How to Obtain Irish Citizenship

Ireland enjoys such a high standard of living, many are flocking to the country to obtain citizenship. If you would like to explore the idea, follow these steps.

Instructions

Obtain Citizenship by Birth or Descent

1. Determine if you are an automatic citizen of Ireland. This is the case if you were born in Ireland and are not the child of a person holding diplomatic immunity. This is also the case if you were born outside of Ireland, but one of your parents was born in Ireland. If you meet either of these criteria, then you are a citizen of Ireland.

2. Research your family history to determine if you are eligible for Irish citizenship by descent. Citizenship by descent is allowed if you can prove that one grandparent was born in Ireland. It is also allowed if you can prove that you have a great-grandparent who was born in Ireland and your parent applied for Irish citizenship before your birth.

3. Contact the Irish Foreign Birth Registration Office for your region in the United States. You may also contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin or your nearest Irish Diplomatic or Consular Mission.

4. Obtain an application necessary to have your name entered in the Irish Register of Foreign Births.

5. Complete and submit the application with current fees and relevant supporting documentation. Documentation may include: long form birth certificates, marriage certificates, family death certificates, official photographs, a notarized copy of your passport and notarized copies of three additional identification cards.

6. Wait to receive a certificate notifying you that you have been entered into the Irish Register of Foreign Births.

Obtain Citizenship Through Naturalization

1. Recognize that you are not guaranteed citizenship just because you apply for citizenship through naturalization. Acceptance of your application is at the discretion of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

2. Obtain the application for citizenship from Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The application can be downloaded from their website.

3. Apply for citizenship only after you have lived in Ireland for five years. A five year residency period is required for citizenship by naturalization unless you are married to an Irish citizen. Those married to Irish citizens must meet a three years residency requirement.

4. Gather necessary paperwork including: copies of your birth certificate and passport; proof of legal residence in Ireland in the form of a letter from the Department of Justice; bank statements and pay slips from the last three months and copies of work related paperwork when relevant. This may include your work permit and documentation from the Revenue Commissioners. Additional paperwork may be necessary depending on your circumstance.

5. Obtain three references from Irish citizens. These references will be required to obtain Irish citizenship.

6. Complete your application and wait for approximately 15 working days to receive your reference number.

7. Wait for one to three years for your application to be processed. You may also need to attend an interview during this period.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have married an Irish citizen on or after November 30, 2002, you are eligible for citizenship through naturalization by application. Your spouse will have to complete an affidavit stating that you are married and were living together at the time of the application.

• If you married an Irish citizen before November 30, 2002, you may lodge a declaration accepting Irish citizenship through the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

• Don't send unofficial copies of records. All official documents need to be issued by the respective agency and should have the appropriate seal or stamp.

• Don't assume that you are a citizen after submitting an application. You must receive your certificate before you can apply for an Irish passport.