If your parent was born in Ireland, you're already Irish: skip the register and apply for a passport. Register before your own children are born, or they may lose the right to pass it on.
Quick facts
- Through
- A grandparent born in Ireland, or an Irish parent born abroad
- Adult fee
- €278
- Child fee
- €153
- Processing
- About 12 months
- Parent born in Ireland
- Already Irish: no register needed
- Refused?
- Appeal within 6 weeks
Who can register
You can, if "One of your grandparents was born in Ireland or" "One of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth but was not born in Ireland." That parent may have registered themselves, or naturalised.
If your parent was born in Ireland, you're Irish by birth already. "You do not have to register their birth with the Foreign Births Register."
Register before the next generation
"If each generation registers their birth before the next generation is born, then Irish citizenship can be passed from parent to child." Expectant parents who'd otherwise not pass on citizenship can ask for urgent processing on +353 1 568 3331.
"Once a person is entered onto the Foreign Births Register they are an Irish citizen and entitled to apply for an Irish passport."
How to apply
Apply online on the Department of Foreign Affairs website, then post the signed form. You'll need original civil birth certificates for yourself, your parent and (if applying through them) your grandparent, marriage certificates, certified ID, two proofs of address and four photos signed by a witness.
Fees: "Adults €278 Children €153". "The current processing time is 12 months." If refused, "You should write a letter of appeal within 6 weeks of the date of the refusal."
Common questions
Can I get Irish citizenship through my grandparent?
Yes, if one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, by registering on the Foreign Births Register.
How much does the Foreign Births Register cost?
€278 for an adult and €153 for a child, including postage and handling.
How long does the Foreign Births Register take?
The current processing time is 12 months.
Do I need the Foreign Births Register if my parent was born in Ireland?
No. You're an Irish citizen by birth already and can apply for a passport.
Can I get citizenship through a great-grandparent?
Only if your parent was registered on the Foreign Births Register before you were born, so the chain wasn't broken.