Citizenship Through Great-Grandparent

Eligibility Quiz

Application Process

You can claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent via one of two routes: Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) if specific timing conditions are met, or citizenship by association through discretionary ministerial approval if you reside in Ireland. The FBR route is the primary pathway and can be completed entirely online and by post from anywhere in the world.

Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) Route

This is the main pathway for great-grandparent claims. You qualify only if your parent registered in the Foreign Births Register before you were born—citizenship is not retroactive. If your parent registered after your birth, you do not qualify through this route.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before investing time and money, verify that you meet all FBR criteria. You qualify if:

Your great-grandparent was born on the island of Ireland (Republic or Northern Ireland)
Your parent registered in the FBR between 17 July 1956 and 1 July 1986, OR if you were born after 1 July 1986, your parent was registered in the FBR at the time of your birth
Your parent was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth (not after)
Your parent obtained Irish citizenship because they had a grandparent who was an Irish citizen

Use the Department of Foreign Affairs eligibility questionnaire to confirm your eligibility. If you do not meet these criteria, skip to the citizenship by association route below.

Step 2: Obtain Original Civil Documents for Four Generations

You must gather original civil documents (not photocopies) for yourself, your parent, your grandparent, and your great-grandparent. This is the most time-consuming step.

For your great-grandparent (born in Ireland):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Certified photocopy of state-issued photo ID OR original civil death certificate (if deceased)

For your grandparent (child of the great-grandparent):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Certified photocopy of state-issued photo ID OR original civil death certificate (if deceased)

For your parent (the FBR registrant):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate (proof they registered before you were born)
Certified photocopy of state-issued photo ID OR original civil death certificate (if deceased)

For you (the applicant):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Certified photocopy of current state-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or national identity card)
2 separate original proofs of address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)

Obtaining Irish certificates: Order from the General Register Office, Dublin. Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks.

Obtaining foreign certificates: Contact the civil registration authority in the country where your ancestor was born. Processing times vary: US (2–8 weeks depending on state), UK (1–3 weeks), other countries (highly variable).

Special cases:

If your great-grandparent was adopted, provide the original adoption certificate and adoption order
If your great-grandparent was born before 1864 (when Irish civil registration began), a baptismal certificate may be accepted
If your parent acquired citizenship through naturalization or post-nuptial declaration, provide that document instead of an FBR certificate

Step 3: Certify Foreign Documents

All documents issued outside Ireland must be certified as true copies by a qualified professional:

The organization that issued the original document
A solicitor, barrister, notary, or commissioner of oaths
A post office service

The certifying person must write "Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me," sign and date the document, print their name and occupation, provide their address and telephone number, and attach their stamp/seal or professional register reference.

Step 4: Prepare Photographs

Obtain 4 colour passport-sized photographs (35mm × 45mm). Two of these must be signed and dated by your witness.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

Access the online FBR application form on the Department of Foreign Affairs website. The form will ask preliminary questions to confirm your eligibility before allowing you to proceed. Complete all fields carefully—incomplete applications are returned without processing.

Step 6: Arrange a Witness

Your application form must be witnessed by a qualified professional who knows you personally (not a relation). Acceptable witnesses include:

Garda Síochána/Police Officer
School Principal, Vice Principal, Teacher, School Secretary, Pre-school Manager, Montessori Teacher, or Lecturer
Member of Clergy
Medical Doctor, Nurse, Physiotherapist, Speech Therapist, Pharmacist, or Dentist
Lawyer, Notary Public, Commissioner for Oaths, or Peace Commissioner
Bank Manager, Assistant Bank Manager, Credit Union Manager, or Assistant Manager
Accountant, Elected Public Representative, Veterinary Surgeon, or Chartered Engineer

Meet with your witness to have them:

Sign and date your completed application form
Sign and date two of your four photographs
Certify a photocopy of your state-issued photo ID as a true copy
Stamp the form with their official stamp (or provide a business card if no stamp is available)

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee online when submitting your form. Payment must be made at the time of application. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Step 8: Post Your Application

Print your completed application form and post it via registered mail to the address printed on your form. Include:

Completed, signed, and witnessed application form
All original civil documents (birth, marriage, death certificates for all four generations)
4 colour passport-sized photographs (2 signed by witness)
Certified photocopy of your state-issued photo ID (certified by witness)
2 original proofs of address
Application checklist

Mailing addresses:

If applying from the US, Canada, Australia, or UK: Post to the PO Box address in Dublin specified on your form:
```
Foreign Births Registration Section
PO Box 13003
Balbriggan
Co. Dublin
Ireland
```
If applying from other countries: Post to the address specified on your form (typically your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate)

Do not send your application in person—the Department has no public office. Do not include a pre-paid return envelope; documents will be returned by recorded mail at no cost to you.

Step 9: Wait for Processing

Processing time is approximately 9 months from receipt of your complete application. Applications are processed in the order received. If you are an expectant parent and your child may be born before your application is processed, contact the Foreign Birth Registration Customer Service Hub immediately by phone (+353 1 568 3331) or webchat.

Step 10: Receive Your FBR Certificate and Documents

Once approved, you will receive your Foreign Birth Registration Certificate by recorded mail. Your Irish citizenship becomes effective from the date of registration, not from your birth date. All your original documents will be returned to you by recorded mail.

Step 11: Apply for an Irish Passport

With your FBR certificate, you can apply for an Irish passport. This is a separate application process with its own requirements and fees.

Citizenship by Association Route (Discretionary)

If you do not meet the FBR criteria, you may apply for Irish citizenship through "Irish associations" under Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. This is a discretionary pathway decided by the Minister for Justice and requires ministerial approval.

Eligibility requirements:

You must be 18 years of age or older
You must have at least 3 years of lawful residence in Ireland
You must be of "good character" (generally assessed via clean criminal record, National Vetting Bureau check, and/or Garda report)
You must intend to reside in Ireland or be the spouse/civil partner of an Irish citizen planning to reside in Ireland
You must demonstrate strong and meaningful connections to Ireland through cultural, educational, economic, or social involvement

Important caveat: The Minister's discretion is exercised "very rarely" for great-grandparent claims. This pathway is not a guaranteed right.

Step 1: Establish 3 Years of Lawful Residence in Ireland

You must have lived lawfully in Ireland for at least 3 years. This period is called "reckonable residence." Gather documentation proving your residence:

Tenancy agreements or property deeds
Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) in your name
Bank statements showing Irish address
Employment contracts or payslips
Educational enrollment documents
Garda registration documents (if applicable)

Step 2: Gather Family Documents

Obtain original civil birth, marriage, and death certificates for yourself, your parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent, following the same process as the FBR route (Step 2 above).

Step 3: Document Your Irish Associations and Connections

Compile evidence of your strong and meaningful connections to Ireland:

Documentation of visits to Ireland (holiday, study, or work)
Membership in Irish cultural organizations or clubs
Educational or employment connections to Ireland
Family correspondence or records demonstrating Irish ties
Evidence of participation in Irish cultural activities (language classes, sports clubs, cultural events)
Letters of support from Irish employers, educators, or community leaders

Step 4: Obtain a Clean Criminal Record Check

Request a National Vetting Bureau check and/or Garda report to demonstrate good character. Contact your local Garda station or apply online through the National Vetting Bureau.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

Access the citizenship by association application form on the Immigration Service Delivery website. Complete all fields carefully.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents (family documents, residence evidence, Irish connections documentation, criminal record check) to:

Citizenship Applications Registration Unit
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
PO Box 73
Tipperary Town
Ireland
E34 N566

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Processing time for citizenship by association applications is in excess of 30 months as of December 2025. This is significantly longer than FBR applications because they require ministerial discretion and detailed assessment.

Step 8: Await Ministerial Decision

The Minister for Justice will review your application and decide whether to approve your citizenship based on your Irish associations and connections. You will be notified by mail of the decision.

Fees

Item	Cost
FBR Registration + Certificate (Adult, 18+)	€270
FBR Registration + Certificate (Minor, under 18)	€145
FBR Postage and Handling (non-refundable)	€8
FBR Total (Adult)	€278
FBR Total (Minor)	€153

Payment method: Online at the time of application submission. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Additional costs not included in the above:

Obtaining civil certificates: €5–€30 per certificate depending on the country and ordering method
Certification of foreign documents: €10–€50 per document depending on the professional
Passport-sized photographs: €10–€20 for a set of 4
Registered mail postage: €10–€30 depending on destination country
Professional assistance (immigration lawyer or genealogist): €500–€3,000+ depending on complexity
Irish passport (once you become a citizen): €75 for a standard 10-year adult passport; €35 for a passport card; varies for children's passports

Processing Time

Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) Applications

Current processing time is approximately 9 months from receipt of a complete application. This timeline has been consistent since 2024.

Factors affecting processing speed:

Completeness of application: Incomplete applications are returned without processing, adding months to your timeline
Document quality: Illegible or poorly certified documents may require resubmission
Complexity of family history: Applications involving adoptions, name changes, or multiple jurisdictions take longer
Application volume: The Department processes applications in order received; high-volume periods cause delays

Important for expectant parents: If you are pregnant and your child may be born before your application is processed (9 months), mark this clearly on your application and contact the FBR Customer Service Hub immediately by phone (+353 1 568 3331) or webchat. The Department may be able to expedite your application.

Document validity periods:

Your FBR certificate is valid indefinitely once issued
Your Irish passport (once obtained) is valid for 10 years (for adults) or 5 years (for children under 3)

Citizenship by Association Applications

Processing time is in excess of 30 months as of December 2025. This is significantly longer than FBR applications because they require ministerial discretion and assessment against detailed guidelines.

Historical Processing Times

Post-Brexit surge (2020–2022): Processing times exceeded 12 months
COVID-19 backlog period (2020–2021): Processing times reached 18+ months
Current period (2024–2026): 9 months average for FBR; 30+ months for citizenship by association

As of March 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs reports no current backlog for FBR applications, but processing times remain at approximately 9 months.

Eligibility Quiz

What's Happening

Today

Direct citizenship by descent through a great-grandparent is not automatically available unless the intermediate generation registered on the Foreign Births Register before your birth; most applicants with only a great-grandparent connection must pursue the discretionary citizenship-by-association route (Section 16), which requires demonstrated strong connections to Ireland and typically involves residency, with processing times currently exceeding 30 months.

Dec 8, 2025

Residency requirement for people granted International Protection increased from 3 years to 5 years of reckonable residence before they can apply for Irish citizenship; applications received before this date continue under the previous 3-year rule.

irishimmigration.ie ↗

Dec 1, 2025

Passport Service ceased accepting green APS1/APS2 paper application forms for passport applications; applicants must now use online Passport Online service or contact Passport Assist Service for paper applications.

ireland.ie ↗

Apr 2, 2025

Immigration Service Delivery published official guidelines for citizenship applications based on Irish descent or associations (Section 16), establishing a five-step assessment framework with indicative scoring criteria for evaluating strength of connection to Ireland; applications pending decision will be reassessed under these new guidelines.

irishimmigration.ie ↗

Jul 2, 2024

Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 enacted, amending Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 to grant automatic Irish citizenship to children born through surrogacy or donor-assisted reproduction where at least one intending parent is an Irish citizen, effective from the date of parental order or declaration.

irishstatutebook.ie ↗

Application Process

Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) Route

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before investing time and money, verify that you meet all FBR criteria. You qualify if:

Your great-grandparent was born on the island of Ireland (Republic or Northern Ireland)
Your parent registered in the FBR between 17 July 1956 and 1 July 1986, OR if you were born after 1 July 1986, your parent was registered in the FBR at the time of your birth
Your parent was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth (not after)
Your parent obtained Irish citizenship because they had a grandparent who was an Irish citizen

Use the Department of Foreign Affairs eligibility questionnaire to confirm your eligibility. If you do not meet these criteria, skip to the citizenship by association route below.

Step 2: Obtain Original Civil Documents for Four Generations

You must gather original civil documents (not photocopies) for yourself, your parent, your grandparent, and your great-grandparent. This is the most time-consuming step.

For your great-grandparent (born in Ireland):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Certified photocopy of state-issued photo ID OR original civil death certificate (if deceased)

For your grandparent (child of the great-grandparent):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Certified photocopy of state-issued photo ID OR original civil death certificate (if deceased)

For your parent (the FBR registrant):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate (proof they registered before you were born)
Certified photocopy of state-issued photo ID OR original civil death certificate (if deceased)

For you (the applicant):

Original civil birth certificate showing parental details
Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) or other change of name document
Certified photocopy of current state-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or national identity card)
2 separate original proofs of address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)

Obtaining Irish certificates: Order from the General Register Office, Dublin. Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks.

Special cases:

If your great-grandparent was adopted, provide the original adoption certificate and adoption order
If your great-grandparent was born before 1864 (when Irish civil registration began), a baptismal certificate may be accepted
If your parent acquired citizenship through naturalization or post-nuptial declaration, provide that document instead of an FBR certificate

Step 3: Certify Foreign Documents

All documents issued outside Ireland must be certified as true copies by a qualified professional:

The organization that issued the original document
A solicitor, barrister, notary, or commissioner of oaths
A post office service

Step 4: Prepare Photographs

Obtain 4 colour passport-sized photographs (35mm × 45mm). Two of these must be signed and dated by your witness.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

Step 6: Arrange a Witness

Your application form must be witnessed by a qualified professional who knows you personally (not a relation). Acceptable witnesses include:

Garda Síochána/Police Officer
School Principal, Vice Principal, Teacher, School Secretary, Pre-school Manager, Montessori Teacher, or Lecturer
Member of Clergy
Medical Doctor, Nurse, Physiotherapist, Speech Therapist, Pharmacist, or Dentist
Lawyer, Notary Public, Commissioner for Oaths, or Peace Commissioner
Bank Manager, Assistant Bank Manager, Credit Union Manager, or Assistant Manager
Accountant, Elected Public Representative, Veterinary Surgeon, or Chartered Engineer

Meet with your witness to have them:

Sign and date your completed application form
Sign and date two of your four photographs
Certify a photocopy of your state-issued photo ID as a true copy
Stamp the form with their official stamp (or provide a business card if no stamp is available)

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee online when submitting your form. Payment must be made at the time of application. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Step 8: Post Your Application

Print your completed application form and post it via registered mail to the address printed on your form. Include:

Completed, signed, and witnessed application form
All original civil documents (birth, marriage, death certificates for all four generations)
4 colour passport-sized photographs (2 signed by witness)
Certified photocopy of your state-issued photo ID (certified by witness)
2 original proofs of address
Application checklist

Mailing addresses:

If applying from the US, Canada, Australia, or UK: Post to the PO Box address in Dublin specified on your form:
```
Foreign Births Registration Section
PO Box 13003
Balbriggan
Co. Dublin
Ireland
```
If applying from other countries: Post to the address specified on your form (typically your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate)

Do not send your application in person—the Department has no public office. Do not include a pre-paid return envelope; documents will be returned by recorded mail at no cost to you.

Step 9: Wait for Processing

Step 10: Receive Your FBR Certificate and Documents

Step 11: Apply for an Irish Passport

With your FBR certificate, you can apply for an Irish passport. This is a separate application process with its own requirements and fees.

Citizenship by Association Route (Discretionary)

Eligibility requirements:

You must be 18 years of age or older
You must have at least 3 years of lawful residence in Ireland
You must be of "good character" (generally assessed via clean criminal record, National Vetting Bureau check, and/or Garda report)
You must intend to reside in Ireland or be the spouse/civil partner of an Irish citizen planning to reside in Ireland
You must demonstrate strong and meaningful connections to Ireland through cultural, educational, economic, or social involvement

Important caveat: The Minister's discretion is exercised "very rarely" for great-grandparent claims. This pathway is not a guaranteed right.

Step 1: Establish 3 Years of Lawful Residence in Ireland

You must have lived lawfully in Ireland for at least 3 years. This period is called "reckonable residence." Gather documentation proving your residence:

Tenancy agreements or property deeds
Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) in your name
Bank statements showing Irish address
Employment contracts or payslips
Educational enrollment documents
Garda registration documents (if applicable)

Step 2: Gather Family Documents

Obtain original civil birth, marriage, and death certificates for yourself, your parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent, following the same process as the FBR route (Step 2 above).

Step 3: Document Your Irish Associations and Connections

Compile evidence of your strong and meaningful connections to Ireland:

Documentation of visits to Ireland (holiday, study, or work)
Membership in Irish cultural organizations or clubs
Educational or employment connections to Ireland
Family correspondence or records demonstrating Irish ties
Evidence of participation in Irish cultural activities (language classes, sports clubs, cultural events)
Letters of support from Irish employers, educators, or community leaders

Step 4: Obtain a Clean Criminal Record Check

Request a National Vetting Bureau check and/or Garda report to demonstrate good character. Contact your local Garda station or apply online through the National Vetting Bureau.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

Access the citizenship by association application form on the Immigration Service Delivery website. Complete all fields carefully.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents (family documents, residence evidence, Irish connections documentation, criminal record check) to:

Citizenship Applications Registration Unit
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
PO Box 73
Tipperary Town
Ireland
E34 N566

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Step 8: Await Ministerial Decision

The Minister for Justice will review your application and decide whether to approve your citizenship based on your Irish associations and connections. You will be notified by mail of the decision.

Fees

Item	Cost
FBR Registration + Certificate (Adult, 18+)	€270
FBR Registration + Certificate (Minor, under 18)	€145
FBR Postage and Handling (non-refundable)	€8
FBR Total (Adult)	€278
FBR Total (Minor)	€153

Payment method: Online at the time of application submission. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Additional costs not included in the above:

Obtaining civil certificates: €5–€30 per certificate depending on the country and ordering method
Certification of foreign documents: €10–€50 per document depending on the professional
Passport-sized photographs: €10–€20 for a set of 4
Registered mail postage: €10–€30 depending on destination country
Professional assistance (immigration lawyer or genealogist): €500–€3,000+ depending on complexity
Irish passport (once you become a citizen): €75 for a standard 10-year adult passport; €35 for a passport card; varies for children's passports

Processing Time

Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) Applications

Current processing time is approximately 9 months from receipt of a complete application. This timeline has been consistent since 2024.

Factors affecting processing speed:

Completeness of application: Incomplete applications are returned without processing, adding months to your timeline
Document quality: Illegible or poorly certified documents may require resubmission
Complexity of family history: Applications involving adoptions, name changes, or multiple jurisdictions take longer
Application volume: The Department processes applications in order received; high-volume periods cause delays

Document validity periods:

Your FBR certificate is valid indefinitely once issued
Your Irish passport (once obtained) is valid for 10 years (for adults) or 5 years (for children under 3)

Citizenship by Association Applications

Historical Processing Times

Post-Brexit surge (2020–2022): Processing times exceeded 12 months
COVID-19 backlog period (2020–2021): Processing times reached 18+ months
Current period (2024–2026): 9 months average for FBR; 30+ months for citizenship by association

As of March 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs reports no current backlog for FBR applications, but processing times remain at approximately 9 months.

What's Happening

Today

Dec 8, 2025

irishimmigration.ie ↗

Dec 1, 2025

ireland.ie ↗

Apr 2, 2025

irishimmigration.ie ↗

Jul 2, 2024

irishstatutebook.ie ↗