Irish Citizenship
Irish Citizenship Guide

Claim Your Irish
Citizenship Today

Discover if you're eligible for Irish citizenship through your grandparents or great-grandparents. Unlock EU citizenship and all its incredible benefits.

Why Irish Citizenship is a Game-Changer

Irish citizenship isn't just a passport—it's your gateway to living, working, and thriving anywhere in the European Union

Live Anywhere in the EU

Automatic right to live, work, and study in all 27 EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland

Visa-Free Travel

Access to 188+ countries without a visa, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan

Career Opportunities

Work for any company in Europe without sponsorship. Access to EU job markets worth trillions

Healthcare Access

Qualify for healthcare in any EU country. Emergency care covered across Europe

Education Benefits

EU tuition rates at universities. Access to world-class education at a fraction of US costs

Dual Citizenship

Keep your US citizenship. Ireland allows dual nationality with no restrictions

Ready to Claim Your Irish Heritage?

Start your journey to Irish citizenship today. We'll help you navigate the entire process.

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Most Popular Path to Irish Citizenship

The Grandparent Rule:
Your Fast Track to Irish Citizenship

If you have an Irish-born grandparent, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration. This is the easiest and fastest way for Americans to claim Irish citizenship.

Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) - The Grandparent Rule

This is the most common and straightforward path for Americans with Irish heritage. If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you can register as an Irish citizen.

You're Eligible If:

Your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland)

Your parent was registered in the Foreign Births Register BEFORE you were born

OR you were born before January 1, 2005 (automatic eligibility)

You can provide documentation proving the family connection

Documents You'll Need:

Your birth certificate (long form)
Your parent's birth certificate
Your grandparent's Irish birth certificate
Your parent's marriage certificate
Your grandparent's marriage certificate
Proof of current address
Valid passport photos
Completed FBR application form

Application Timeline:

1
Gather Documents
2-4 weeks

Collect all required birth certificates and documents

2
Submit Application
1 day

Complete online application and pay €278 fee

3
Processing
12-18 months

Department of Foreign Affairs reviews your application

4
Receive Certificate
2-4 weeks

Get your Foreign Birth Registration certificate

5
Apply for Passport
4-6 weeks

Apply for your Irish passport

Total Cost Estimate:

Foreign Birth Registration Fee€278
Irish Birth Certificates (3-4 needed)$150-200
US Birth Certificates$50-100
Document Authentication/Apostille$100-200
Passport Application Fee€95
Professional Service (Optional)$500-1,500
Total Estimated Cost:$1,200 - $2,500

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Official Service Partner

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Official certificates from Irish General Register Office
Fast processing - typically 2-4 weeks
Expert support throughout the process
Secure online ordering and payment
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Irish citizenship

How long does the Foreign Birth Registration process take?

The current processing time is approximately 12-18 months from the date of application. However, gathering all required documents can take 2-4 weeks before you can submit your application.

Can I keep my US citizenship if I become an Irish citizen?

Yes! Ireland allows dual citizenship, and the United States does not require you to renounce your US citizenship when you acquire Irish citizenship. You can hold both passports.

Do I need to speak Irish (Gaelic) to become a citizen?

No, there is no language requirement for Irish citizenship through descent or Foreign Birth Registration. English is an official language of Ireland.

What if my grandparent was born in Northern Ireland?

People born in Northern Ireland are entitled to Irish citizenship, so if your grandparent was born anywhere on the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland), you may be eligible.

How much does it cost to get Irish citizenship?

The Foreign Birth Registration fee is €278. You'll also need to pay for birth certificates ($150-200), document authentication ($100-200), and eventually a passport (€95). Total cost is typically $1,200-2,500.

Can my children become Irish citizens too?

Yes! Once you are registered as an Irish citizen, your children can also claim citizenship through you. However, you must be registered BEFORE they are born for automatic eligibility.

What's the difference between citizenship and residency?

Citizenship gives you an Irish passport and full rights as an EU citizen. Residency just allows you to live in Ireland temporarily. Citizenship is permanent and can be passed to your children.

Do I need to live in Ireland to maintain citizenship?

No! Once you have Irish citizenship, it's yours for life. There's no residency requirement to maintain it, and you can live anywhere in the world.

Dublin Ireland

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Don't wait to claim your Irish heritage. Begin the process now and unlock all the benefits of EU citizenship.

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