How Do You Qualify for Irish Citizenship?

Qualifying for Irish citizenship depends on your family history, place of birth, or time spent living in Ireland. Ireland has one of the most flexible descent-based citizenship systems in the world.

1. Qualify Through Irish Parents

You automatically qualify if:

• Your mother or father was an Irish citizen at your birth
  This applies even if you were born outside Ireland.

2. Qualify Through Irish Grandparents

If a grandparent was born in Ireland, you can apply through the Foreign Births Register (FBR).

Once registered, you’re officially an Irish citizen.

3. Qualify Through Residency (Naturalization)

If you don’t have Irish ancestry, you can still qualify by living in Ireland legally for:

• 5 total years within the last 9

• Including 1 continuous year before applying

Time spent as a student or undocumented does not count.

4. Qualify Through Marriage

If married to an Irish citizen, you can qualify if you have:

• 3 years of marriage

• 3 years of legal residence in Ireland

• Evidence of living together

• Long-term plans in Ireland

5. Qualify Through Birth

Children born on the island of Ireland may qualify depending on:

• Parents’ residency

• Parents’ citizenship

• Year of birth

6. Good Character Requirement

All applicants must pass background checks and demonstrate good character and lawful conduct.

Bottom Line

Most people qualify through either ancestry or time spent in Ireland. The system is clear, structured, and globally accessible.

Use CitizenIR to streamline your application.

Download the CitizenIR app for eligibility tools, documentation checklists, and expert support.