I have an Irish grandparent. Can I get an Irish passport?

If you have an Irish grandparent, you may be eligible for an Irish passport through the process of citizenship by descent. 

Who is eligible for Irish citizenship by descent?

You could apply via this route if one of your parents or grandparents were Irish citizens, even if you weren’t born in Ireland or spent time there. This blog will concentrate on obtaining Irish citizenship through a grandparent, as this tends to be the more challenging and lengthier process. 

What is the process?

To be eligible for an Irish passport through a grandparent, you must first register yourself on the Foreign Births Register. You will need to provide documents relating to your birth, including an original birth certificate, identity documents and proof of address. 

In addition to this, you need to show proof of your parent and grandparents’ Irish citizenship. These include original birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates and certified copies of passports. 

Once you have obtained all the necessary documentation, you can apply to the Foreign Births Register by completing the online form through the Department of Foreign Affairs website. The application costs €278 for adults and €153 for children.

How long does the foreign birth registration take?

The application can currently take up to 2 years to be processed.

What is the next step?

Once you have been officially entered into the Foreign Births Register and have received your certificate, you are able to apply for an Irish passport (provided you can meet all further requirements).

What are the benefits of an Irish passport?

If your application is successful, you will be issued an Irish passport and can enjoy all the benefits of Irish citizenship. This includes the ability to work and live in Ireland and access to Irish healthcare and education. Additionally, Irish passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 147 countries and can live and work unrestrictedly in any of the 27 EU countries.

Updated November 2024

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2023