden name and married name.

I was adopted. Am I eligible?

If your biological grandparent was born in Ireland, yes. You’ll need documentation of your biological lineage (original birth certificate) plus adoption records.

Process Questions

How long does FBR take?

Currently about 9 months from when the Passport Service receives your complete documentation. This has improved significantly from 2+ years in 2023.

Can I apply online?

The application starts online at fbr.dfa.ie, but you must mail original documents to Dublin. It’s a hybrid process.

Will I get my original documents back?

Yes. All original certificates are returned to you after processing. They’re mailed with your FBR Certificate.

Can I apply for my children at the same time as myself?

You can submit applications simultaneously, but your children’s eligibility depends on YOUR registration being complete before their birth. If your children were born before you registered, they’re not eligible through FBR.

What if I can’t find my grandparent’s birth certificate?

Search the GRO indexes first (free at IrishGenealogy.ie). If records are missing, consider hiring a professional genealogist. In some cases, alternative evidence may be accepted—contact the Department for guidance.

After FBR Questions

Once approved, am I automatically Irish?

Yes. Entry on the Foreign Births Register makes you an Irish citizen with full rights. No further steps required for citizenship itself.

How quickly can I get my passport after FBR approval?

First-time passport applications for those born abroad typically take 8-10 weeks. Apply through Passport Online for fastest processing.

Do I have to live in Ireland?

No. FBR doesn’t require residency—before, during, or after. You can remain in your home country and simply enjoy the benefits of Irish citizenship when you choose to use them.

Will I have to pay Irish taxes?

Irish citizenship alone doesn’t create tax obligations. Tax residency is based on physical presence (183+ days in Ireland). If you live outside Ireland, you generally won’t owe Irish taxes.

Resources & Next Steps

Official Government Resources

Genealogy Resources

Professional Services

Community Resources

Get Personalized Guidance

Every FBR application is unique. Your family history, available documents, and specific circumstances all affect your path. Our AI assistant can help you:

  • Determine if you’re eligible for FBR
  • Map your generational chain
  • Create a customized document checklist
  • Navigate the application process step by step
  • Understand what to do if documents are missing

January 2026 Updates

  • Processing time: ~9 months (down from 2.5+ years in 2023)
  • Application fee: €278 adults, €153 children (unchanged)
  • Online portal: fbr.dfa.ie remains the only application method
  • Applications in system: ~45,000 (36,000 processing, 9,000 awaiting docs)
  • Irish passport ranking: #1 globally for 2025

:::tip[Start Now, Benefit for Generations] If you’re eligible for FBR, there’s no reason to wait. Processing times have improved dramatically, and once you’re registered, your future children will be eligible too.

Irish citizenship is a gift that keeps giving—EU rights, one of the world’s strongest passports, and a connection to your heritage that you can pass down to future generations. :::

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Always verify requirements with official government sources or consult a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.