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2 programs for Ireland. Explore the options and get an expert assessment.
Ireland offers one of the most accessible citizenship-by-descent routes. A person with an Irish-born parent is generally an Irish citizen automatically; a person with an Irish-born grandparent can become a citizen by registering in the Foreign Births Register, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs. No residence in Ireland is required.
Non-EEA nationals with enough reckonable residence can apply to the Minister for Justice for naturalisation, generally under the '5 in 9' rule: five years of reckonable residence in the last nine, including one year continuous immediately before applying. Ireland permits dual citizenship.
Yes. Spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens can apply under a shorter, dedicated route rather than the standard residence rule, provided they meet the relationship and residence conditions.
Approved applicants complete the process at a citizenship ceremony, where they make a declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State before formally becoming Irish citizens.
You generally need a period of reckonable residence in Ireland, which usually means around five years of lawful residence, including a continuous period immediately before you apply.
Processing of a complete application typically takes around nine months, and you become a citizen from the date of entry on the register.
Children do not become Irish automatically when a parent naturalises, but a naturalised citizen can pass citizenship to children and minor children can have their own applications made on their behalf.
Because citizenship passes only if the parent was already an Irish citizen at the time of the child's birth, registration is not retroactive.
Yes, but only children born after you are entered on the Foreign Births Register can apply through you.
Civil birth and marriage certificates linking the generations, plus proof of identity, are the core documents.
Take the assessment or ask Acey, our immigration assistant.
Citizenship — Ireland