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To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. There are lots of ways to claim Irish citizenship, including through birth, descent, associations, naturalisation and marriage. The best option depends on the applicant's personal circumstances. Automatic right - born on the island before 1 January 2005People born in Ireland before 1 January 2005 are automatically Irish citizens, no matter where their parents are originally from. People born in Northern Ireland before 1 January 2005 are allowed to claim Irish citizenship if they want to. The law changed on 1 January 2005, so that anyone born on or after this date does not automatically qualify for Irish citizenship by birth. Even so, an individual may still be entitled to claim Irish citizenship by other means, such as by descent or associations. Citizenship by Irish descentThe question of whether someone can claim Irish citizenship by descent depends on a number of factors, especially:
Born in Ireland after 1 January 2005People born in Ireland to an Irish or UK citizen are automatically Irish citizens - even if they were born after 1 January 2005. Those born in Northern Ireland to an Irish or UK citizen can choose to become an Irish citizen. People born in Ireland after 1 January 2005 to non-Irish or non-UK nationals may be eligible to Irish citizenship, depending on the residency history of their parents. The rule is that their parents must have been legally residing in Ireland for three out of the four years before the birth. There must not have been any kind of restriction on their parents' residence status. Born outside of IrelandThe rules for those born outside of Ireland hinge upon whether they have an Irish-born parent. An individual is automatically an Irish citizen if at least one of their parents was born in Ireland, and was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth. This also applies to children who are adopted by at least one Irish citizen. However, if the parent was not born in Ireland, then Irish citizenship is not an automatic right. Even so, it may still be possible to claim Irish citizenship by descent. This applies to those who have an Irish parent, grandparent or, in exceptional circumstances, a great-grandparent. Irish citizenship by descent - Irish parentAs outlined above, an Irish parent can pass citizenship to their children, if they were born in Ireland and were Irish citizens at the time of their child's birth. In this instance, their children are automatically Irish citizens. If a parent is born outside of Ireland, but was an Irish citizen at the time of their child's birth, then that child can claim Irish citizenship by descent. This involves registering with the Irish Foreign Births Register. Once approved, the applicant becomes an Irish citizen, effective from the date of registration. Irish citizenship by descent - Irish grandparentIf someone has an Irish grandparent, then they can claim Irish citizenship by descent - but only if that grandparent was born in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The process is the same as applying for citizenship through a parent. Namely, it is necessary to register with the Irish Foreign Births Register. Once approved, the applicant becomes an Irish citizen, effective from the date of registration. Irish citizenship by descent - Irish great-grandparentIt is theoretically possible to claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent. However, these applications will only succeed if:
If this can be established, then the applicant can obtain Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent by registering with the Irish Foreign Births Register. Irish citizenship by associationsIf someone does not meet the eligibility criteria for citizenship by descent, but they have Irish ancestors, then they may choose to apply for citizenship based on Irish associations. These applications are approved at the Minister's discretion. The Minister will usually want to see that the applicant:
Irish citizenship by naturalisationPeople who have lived in Ireland for five out of the previous nine years are entitled to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation. This is reduced for three years reckonable residence for those living in Ireland on refugee status. The conditions are also more favourable to applicants who:
Irish citizenship by marriage Irish citizenship can be obtained through marriage or civil partnership to an Irish citizen. Applicants must have been married or in a civil partnership for three years before they become eligible to apply. They must have been living in Ireland for three out of the previous five years, including one year prior to the application. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service will want proof that:
Are people from Northern Ireland entitled to Irish citizenship?People from Northern Ireland are entitled to Irish citizenship if they were born on the island of Ireland before 1 January 2005. Anyone born after this date can choose to become an Irish citizen if they were born on the island of Ireland and at least one of their parents was an Irish or UK citizen. It may also possible to claim Irish citizenship by descent, if the applicant has a grandparent or great-grandparent who was born in Northern Ireland. Rights of Irish citizensNow that Ireland is the only English-speaking nation in the European Union (EU), as Irish passport has become a highly prized possession. It opens the door to unrestricted residency in Ireland, as well as the ability to live, work, study and travel in the United Kingdom and the EU. Some of the rights enjoyed by Irish citizens include:
Dual citizenshipIreland permits dual citizenship. This means it is possible to hold an Irish passport and another passport at the same time, depending on the rules in the other country of citizenship. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. POPULAR ARTICLES ON: Immigration from Ireland New Immigration Plans Announced Envoy Global, Inc. The government of Germany introduced a new action plan intended to assist and increase the number of highly skilled workers throughout the country. Permanent Residence Permit – Category F Danos & Associates LLC On the grounds of Regulation 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, as amended, non-EU nationals are entitled to a permanent residence permit under Category F, without the strict requirement of a... New Eligibility For The Long-Term D Visa Envoy Global, Inc. The government of Slovakia introduced new eligibility measures for select foreign nationals intending to apply for a long-term D visa. Under this change, foreign nationals from countries... Refunds For Employment Permit Applications Envoy Global, Inc. The government of Ireland plans to launch a new system to refund fees for Employment Permit applications in October 2022. The system will allow electronic refunds... How do I get Irish citizenship by descent great grandparent?You'll need to have your birth registered in the Foreign Births Register. If one of your great-grandparents was born in Ireland, but none of their descendants were, you can apply for fast-track naturalization after 3 years of residence.
How many generations can you go back for Irish citizenship?The Ireland citizenship by Ancestry or Descent is open to individuals with Irish ancestry going back as far as great grandparents. Foreigners normally must have 5 years of residence in Ireland before being able to apply for naturalization.
Can you get citizenship through great grandparents?Citizenship by descent is a form of birthright citizenship. It means that if you have ancestors (such as parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents) from a country, you may be eligible to become a citizen of that country yourself.
How do I claim my Irish citizenship by descent?If you are born abroad, you are entitled to Irish citizenship if your parent was born in Ireland. If your grandparents were born in Ireland, you may also be able to claim citizenship through the Foreign Births Register.
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