Born on the island of Ireland

• On or before 31 Dec 2004: You are (or are entitled to be) an Irish citizen.
• On/after 1 Jan 2005: You are an Irish citizen if at least one parent at the time of your birth was:
  • Irish, or British/entitled to reside in Ireland or Northern Ireland without restriction, or
  • Irish, or British/entitled to reside in Ireland or Northern Ireland without restriction, or
  • A foreign national legally resident in Ireland for 3 of the 4 years immediately before your birth.

Born outside Ireland (by descent)

• If a parent was born in Ireland, you are automatically Irish (no registration needed). can become Irish by registering in the Foreign Births Register (FBR). Tip: A parent must be on the FBR before their child is born to pass citizenship automatically to that child.
• If a parent was an Irish citizen but not born in Ireland, or a grandparent was born in Ireland, you are automatically Irish (no registration needed).
• If a parent was an Irish citizen but not born in Ireland, or a grandparent was born in Ireland, you can become Irish by registering in the Foreign Births Register (FBR).

Tip: A parent must be on the FBR before their child is born to pass citizenship automatically to that child.

Naturalization

If you’re not Irish by birth/descent

• Standard route: 5 years of legal residence (including 1 continuous year immediately before applying), good character, intend to reside, attend ceremony.
  Spouse/Civil partner of Irish citizen: Married/in a civil partnership ≥ 3 years, living together, and 3 of the previous 5 years of legal residence in Ireland (including 1 continuous year immediately before applying).
• Recognized refugees: Eligible after 3 years’ residence (special ID provisions apply).
• Minors: Parents/guardians can apply; special provisions exist for Irish descent/associations and for children born in Ireland who didn’t acquire citizenship at birth once residence conditions are met.

Official Links

Embassy’s & Government‘s

• Embassy of Ireland (USA) · Citizenship overview
• Embassy (USA) · Born outside Ireland
• DFA · Born abroad (Foreign Births Register)
• Check if you are an Irish citizen (Birth/Descent)
• Begin Foreign Births Registration (FBR) application
• Naturalisation Residency Calculator
• Eligibility Guide (PDF)
• Citizenship Guidance (PDF)

Always follow the documents requested by the Embassy/DFA or Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) for your specific case.