Can US Citizens Have Dual Citizenship With Ireland?

Yes — U.S. citizens can legally hold both American and Irish citizenship. Both countries fully allow dual nationality, making the process simple and beneficial.

1. Ireland Allows Dual Citizenship

Ireland places no restrictions on holding multiple passports.

Whether you naturalize or claim citizenship by descent, you retain the right to keep your U.S. passport.

2. The United States Also Allows Dual Citizenship

The U.S. permits Americans to:

• Acquire a second nationality

• Keep their U.S. citizenship

• Travel with both passports

You do not need permission from the U.S. government to become Irish.

3. Why Americans Pursue Irish Citizenship

• Access to all 27 EU countries

• Strong global passport

• Work & residency rights anywhere in Europe

• No language test

• Easy ancestry routes

4. Which Route Applies?

• Have an Irish parent? → Automatic citizenship

• Have an Irish grandparent? → Foreign Births Register

• No ancestry? → 5-year naturalization

• Married to an Irish citizen? → 3-year marriage route

5. Practical Tips for Dual Citizens

• Use your Irish passport when entering the EU

• Use your U.S. passport when entering the U.S.

• Maintain separate documentation for both countries

Bottom Line

Yes — U.S. citizens can freely hold dual citizenship with Ireland. It’s one of the most advantageous dual-citizenship combinations in the world.

Use CitizenIR to streamline your application.

Download the CitizenIR app for eligibility checks, ancestry verification, and expert support.