Who Qualifies for Irish Citizenship?

Ireland offers multiple pathways to qualify for citizenship — through ancestry, residency, marriage, or birth. It’s one of the most flexible frameworks in Europe.

1. Citizenship by Descent (Parents)

You qualify automatically if:

• Your parent was an Irish citizen at your birth

• Even if you were born abroad

2. Citizenship by Descent (Grandparents)

You qualify through the Foreign Births Register if:

• Your grandparent was born in Ireland

Once registered, you are officially an Irish citizen.

3. Citizenship by Residency (Naturalization)

You qualify if you:

• Lived legally in Ireland for 5 years within the last 9

• Including 1 continuous year before applying

• Demonstrate good character

Valid for:

• Indians

• Americans

• Non-EU citizens

• EU/EEA residents

4. Citizenship by Marriage

You qualify if:

• Married to an Irish citizen

• Living in Ireland for 3 years

• Marriage older than 3 years

5. Citizenship by Birth

Children born in Ireland qualify if:

• A parent is an Irish citizen, or

• A parent has 3 years of legal residence before their birth

6. Dual Citizenship

Ireland allows dual citizenship for everyone.

Bottom Line

Irish citizenship is available through descent, residence, marriage, or birth — and eligibility is clearer than in most EU countries.

Use CitizenIR to streamline your application.

Download the CitizenIR app for eligibility tools and step-by-step guidance.