Irish citizenship by birth

Irish citizenship by birth is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1956, as amended. It refers to the acquisition of Irish citizenship based on being born in Ireland or having Irish-citizen parents or grandparents. According to this law, there are several ways in which a person can acquire Irish citizenship by birth.

How to get Irish citizenship by birth

  1. Birth on the island of Ireland. If you were born on the island of Ireland before January 1, 2005, you are automatically an Irish citizen. This applies regardless of the nationality or immigration status of your parents.
  2. Birth outside of Ireland to Irish citizen parents. If you were born outside of Ireland and at least one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you are entitled to Irish citizenship. There are certain criteria and conditions that may affect this entitlement, such as the nationality of your parents and their length of residence in Ireland.
  3. Birth outside of Ireland to non-Irish citizen parents. If you were born outside of Ireland, neither of your parents is an Irish citizen, but at least one of your grandparents was born in Ireland or is an Irish citizen, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship. Certain requirements and conditions apply, and you may need to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register.

It’s important to note that if you were born in Northern Ireland, the part of the island of Ireland that is part of the United Kingdom, you have the right to identify as Irish, British, or both, and you can apply for an Irish passport, a British passport, or both.

FAQ

If I was born in Ireland, am I automatically an Irish citizen?

Yes, if you were born on the island of Ireland, you are generally considered an Irish citizen, regardless of the nationality or immigration status of your parents.

Can I claim Irish citizenship if my parents are Irish citizens but I was born outside of Ireland?

Yes, if at least one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you are entitled to Irish citizenship, even if you were born outside of Ireland.

What if neither of my parents is an Irish citizen, but one of my grandparents was born in Ireland or is an Irish citizen?

If neither of your parents is an Irish citizen but at least one of your grandparents was born in Ireland or is an Irish citizen, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship. You may need to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register to claim citizenship.

Can I have dual citizenship as an Irish citizen by birth?

Yes, Ireland generally allows dual citizenship. So, if you acquire Irish citizenship by birth, you can typically maintain your citizenship from another country as well.

Are there any residency requirements to retain Irish citizenship acquired by birth?

No, Irish citizenship acquired by birth does not have any specific residency requirements. Once you are an Irish citizen, you generally retain your citizenship regardless of where you live.

Can I pass on my Irish citizenship to my children if I acquired it by birth?

Yes, Irish citizenship can be passed on to the next generation. If you acquired Irish citizenship by birth, your children are typically eligible for Irish citizenship as well, regardless of where they are born.

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