If you have an Irish grandparent, you could unlock an Irish passport and EU rights—here's exactly how to do it. Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) has become increasingly popular since Brexit, with thousands of UK citizens reclaiming their EU citizenship through Irish ancestry.
Processing Time
9-10 months
Application Fee
€270 (adults)
EU Access
27 countries
Who Qualifies for Irish Citizenship by Descent?
Irish Parent or Grandparent
You must have at least one parent or grandparent who was born in Ireland
Birth Registration
Your Irish ancestor must be registered in Irish birth records
Documentary Evidence
You must provide certified copies of all relevant birth, marriage, and death certificates
Need help determining eligibility? Our Ireland Immigration Guide includes detailed eligibility assessments and family tree mapping tools.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Irish FBR
Complete FBR Application Process
Gather Required Documents
Collect all birth, marriage, and death certificates linking you to your Irish ancestor
Create DFA Account
Register on the Department of Foreign Affairs online portal
Complete Online Application
Fill out the FBR application form with all required details
Professional Witness Verification
Have a qualified professional witness verify your identity and documents
Submit Application & Pay Fees
Complete submission and payment of €278 total fees
Wait for Processing
Monitor application status through the DFA portal (9-10 months)
Get the detailed step-by-step process for Irish FBR applications, including DFA portal guidance, professional witness requirements, and document submission procedures.
⚠️ This is not legal advice. For individualized advice, consult a licensed professional.
Application Fees and Timeline (2025)
Current FBR Fees
Expected Timeline
Benefits of Irish Citizenship & Passport (Especially for Brits)
EU Freedom of Movement
Live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 EU countries without visa restrictions
UK Common Travel Area Rights
Maintain right to live and work in the UK without visa requirements
Visa-Free Travel
Access to 185+ countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival
Pass to Children
Your children may qualify for Irish citizenship through proper registration
Special Advantage: Dual UK-Irish Citizenship
Irish citizens enjoy unique privileges in the UK through the Common Travel Area agreement. You can live, work, and access services in the UK without any visa requirements, while simultaneously holding full EU citizenship rights.
Post-Brexit Context: Why FBR Matters for UK Citizens
Brexit fundamentally changed the relationship between UK citizens and the European Union. Here's what changed and how Irish citizenship restores these rights:
Before Brexit
Free movement throughout EU
After Brexit
90-day limit in EU countries
Irish Solution
Irish passport restores unlimited EU access
Before Brexit
Right to work anywhere in EU
After Brexit
Visa required for EU employment
Irish Solution
EU citizenship through Irish ancestry
Before Brexit
Access to EU healthcare systems
After Brexit
Limited or no access
Irish Solution
Full EU citizen rights restored
Complete Document Checklist for FBR
Complete Document Checklist
Additional Requirements by Country:
UK Applicants
Use General Register Office certificates. Solicitors can serve as professional witnesses.
US Applicants
State-issued certificates required. Notaries public accepted as witnesses.
Get the complete document checklist with specific requirements for each certificate, plus tips for obtaining documents from different countries.
⚠️ This is not legal advice. For individualized advice, consult a licensed professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Begin Your Irish FBR Application?
Get the complete step-by-step guide with document checklists, expert tips, and professional witness requirements. Everything you need for a successful application.