Claiming Irish Citizenship Through Ancestry in 2025
Interest in Irish citizenship continues to rise in 2025, especially among applicants from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other parts of the world. While current global events play a role, many individuals are motivated by a personal connection to Ireland—whether cultural, ancestral or economic. Irish citizenship also offers significant practical benefits, making the process particularly appealing for those who qualify through descent.
The Irish passport remains among the strongest globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. Citizens also enjoy the right to live, work, study and conduct business freely throughout the European Union and the United Kingdom. In many cases, these rights can be passed on to future generations, making foreign birth registration a powerful pathway to long-term family benefits.
Who Qualifies for Irish Citizenship by Descent?
Irish nationality law allows individuals to claim citizenship through parents, grandparents or—under specific conditions—great-grandparents born on the island of Ireland.
1. Parent Born in Ireland
If a person has at least one parent born on the island of Ireland, they are automatically considered an Irish citizen.
Process: They may apply directly for an Irish passport through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) without needing to register their birth.
2. Grandparent Born in Ireland
If an individual has an Irish-born grandparent, they are eligible to claim citizenship through the Foreign Births Register (FBR).
Process: The applicant completes the FBR application and submits all required supporting documents. Once registered, they become an Irish citizen and may apply for an Irish passport.
3. Great-Grandparent Born in Ireland
A claim based on a great-grandparent is possible only if the parent through whom the applicant is claiming was already registered on the Foreign Births Register before the applicant was born.
Process: Once this requirement is confirmed, the applicant can submit their FBR application similarly to grandparent-based claims.
The Foreign Birth Registration Process
Foreign birth registration applications are reviewed in the order they are received. However, the DFA allows applicants to request urgent processing if they are expecting a child and citizenship would not otherwise pass to that child unless the parent is registered beforehand.
If a foreign birth registration certificate is ever lost or stolen, it may be reissued by submitting a reissue request. Should an application be refused, applicants have the right to appeal within six weeks of the refusal date.
Processing Times in 2025
Processing times have improved significantly over the past few years. While applicants in 2022 often waited more than 12 months, the average processing time in 2025 is approximately 9–10 months from document submission.
The DFA has plans to modernize and upgrade the core technology behind foreign birth registration and passport services. These improvements are expected to enhance efficiency and reduce delays, although the timeline for full implementation remains ongoing.
Main Challenges Applicants May Face
While many individuals successfully obtain citizenship through descent, several common challenges exist:
1. No Search Function for the Register
There is currently no searchable Foreign Births Register. Families must keep their own documentation for future descendants who may later claim citizenship.
2. Complex and Multijurisdictional Documentation
Collecting birth, marriage, and identity documents across multiple generations—and often from multiple countries—can be time-consuming. Missing or inconsistent documents are among the most frequent causes of delay.
3. Lengthy, Paper-Heavy Process
The application requires precision, certified documents and careful preparation. Even small errors can result in delays or requests for further information.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Powerful Passport: Enjoy visa-free access to 180+ countries.
- EU and UK Mobility: Full rights to live, work, study and do business across the European Union and the United Kingdom.
- Generational Benefits: Citizenship can be passed down, securing opportunities for children and grandchildren.
- Heritage Connection: Allows individuals to formally reconnect with their Irish ancestry.
- Improving Processing Times: Applications are now faster than in previous years.
Cons
- Lengthy Process: Even with improvements, the process typically takes close to a year.
- Complex Documentation: Gathering multi-country, multi-generation records can be challenging.
- Limited DFA Communication: Applicants may experience difficulty obtaining updates or direct responses.
- Strict Rules for Great-Grandparent Claims: Eligibility depends on prior registration of the intermediate generation.