Get Your Ireland Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: You are an Irish citizen if born in Ireland before 1 January 2005. After that date, citizenship depends on your parents’ residency status.
- By Descent: If one of your parents or grandparents was born in Ireland, you are likely eligible. Citizenship through great-grandparents is possible if your parent registered before your birth.
- By Naturalization: You may apply after 5 years of legal residence (or 3 years if married to an Irish citizen).
- By Marriage: Spouses of Irish citizens can apply for naturalization after 3 years of marriage and 3 years of residence in Ireland.
- Dual Citizenship Allowed: Ireland permits dual citizenship — no renunciation is required.
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify your eligibility path — descent, naturalization, or marriage.
- If applying by descent, register with the Foreign Births Register through an Irish embassy or consulate.
- If applying by naturalization or marriage, submit your application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
- Provide required documents and attend any interviews or ceremonies.
- Receive your certificate of naturalization or registration and apply for an Irish passport.
Benefits of Irish Citizenship
- Live and work anywhere in the EU and UK (due to the Common Travel Area)
- Pass citizenship to your children and future generations
- Hold dual citizenship with most countries, including the U.S. and Canada
- Travel visa-free to over 180 countries
- Access Ireland’s healthcare, education, and public services
Frequently asked questions.
Does Ireland allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Ireland permits dual and multiple citizenships. You do not need to give up your existing nationality to become an Irish citizen.
Can I get Irish citizenship through my grandparents?
Yes. If one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, you can apply through the Foreign Births Register. Your parents must have registered before your birth for you to qualify through great-grandparents.
Can I become a citizen through marriage?
Yes. If you’ve been married to an Irish citizen for 3 years and lived in Ireland for 3 years, you can apply for naturalization.
Does Ireland recognize same-sex marriage for citizenship?
Yes. Ireland legalized same-sex marriage in 2015. Same-sex spouses can apply for citizenship under the same rules as opposite-sex couples.
Will I owe taxes in both countries?
Ireland taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Irish-source income only. Tax treaties may help avoid double taxation. A tax advisor can offer guidance based on your situation.