Registering a foreign birth

You are automatically an Irish citizen if one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, and was born on the island of Ireland. You don't need to apply to become an Irish citizen in this case.

If you were born outside of Ireland, you can become an Irish citizen if:

1. One of your grandparents was born in Ireland, or;
2. One of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, even though they were not born in Ireland.

In these cases, you can become an Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration.

Once a person is entered onto the Foreign Births Register they are an Irish citizen and entitled to apply for an Irish passport.

Adult applicant applying on the basis of an Irish born Grandparent

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

Documents relating to the grandparent born in Ireland (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

Adult applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen through Naturalisation

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original Irish Naturalisation Certificate

Adult applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen through entry on the Foreign Births Register

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy  of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate

Adult applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen through Post Nuptial Citizenship Declaration

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original Post Nuptial Citizenship Certificate

Adult applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen on the basis of being born abroad and adopted under Irish law by an Irish citizen

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original adoption certificate and adoption order of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original proof of Irish citizenship at the date of adoption coming into effect

Documents relating to the grandparent born in Ireland (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

Minor applicant applying on the basis of an Irish born Grandparent

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Documents relating to the grandparent born in Ireland (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

Minor applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen through Naturalisation

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Irish Naturalisation Certificate
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Irish Naturalisation Certificate of Irish citizen parent
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Minor applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen through entry on the Foreign Births Register

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate of Irish citizen parent
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Minor applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen through Post Nuptial Citizenship Declaration

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Post Nuptial Certificate
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Post Nuptial Certificate of Irish citizen parent
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Minor applicant whose parent is an Irish citizen on the basis of being born abroad and adopted under Irish law by an Irish citizen

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original adoption certificate and adoption order of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Certified Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) or civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original proof of Irish citizenship at the date of adoption coming into effect
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original adoption certificate and adoption order of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Certified Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) or civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Certified Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) or civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original proof of Irish citizenship at the date of adoption coming into effect
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Documents relating to the grandparent born in Ireland (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

You need to submit four passport-sized photographs with your application.

Your witness must sign and date two of these photographs.

If you're applying on behalf of a minor, you also need to submit four passport-sized photographs of yourself. They should also be signed and dated by you and your witness.

Fees

18 years of age and over

• Registration plus Certificate: €270
• Non-refundable postage and handling fee: €8
• Total: €278

Under 18 years of age

• Registration plus Certificate: €145
• Non-refundable postage and handling fee: €8
• Total: €153

Payment methods

• Payment is made online when you enter your application.

Before you send your application form to the relevant office, you must have it witnessed by an appropriate person who is personally know to you but is not a relation.

The same witness should witness the form and two of the photographs and use their official stamp on the form. They should also certify a photocopy of the applicant's state-issued photographic identity document as a true copy of the original.

If the witness does not have an official stamp you should supply a business card for them.

Who can witness the application form and photographs?

The witness can be one of the following, who is personally known to you and currently practicing in their profession:

• Garda Síochána/ Police Officer
• School Principal/ Vice Principal/ Teacher/ School Secretary/ Pre-school Manager/ Montessori Teacher/ Lecturer
• Member of Clergy
• Medical Doctor
• Nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Speech Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Dentist
• Lawyer
• Notary Public/ Commissioner for Oaths
• Peace Commissioner
• Bank Manager/ Assistant Bank Manager or Credit Union Manager or Assistant Manager
• Accountant
• Elected Public Representative
• Vet
• Chartered Engineer

You should gather all the required documents prior to completing the online form. Incomplete applications will be returned to you and not processed.

Begin your online Foreign Births Registration application