Ireland citizenship by descent — FAQ
Common questions about claiming Ireland citizenship through ancestry.
- Who qualifies for Ireland citizenship by descent?
- Eligibility runs through the Foreign Birth Registration + passport-direct pathway and depends on your specific line of descent — which ancestor was a citizen, when, and whether the chain was ever broken by naturalization or other events. Run the free eligibility check for a personalized answer.
- Which authority decides Ireland citizenship cases?
- Dept. of Foreign Affairs. EasyPassport is not affiliated with them; we help you organize and verify, and you submit to the authority directly.
- How long does it take?
- Timelines vary widely by route and backlog and are outside any service's control. Treat published averages as estimates and confirm current waits with the authority.
- Do I need to upload my passport or ID?
- No. EasyPassport never stores passports or government IDs — it's a checklist and organization tool, not a document vault.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. We use “may qualify” language because the authority makes the final determination. For an individualized opinion, consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Will claiming citizenship by descent affect my current citizenship?
- These countries allow dual citizenship, so claiming by descent does not require giving up your existing nationality. Check your own country's rules too — a few nations restrict dual citizenship on their side.
- Does my parent need to be registered for me to claim through an Irish grandparent?
- No. You can register on the Foreign Births Register directly through your Irish-born grandparent, even if your parent never registered.
- My grandparent was born in Northern Ireland — do I qualify?
- Yes. For Irish citizenship, 'Ireland' means the whole island, so a grandparent born in Northern Ireland counts exactly like one born in the Republic.
- When does Irish citizenship by descent take effect?
- From the date of your Foreign Birth Registration, not retroactively from birth — so to pass it to your own children, you must be registered (or hold your passport) before they're born.
- What does Irish citizenship by descent cost?
- Typically $500–$900. The Foreign Birth Registration fee is €278 for adults (€153 for minors), non-refundable and per person; Irish GRO/GRONI records need no apostille.
See if you qualify for Ireland citizenship
Check your eligibility — freeNot affiliated with Dept. of Foreign Affairs or any government. A document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.