How Do You Register a Foreign Birth in Ireland?

Foreign Birth Registration lets you claim Irish citizenship through a parent or grandparent. This guide covers who qualifies, the cost, and current wait times.

Who can register a foreign birth?

You can register if you were born outside Ireland and one of two tests applies. One of your grandparents was born on the island of Ireland. Or one of your parents was an Irish citizen when you were born. That parent may have been born abroad too.

What does registering actually give you?

Once you're accepted onto the Register, you become an Irish citizen. You can then apply for an Irish passport. This also gives you the right to live and work anywhere in the EU.

Will my children be Irish citizens too?

This is the question most people miss. Citizenship gained through registration does not pass down automatically forever. Each generation must register before the next child is born. If you register today, children born to you afterwards can also become Irish citizens. They need their own registration though. A child born before you registered may face a different test. Get this checked before you plan around it.

What documents do you need?

You need original birth certificates for yourself and the relevant parent or grandparent. You may also need marriage or name change certificates. You need a certified copy of photo ID and proof of address. You need four passport photos. Your witness must sign two of them.

Who can act as your witness?

Your witness must know you personally but cannot be a relative. They must hold an approved role. This includes a Garda, teacher, doctor, solicitor, accountant, or elected representative. They sign and date two of your photographs and certify your identity documents.

FAQ

Can I apply if my grandparent has passed away? Yes. You need their birth certificate. You also need proof of the family link through your parent.

What happens if my application is refused? You can reapply, but you go back to the end of the queue. Getting the documents right the first time matters given the current wait.

Can I register a foreign birth from outside Ireland? Yes. The application is made online and processed centrally, wherever you live.

Next steps

1. Check which eligibility test applies to you, through a parent or a grandparent.
2. Gather your civil documents before you start the online application.
3. Talk to us if your records have gaps or a name change.