Introduction
If you have Irish ancestry, you may be entitled to apply for an Irish passport by descent from the UK. This process allows individuals with an Irish-born parent, grandparent, or (in limited cases) great-grandparent to claim Irish citizenship and obtain an Irish passport.
As an Irish citizen, you automatically gain EU citizenship, giving you the right to live, work, and travel freely across the European Union and the European Economic Area.
This guide explains your eligibility, how to register with the Foreign Births Register, and the exact steps to successfully apply for your Irish passport by descent from the UK.
Eligibility for an Irish Passport by Descent
Your eligibility depends on your direct connection to an Irish-born ancestor. There are three main categories:
Parent Born in Ireland
If one or both of your parents were born in Ireland, you are automatically an Irish citizen. You do not need to register your birth with the Foreign Births Register. You can apply for an Irish passport immediately by providing your parent’s Irish birth certificate and proof of your relationship.
Grandparent Born in Ireland
If you have an Irish-born grandparent, you are eligible to claim Irish citizenship by descent. However, before you can apply for a passport, you must first register your birth in the Foreign Births Register.
This registration officially recognises you as an Irish citizen and is a mandatory step before you can hold an Irish passport.
Great-Grandparent Born in Ireland
Eligibility through a great-grandparent is possible only in specific cases — if your parent was already registered as an Irish citizen in the Foreign Births Register before your birth. Once that registration exists, you can apply under the same route.
The Foreign Births Register: An Essential Step
For applicants claiming citizenship through a grandparent or great-grandparent, the Foreign Births Register is the first crucial step.
How to Register
- Complete the Application Form: Start the process on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
- Submit Required Documents: You’ll need:
- Your long-form birth certificate.
- Parent’s and grandparent’s birth certificates (long-form).
- Marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Proof of identity and address.
- Processing Time: Registration can take 6 months to 2 years, depending on application volume — particularly high since Brexit.
Fees for Registration
- Adults: €270
- Minors: €145
Fees are subject to change, and additional postage or courier costs may apply.
Documents Required to Apply for an Irish Passport by Descent
Once you’re registered in the Foreign Births Register, you can proceed to apply for an Irish passport. You will need:
- Your long-form birth certificate
- Parent’s and grandparent’s long-form birth certificates
- Marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Foreign Births Registration certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of identity, such as a UK passport
- Two passport photos, signed and dated on the back by a witness
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement
- A completed passport application form
Ensure all documents are original or certified copies, as photocopies are not accepted.
Applying for an Irish Passport by Descent from the UK
You can apply either online or by post, depending on your location and preference.
Online Application
- Apply through the Passport Online Service for applicants living in the UK.
- The online system is faster, with clear instructions for uploading photos and supporting documents.
- Payments can be made securely by debit or credit card.
Postal Application
If you prefer, you can submit a paper application form with all supporting documents to the Irish Passport Office.
This method takes longer but may be suitable if your documents are already certified and ready.
Passport Fees
- €75 – Standard 10-year passport for adults
- €35 – 5-year passport for children under 18
Additional charges apply for delivery and photographs.
Processing Time for Irish Passports
Processing times vary depending on demand and method of application:
- Online Applications: 10–15 working days
- Postal Applications: 6–8 weeks (or longer if documents need verification)
Delays are common during busy travel periods such as summer and Christmas, so apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Benefits of Holding an Irish Passport
An Irish passport offers a range of significant benefits:
- Freedom of Movement: Live and work freely in all EU and EEA countries.
- Visa-Free Travel: Access to 180+ countries without a visa.
- Dual Citizenship: Retain your UK citizenship while gaining Irish nationality.
- EU Rights and Protections: Access to healthcare, education, and employment benefits across Europe.
- Cultural and Ancestral Connection: Strengthen your ties to Ireland’s history and heritage.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Delays
To prevent delays or rejections, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Incomplete Documentation: Always submit long-form birth and marriage certificates.
- Unclear Lineage: Ensure the link between you and your Irish-born ancestor is well documented.
- Missing Translations: Any non-English or non-Irish documents must be translated by a certified translator.
- Late Registration: Remember, if you’re applying through a grandparent, you must register your birth in the Foreign Births Register before applying for a passport.
Conclusion
Applying for an Irish passport by descent from the UK is a valuable way to reconnect with your Irish heritage and secure the benefits of EU citizenship. Whether your Irish ancestry comes from a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, following the proper registration process through the Foreign Births Register is essential.
With accurate documentation, patience, and preparation, you can successfully claim Irish citizenship and enjoy all the opportunities that come with holding one of the world’s most respected passports.
For fixed-fee legal help with your case,
contact Martin Taggart — your trusted UK legal partner.