Irish Citizenship by Descent: What is the Foreign Births Register

Ireland’s Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) process allows individuals born outside of Ireland to claim Irish citizenship. To qualify, applicants must have a family member, such as a parent or grandparent, who currently holds Irish citizenship. This procedure is particularly significant for those living abroad who wish to reconnect with their Irish heritage and enjoy the benefits of Irish citizenship. 

To learn more about the application process, requirements, and eligibility, read our blog below, which includes insights from Aaron Flynn, Director of Immigration, Ireland, at Envoy Global.  

Eligibility Criteria for Irish Citizenship by Descent  

There are several criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for FBR.  

For Children 

To qualify for Foreign Birth Registration, a child must meet the following criteria: 

• At least one parent must be an Irish citizen at the time of the child’s birth. 
• The birth must take place outside of Ireland. 

For Adults 

Adults may apply for FBR if they fulfil one of these conditions: 

• They have an Irish citizen parent. 
• They have an Irish citizen grandparent. 

Foreign Birth Registration Documentation Requirements  

For Children  

When applying for FBR, applicants under the age of 18 need the following documentation:  

1. Application Form: Completed Foreign Birth Registration application form (adults will need to complete this on behalf of their children.  
2. Child’s Birth Certificate: An official long-form birth certificate.  
3. Parents’ Citizenship Proof: The Irish parent’s birth certificate and passport.  
4. Proof of Parentage: Documents demonstrating the relationship, such as marriage certificates and birth certificate.  
5. Identification: A valid passport or government-issued ID for the parent submitting the application. 

For Adults  

Adult applicants must submit: 

1. Application Form: Completed Foreign Birth Registration application form  
2. Birth Certificate: An official long-form birth certificate.  
3. Irish Ancestry Proof: The birth certificate and/or passport of the Irish parent or grandparent.  
4. Identification: A valid passport or government-issued ID.  
5. Proof of Citizenship: Previous Irish citizenship documentation if applicable (e.g., an expired Irish passport).  

Irish Citizenship by Descent: Application Process  

1. Complete the Application: 

Applicants or their agents can fill out the FBR application form online through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ website

2. Submit Documentation:

Send the completed application form along with all required documents to the Foreign Birth Registration Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland. 

3. Fees:

A fee of €278 for adults and €153 for children applies. 

4. Processing Time:

Processing times can vary but often take several months due to the volume of applications. As of January 2025, the process generally takes around nine to 10 months. 

5. Outcome of the Application

Once an application is approved, the applicant will receive a Foreign Birth Registration Certificate. This certificate serves as formal proof of Irish citizenship, allowing individuals to apply for an Irish passport and access other associated rights and privileges. 

Important Considerations for the Foreign Birth Registration Process  

• Translations: If any documents are in a language other than English or Irish, certified translations may be required.  
• Accurate Documentation: Applicants should ensure that all submitted documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in processing. The documents need to prove the lineage to the Irish citizen parent or grandparent only (additional parent or ancestor documents are not required save for a name change). The documents must be original save for copied of applicant documentation.  
• Expecting Parents: Expectant parents should file as soon as possible in order to preserve the entitlement of later generations to qualify.  

Why FBR is Important for Ireland  

Ireland’s Foreign Birth Registration is a vital pathway to Irish citizenship for those born outside the country. By fulfilling the eligibility criteria and preparing the necessary documentation, both child and adult applicants can qualify and preserve the entitlement of later generations to citizenship. Applications are also accepted for grandchildren of people born on the island of Ireland including Northern Ireland.  

If an application is not filed, the entitlement to apply will be lost. The most complex documents to locate are often those related to Irish citizen grandparent. Spellings of names and placenames often in Irish can lead to confusion.  

Envoy Global and the Foreign Birth Registration Process  

Envoy Global has extensive experience of these applications going back many years and in exceptionally complex cases will work with a genealogist who can locate records and carry out research which allows us to submit successful applications.  

Irish citizenship provides full free movement in the European Union and the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom under the Common Travel Area. The Irish passport is in the top 10 in most passport indexes and opens a world of travel and migration to holders and their families.  

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