The Foreign Births Register (FBR) is the official register maintained by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs for people claiming Irish citizenship through descent.

While having an Irish-born grandparent makes you eligible for citizenship, you do not automatically become an Irish citizen at birth. Instead, you inherit the right to claim Irish citizenship through your family lineage.

To activate that right, you must apply for FBR Ireland and have your birth entered into the Foreign Births Register. Once approved, you officially become an Irish citizen.

Important for Future Generations

Your Irish citizenship begins on the date you are entered into the Foreign Births Register, not your date of birth.

If you plan to pass Irish citizenship on toyour future children, it is important that your Foreign Birth Registration is completed before they are born.

You may qualify if:

• One of your grandparents was born on the island of Ireland.
• You can prove your family connection through official civil records.
• You meet the Irish citizenship by ancestry requirements set by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

This route is often referred to as obtaining an Irish passport through a grandparent. However, citizenship must first be granted through Foreign Birth Registration before you can apply for an Irish passport.

One of the most common reasons for delays is incomplete or incorrect documentation.

To meet the Irish citizenship by ancestry requirements, you must provide a clear paper trail connecting yourself to your Irish-born grandparent.

All vital records must be original civil certificates. Documents issued in languages other than English or Irish should generally be accompanied by certified translations.

Documents From Your Irish-Born Grandparent

You will need:

• Original long-form birth certificate showing parents' details.
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Death certificate (if deceased) or certified copy of current government-issued photo identification (if living).

Documents From Your Parent

You must also document the generation linking you to your Irish-born grandparent.

Required documents include:

• Original birth certificate.
• Original marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Death certificate (if deceased) or certified copy of current government-issued photo identification (if living).

Documents From You (The Applicant)

Applicants must provide:

• Original birth certificate showing parents' details.
• Marriage certificate or legal name-change document (if applicable).
• Certified copy of current passport or government-issued photo identification.
• Two separate proofs of address.
• Four passport photographs, with two witnessed and signed in accordance with FBR requirements.

The Foreign Birth Registration process combines an online application with the submission of physical documents.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Submit your application through the Department of Foreign Affairs online Foreign Birth Registration portal.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Carefully review all information entered inthe online application before submission. Errors or inconsistencies can cause delays later in the process.

Step 3: Have Your Documents Witnessed

Print the completed application form and sign it in the presence of an approved witness.

Acceptable witnesses typically include:

• Doctors
• Solicitors
• Teachers
• Police officers
• Notaries public
• Other approved professionals

Your witness must certify your identity documents and sign the required passport photographs.

Step 4: Send Your Application Package

Mail your completed application form, supporting documents, photographs, and application receipt to the Foreign Birth Registration office in Ireland using a secure and trackable postal service.

Most Foreign Birth Registration applications currently take approximately 9 to 12 months from the date the Department of Foreign Affairs receives your complete application package.

Processing times can vary depending on application volumes, document issues, and seasonal demand.

Submitting a complete and accurate application from the outset can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Once your Foreign Birth Registration isapproved, you can then apply for an Irish passport.

Can I get an Irish passport through agrandparent?

Not immediately. You must first become an Irish citizen by registering on the Foreign Births Register. Once your application has been approved and your citizenship confirmed, you can apply foran Irish passport.

What are the Irish citizenship by ancestry requirements?

The main requirement is proving that your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland and establishing your direct family connection through official birth, marriage, and other civil records. Applicants must also provide identity documents, photographs, and proof of address as part of the application process.

Is Foreign Birth Registration available worldwide?

Yes. Eligible applicants can apply from anywhere in the world. The process is managed by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and follows the same requirements regardless of where you live.

How long does Foreign Birth Registration take?

Most applications are currently processed within approximately 9 to 12 months, although processing times can vary depending on application volumes and individual circumstances.

Can I pass Irish citizenship on to my children?

In many cases, yes. However, if you are claiming citizenship through a grandparent, your Foreign Birth Registration should generally be completed before your children are born if you wish to pass citizenship to the next generation through descent.