A lot of people have been asking about my journey to Irish citizenship by descent, so I’m sharing the full story, delays, confusion, Reddit rabbit holes and all. Because if you’re even thinking about applying, the time to start is now.
Applications for Irish citizenship by descent are hitting their highest levels since records began. Other countries, like Italy, have started tightening their ancestry citizenship rules.
Nobody knows what is in store for the future, which is why I always say that if you’re eligible, don’t wait. With changing rules and long wait times, the sooner, the better.
If you’re eligible, it can be life-changing. But the process? It’s far from simple. I’m now an Irish Citizen, and I’m excited to help others navigate this process. This info for applying for Irish Citizenship by descent will really come in handy when you start your application!
Who’s actually eligible for Irish citizenship by descent?
Ireland has one of the more generous ancestry laws out there. There are three main paths for Irish citizenship eligibility:
There is the obvious option: Your parent was born in Ireland. If your parent was born on the island of Ireland, you’re already an Irish citizen. This also means you don’t need to do Foreign Birth Registration and can typically apply right away for an Irish passport.
Another popular option is if your grandparent was born in Ireland. In this case, you may qualify if you apply through Foreign Birth Registration. This is the most common option for people who know about Irish citizenship by descent.
That last option is the least-known eligibility path: where you’re eligible if your parent secured their citizenship before your birth.
To be more specific, your parent needs to be registered as an Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration before you were born. This is one of the only cases where you will qualify if your great-grandparent was the last descendent to be born in Ireland.
Keep in mind, this option is only a possibility if your parent was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth. If not, you are not eligible.
The same rule applies to you if you have kids, you would need to be an Irish citizen at the time of their birth to pass it down.
It’s a bit of a loophole, and who knows how long Ireland will keep the process this open. Especially since Brexit, more people than ever are applying to gain access to the EU. It’s a good idea to lock it in now, while you still can.
At the time of my writing, there are no funky rules about living on the island, enlisting, or anything else that is going to complicate the process. There is currently no language test, no residency requirement, and you aren’t even required to visit the island before applying.
Important note: I’m not a lawyer, immigration consultant, or legal service. Everything in this article is based on my personal experience. Always verify current requirements directly with the Irish government before applying.
For more information on eligibility, check out my free quiz to see if you’re eligible.
Why I thought getting Irish Citizenship would be simple (and why I was so wrong)
Like most people, I figured I could piece the process together from Reddit, TripAdvisor forums, and the official government site. But the reality is: there’s not a lot of clear, current, or country-specific guidance out there.
So I guessed. And I made mistakes.
In my case, I only found out that I qualified through a random conversation with my dad. He had registered as an Irish citizen years earlier and forgot about it. Thankfully his registration happened before I was born, which meant I qualified too.
I thought I had everything lined up. I sent in my application in May 2023 with all the necessary documents: my birth certificate, my dad’s birth certificate, his Irish citizenship info, passport photos, notarized forms. I even applied with my sister.
A few months later, I got a letter: I’d submitted the wrong version of my dad’s birth certificate. I sent the short form. What they needed was the long form that includes his parents’ names and the attending doctor.
That single mistake? It cost me almost an entire year.
Even worse, it wasn’t supposed to affect my place in the processing queue, but there was no way to get a straight answer from the consulate. I reached out multiple times. Nothing. No updated timeline. No guidance.
My application took a total of 17 months from submission to approval… and that was 3 years ago, before it got as busy as it is now..
How do you apply for Irish Citizenship by descent
After nearly two years of confusion, delays, and trial-and-error, I decided to create the resource I wished existed when I started.
I put together a 45-page step-by-step guide called “How to Apply for Irish Citizenship by Descent” based on my own successful Foreign Birth Registration application. It includes seven video walkthroughs, a free application checklist, and direct email access to me if you get stuck.
The goal isn’t to replace the official government instructions, but rather to help you avoid the mistakes, delays, and confusion that aren’t always obvious when you’re applying on your own.
If you’re someone who:
- Has a parent or grandparent born in Ireland
- Has a parent who gained Irish citizenship before you were born
- Thinks you might be eligible but aren’t sure where to begin
The guide will walk you through the entire process. From required documents to where to find ancestral documents to timelines, and the common mistakes that you can easily avoid with the right information.
I’ll also give you direct access to me if you grab the guide. Seriously, if you get stuck or have a question that isn’t covered, just message me and I’ll do everything I can to help.
Because no one should have to waste two years figuring this out like I did.
What the process looks like (at a high level)
If you’re eligible, the process is actually super straightforward on paper:
- Submit your Foreign Births Registration application online
- Pay the €278 application fee
- Gather and certify your required documents
- Mail everything to Dublin
- Wait for approval, which typically takes 12 months (according to current wait times)
Unfortunately, simple doesn’t always mean easy. Small mistakes in documents, notaries, or payment can add months to your timeline. I cover the most common issues in detail inside my guide.
Don’t just get the passport, go see the island
One thing I feel strongly about: If you’re going to claim Irish citizenship, go experience Ireland.
There’s so much more to it than having an extra passport. Ireland is a place that gets under your skin in the best way. The landscapes, the warmth of the people, the sense of connection, it’s something you can’t get from a document.
And if you’re worried about cost, I’ve got you covered. I wrote a full article on how to experience Ireland without overspending, packed with local tips, hidden gems, and affordable ways to make the most of your visit. You don’t need to drop thousands to fall in love with the place.
Read how to visit Ireland without breaking the bank
If you’re even considering applying, start now. The process isn’t fast, and it definitely isn’t simple, but it’s worth it.
Irish citizenship by descent can give you access to an Irish passport, dual citizenship with Ireland, and the chance to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU or the UK.
You’ll be giving yourself (and possibly your future children) access to the EU AND the UK, and a connection to something deeper than paperwork.
Wishing you the best of luck with your application.
