Introduction
If you have Irish ancestry, you may be eligible to apply for an Irish passport by descent from the UK. This process allows individuals with an Irish parent, grandparent, or in certain cases a great-grandparent, to claim Irish citizenship and obtain an Irish passport. As an Irish citizen, you also gain EU citizenship, giving you the right to live, work, and travel freely across Europe.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to determine your eligibility, the application process, and the steps to obtain an Irish passport by descent from the UK.
1. Eligibility for an Irish Passport by Descent
You may qualify for an Irish passport by descent if you can prove your connection to an Irish-born ancestor. Eligibility depends on whether your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was born in Ireland.
1.1 Parent Born in Ireland
If one or both of your parents were born in Ireland, you are automatically entitled to Irish citizenship and can apply for an Irish passport directly. You don’t need to register with the Foreign Births Register in this case.
1.2 Grandparent Born in Ireland
If you have a grandparent who was born in Ireland but your parent (their child) was born outside of Ireland, you can claim Irish citizenship by descent. However, you must first register your birth in the Foreign Births Register before applying for an Irish passport.
1.3 Great-Grandparent Born in Ireland
If your great-grandparent was born in Ireland, you are only eligible for Irish citizenship if your parent has already registered their own birth in the Foreign Births Register before you were born. Once your parent has obtained Irish citizenship through registration, you may then apply.
2. The Foreign Births Register: Essential Step for Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
If you are claiming Irish citizenship through a grandparent or great-grandparent, the first step is to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register. This step is essential because it legally confirms your Irish citizenship, which is required before you can apply for an Irish passport.
2.1 How to Register in the Foreign Births Register
- Complete the Application Form: You can begin the process online via the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
- Submit Documents: You will need to provide several key documents, including long-form birth certificates for yourself, your parent, and your grandparent, as well as marriage certificates and proof of identity.
- Processing Time: Registration can take between 6 months to 2 years due to the high volume of applications, particularly following Brexit.
2.2 Fees for Registration
The fee to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register is €270 for adults and €145 for minors (subject to change).
3. Documents Required to Apply for an Irish Passport by Descent
Once your birth is registered in the Foreign Births Register, you can proceed to apply for an Irish passport. The documents required for the passport application include:
- Your birth certificate (long-form).
- Your parent’s birth certificate and grandparent’s birth certificate (long-form), if applicable.
- Marriage certificates for your parents and grandparents, if applicable.
- Foreign Births Registration certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of identity, such as your UK passport.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Completed passport application form.
4. Applying for an Irish Passport by Descent from the UK
Once your birth is registered, you can apply for your Irish passport through the Irish Passport Office. You can do this online or by post, depending on your preference.
4.1 Application Process
- Online Application: You can apply for your Irish passport online using the Passport Online Service for those living in the UK. This service is faster and more convenient than applying by post.
- Postal Application: Alternatively, you can download and complete the paper passport application form and submit it to the Irish Passport Office along with your supporting documents and payment.
4.2 Passport Fees
The cost of applying for an Irish passport from the UK is:
- €75 for a standard 10-year passport for adults.
- €35 for a 5-year passport for children under 18.
These fees can vary, and you will also need to pay for passport photos and any postage or courier services if applying by mail.
5. Processing Time for Irish Passports
The processing time for an Irish passport depends on the method of application and the time of year. On average, the processing times are:
- Online Applications: Usually processed within 10 to 15 working days.
- Postal Applications: May take up to 6 to 8 weeks, especially if additional documentation is required.
It’s worth noting that processing times can increase during busy periods, such as summer or the holiday season, so applying early is recommended.
6. Benefits of Having an Irish Passport
By obtaining an Irish passport, you become a citizen of Ireland and also gain the benefits of EU citizenship, including:
- The right to live and work freely in any EU member state.
- Visa-free travel to over 180 countries, making the Irish passport one of the most powerful in the world.
- Access to healthcare, education, and social services in Ireland and across the EU.
- A strong connection to Irish heritage, culture, and community.
7. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Delays
When applying for Irish citizenship and an Irish passport by descent, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can delay your application:
- Incomplete documentation: Ensure you provide long-form birth certificates and marriage certificates where required. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays.
- Unclear ancestry: If you’re applying through a grandparent or great-grandparent, make sure to clearly document your lineage and confirm that your parent has registered their birth if necessary.
- Translation requirements: Any documents not in English or Irish must be translated by a certified translator.
Conclusion: How to Get an Irish Passport by Descent from the UK
Obtaining an Irish passport by descent from the UK is a valuable opportunity for those with Irish ancestry to claim Irish citizenship and the many benefits it offers, including EU membership. Whether you’re applying through a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, the process requires accurate documentation and patience due to varying processing times.
By following the correct steps and ensuring your Foreign Births Register application is completed, you can successfully claim your Irish citizenship and enjoy the privileges that come with holding an Irish passport.