Citizenship by Descent (Irish Parent or Grandparent)

If you were born outside of Ireland to a parent who was born on the island of Ireland, you are automatically an Irish citizen. You do not need to apply for a citizenship certificate; you can skip the registration process and apply directly for an Irish passport.

However, if you are claiming citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland (or through a parent who was also born abroad but registered as a citizen before you were born), you must apply for the Foreign Births Register (FBR). You only become an Irish citizen on the date your name is entered into this register.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Ireland requires original long-form civil certificates. Hospital-issued or "short" certificates are not accepted. You will need:

• For You: Your original civil birth certificate, a marriage certificate (if you changed your name), a certified photocopy of your current ID (Passport or Driver's License), and two proofs of address (utility bill or bank statement) issued within the last 6 months.
• For the Irish-Born Grandparent: Their original civil birth certificate (ordered from the HSE or GRONI), plus their original marriage, divorce, or death certificates as applicable.
• For the Parent (the link): Their original civil birth certificate, marriage certificate, and either a certified photocopy of their current ID or their original death certificate.

Note: Any document not in English or Irish must include a certified translation.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website to fill out the FBR online application form. At the end of the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee via credit or debit card.

Step 3: Witnessing

Print your completed application form. You must take the form and two passport-sized photos to an approved witness (such as a doctor, lawyer, or police officer). The witness must sign the application form and the back of your photos. They must be currently practicing and provide a work landline number, as the DFA often calls to verify their identity.

Step 4: Mail the Application Pack

Send your signed form, two signed photos, and all original documents to the FBR office in Balbriggan, Dublin. The exact mailing address will be provided on your printed application form. It is highly recommended to use a tracked or registered mail service.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Foreign Birth Registration and your original documents will be returned to you via registered post. You can then use this certificate to apply for your Irish passport.

Item	Cost
Adult Registration Fee (Ages 18+)	€270
Minor Registration Fee (Under 18)	€145
Postage and Handling	€8

Total Estimate: €278 for adults; €153 for minors. Does not include: Costs for ordering original vital records, professional translation services, or postage fees to mail the application to Ireland.

• Foreign Births Register (FBR): Approximately 9 months from the date your physical documents are received in Dublin.
• Document Validity: Proof of address documents (utility bills/bank statements) must be no older than 6 months at the time of submission.
• Passport Application: Once you receive your FBR certificate, a separate passport application typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on current demand.

Note: If the DFA requests additional documents because your file is incomplete, the processing "clock" may restart, leading to significant delays.