Claiming Irish Citizenship

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold a European passport? For many Americans with Irish ancestry, this dream isn't just possible—it's within reach. The Irish diaspora spans the globe, but nowhere is it more prominent than in the United States, where approximately 31.5 million people claim Irish heritage.

Ireland's citizenship by descent program offers a remarkable opportunity for Americans with Irish ancestry to reclaim their heritage and gain all the benefits of European citizenship. It's a bridge between your past and your future—connecting you to ancestral roots while opening doors across Europe and beyond.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about claiming Irish citizenship as a US citizen. From eligibility requirements to application processes, and from the benefits of dual citizenship to the financial considerations involved, we've got you covered.

Who Qualifies for Irish Citizenship by Descent?

Ireland has one of the most generous ancestry-based citizenship programs in the world. You might be surprised to discover that you qualify, even if your Irish connections go back generations. Let's break down the eligibility criteria.

Parent Born in Ireland

If one of your parents was born in Ireland and was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you're automatically an Irish citizen, regardless of where you were born. This is the most straightforward path to Irish citizenship.

The beauty of this route is that you don't need to register through the Foreign Births Register. You're already considered an Irish citizen by birth—you just need to claim your citizenship by applying for an Irish passport.

Irish Citizen Parent (Not Born in Ireland)

Here's where things get a bit more nuanced. If one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth but wasn't born in Ireland (perhaps they obtained Irish citizenship through their own parent), you're entitled to Irish citizenship.

However, you'll need to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register (FBR) to formalize your citizenship. One important note: your Irish citizenship becomes effective from the date of registration, not your birth date.

There's one exception to this rule: if your Irish-citizen parent was abroad serving the Irish State at the time of your birth, you might not need to register.

Irish-Born Grandparent

This is where many Americans find their path to Irish citizenship. If one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, you have the right to claim Irish citizenship through descent.

You'll need to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register to claim this citizenship. This route has helped countless Americans reconnect with their Irish heritage and gain access to the European Union.

Great-Grandparents and Beyond

Irish citizenship by descent can extend beyond grandparents, but there's a crucial catch: each generation must have maintained the citizenship chain by registering before the next generation was born.

For example, if your great-grandparent was Irish-born, your grandparent and parent each needed to have claimed Irish citizenship in their lifetimes for you to be eligible. This is known as the "continuous chain" requirement.

If this chain was broken—if, for instance, your parent never registered as an Irish citizen before you were born—then you cannot claim citizenship based on a great-grandparent or more distant ancestor.

The Foreign Births Register: Your Gateway to Irish Citizenship

For most Americans claiming Irish citizenship through descent, the Foreign Births Register (FBR) is the pathway forward. This register, maintained by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, is where eligible individuals can formalize their Irish citizenship claim. Here's how to navigate this process step by step.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before diving into paperwork, make absolutely sure you meet the descent criteria outlined above. This means verifying that you have an Irish-born grandparent or an Irish citizen parent who wasn't born in Ireland.

Take time to build your family tree and gather preliminary information. This foundational step can save you considerable time and expense down the road.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

Documentation is the backbone of your application. You'll need to assemble a comprehensive set of civil documents that prove both your identity and your Irish lineage.

For yourself, you'll need:

  • Original long-form birth certificate showing your parents' details
  • Marriage or name-change certificate if your name has changed
  • Government-issued photo ID (certified copy of passport or driver's license)
  • Two proofs of current address
  • Four passport-sized photographs (two signed/stamped by a witness)

For your Irish ancestors, you'll need:

  • Birth certificate of your Irish-born grandparent or parent
  • Marriage certificate of your Irish ancestor (if applicable)
  • Photo ID or death certificate of your Irish ancestor
  • Birth and marriage certificates showing the connection between generations

Each document serves as a link in the chain that connects you to your Irish ancestry. Missing even one link can delay or derail your application, so be thorough in your collection.

Step 3: Submit Your Online Application

All FBR applications begin online through the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs portal. The form is comprehensive but straightforward if you've prepared your documentation.

After completing the online portion, you'll need to print a hard copy of the application. This physical copy must be signed in the presence of an authorized witness—do not sign it beforehand.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fee

As of 2025, the FBR application fee is €278 for an adult and €153 for a child. These amounts include postage and handling fees.

The fee is paid online at the submission stage of your application. While not insignificant, this fee is a modest investment considering the lifetime benefits of Irish (and EU) citizenship.

Step 5: Get Your Application Witnessed

This crucial step is where many applications hit a snag. An eligible witness must personally know you and certify your application. In the US, a notary public, lawyer, or police officer typically serves as an eligible witness.

The witness will:

  • Supervise your signing of the form
  • Verify two of your passport-sized photos by signing/stamping them
  • Provide a business stamp or card if no stamp is available
  • Certify the copy of your ID as a true copy

This witnessing process adds a layer of verification to your application that the Irish authorities require.

Step 6: Mail Your Application and Wait

Once everything is signed and witnessed, you'll mail your application with all original documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs at the address provided in the instructions.

Then comes perhaps the hardest part: waiting. The current processing time is about 9 months on average. Applications are generally processed in the order received, though truly urgent cases may request expedited handling.

Once approved, you'll be entered into the Foreign Births Register and issued a Foreign Birth Registration certificate. This document officially recognizes you as an Irish citizen and makes you eligible to apply for an Irish passport.

Don't worry about your original documents—they'll be returned after processing. It's wise to make photocopies for your records before sending them in.

One of the first questions many Americans ask is: "Will claiming Irish citizenship affect my American citizenship?" The good news is that becoming an Irish citizen does not require giving up your US citizenship.

The United States allows dual citizenship, and obtaining Irish citizenship by descent will not jeopardize your US status. US law "does not require a US citizen to choose between US citizenship and another nationality."

In fact, a US citizen may even naturalize in another country "without any risk" to their US citizenship. Acquiring foreign citizenship by birth or descent is usually an automatic process under foreign law, and nothing in US law prevents you from holding that second citizenship.

However, as a dual citizen, you owe allegiance to both countries and must obey the laws of both. Here are some practical implications to keep in mind:

Passport Usage

When traveling to or from the United States, US law requires US citizens to use their US passport to enter and leave the country. This means that even with an Irish passport, you should carry and present your US passport when returning to the US.

You can still use your Irish passport when traveling to Ireland, the EU, or elsewhere. Many dual citizens carry both passports when traveling internationally and use each one strategically.

Consular Protection

When you're in Ireland as an Irish-American dual citizen, the US Embassy's ability to assist you might be limited. The US Department of State notes that dual nationals may face restrictions on US consular help "in the country of their other nationality," since Ireland will view you as its citizen on Irish soil.

In practice, this rarely causes issues, as you generally wouldn't need US consular aid while in Ireland. But it's something to be aware of in any country where you hold citizenship.

No Need to Renounce

You are not required to inform the US government of your Irish citizenship or renounce any allegiance. The US government does not formally "recognize" foreign citizenship for purposes of granting privileges, but it doesn't object to dual citizenship either.

Just be aware that if you formally renounced US citizenship or took an oath to a foreign state with the intent to relinquish US citizenship, that would be different—but claiming Irish nationality through your ancestry is not an expatriating act in itself.

The Benefits: Rights of Irish Citizenship

Obtaining Irish citizenship opens up a world of opportunities that extend far beyond Ireland's borders. Let's explore the substantial rights and benefits that come with your new status.

Live and Work in Ireland

As an Irish citizen, you have the unconditional right to reside anywhere in the Republic of Ireland. You can work, study, start a business, own property, and access public services without any visas or permits.

There's something deeply meaningful about having the freedom to live in the land of your ancestors. Whether you're planning an immediate move or just keeping your options open for the future, this right alone is valuable.

European Union Freedom of Movement

Irish citizenship automatically makes you a citizen of the European Union—a benefit that cannot be overstated. This gives you the right to move freely to live, work, or study in any EU or European Economic Area country.

Want to work in France? Study in Germany? Retire in Spain? As an EU citizen, you can reside and seek employment in any member state without a work visa. This freedom of movement is perhaps the most powerful practical benefit of Irish citizenship for many Americans.

Additionally, if you're outside the EU and need consular assistance in a country where Ireland has no embassy, you have the right to seek help from any other EU country's embassy as an EU citizen.

Common Travel Area (Ireland–UK)

Separate from EU rights, Ireland has a special arrangement with the United Kingdom called the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under this agreement, Irish citizens can freely travel to, live in, and work in the UK without immigration formalities.

This means your Irish citizenship gives you near-equal rights in the UK for residence and employment. You can settle in the UK, access healthcare and social benefits, and even vote in certain elections there.

These CTA rights have remained in place even after Brexit, making Irish citizenship uniquely valuable for access to both the EU and the UK.

Political Rights in Ireland

Irish citizens can vote in all Irish elections and referendums if registered to vote. This includes elections for Dáil Éireann (Parliament), Presidential elections, local elections, European Parliament elections, and national referenda.

To exercise this right, you must be resident in Ireland and enrolled on the electoral register at your Irish address. Irish law currently does not allow general absentee voting for citizens abroad, with very limited exceptions.

As a citizen, you can also run for public office. Citizenship is a requirement for certain positions, such as members of Dáil Éireann or President of Ireland.

Access to Social Services and Education

Irish citizens have access to Ireland's public healthcare system and social welfare benefits, subject to the same eligibility conditions that long-term residents face.

For education, Irish citizens enjoy tuition at EU rates at universities in Ireland and other EU countries, which can be significantly lower than international student rates. For families with college-bound children, this benefit alone can represent savings of tens of thousands of dollars.

Passport and Global Mobility

You will be entitled to an Irish passport, which ranks among the world's most powerful travel documents. With an Irish passport, you can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to more countries than with a US passport alone.

Moreover, in countries where Ireland has no representation, you can get consular assistance from other EU embassies. This global support network provides peace of mind for international travelers.

Financial and Tax Considerations for Dual Citizens

Dual citizenship brings financial responsibilities alongside its many benefits. Understanding the tax and financial reporting obligations will help you stay compliant and avoid any unexpected issues. Let's dive into what you need to know.

US Tax Filing Requirements Continue

Gaining Irish citizenship does not exempt you from US taxes or filings. All US citizens must continue to report their worldwide income to the IRS by filing an annual tax return, regardless of whether they also pay taxes abroad.

Even if you move to Ireland and pay Irish taxes, the US will still require you to file a 1040 tax return each year. This obligation applies to all dual citizens—you remain fully subject to US tax law unless you renounce US citizenship.

Failing to file US taxes (even if you owe $0 after credits) can lead to penalties, so this is one responsibility you can't afford to overlook.

Avoiding Double Taxation

The good news is that the United States and Ireland have a bilateral tax treaty that helps prevent double taxation of income. Under this treaty, if you pay taxes to Ireland on income earned there, you can typically claim a foreign tax credit on your US return.

Additionally, US tax law offers the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, allowing expatriates to exclude a certain amount of foreign earned income each year. These provisions ensure you won't be taxed twice on the same income by both countries.

In practice, if you live and work in Ireland, you'll file both countries' tax returns but often owe little or nothing to the IRS due to these credits and exclusions.

FATCA – Foreign Asset Reporting

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) imposes reporting requirements on US citizens with foreign financial assets. If you hold accounts or investments in Ireland above certain thresholds, you must report them to the IRS via Form 8938.

Generally, if your foreign financial assets exceed $50,000 at year-end (or $75,000 at any point in the year) for a single filer living in the US, you need to file this form. Higher thresholds apply for joint filers or those living abroad.

FATCA also requires Irish financial institutions to identify accounts held by US citizens and report them to the IRS. When opening an account in Ireland, expect the bank to ask if you're a US citizen and possibly require additional paperwork.

FBAR – Foreign Bank Account Reporting

In addition to FATCA, US persons must file the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) annually if they have foreign financial accounts whose aggregate value exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year.

This separate electronic report declares your foreign account balances to the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The FBAR is due by April 15 each year, with an automatic extension to October 15.

Penalties for not filing FBAR can be steep, so dual citizens should take this obligation seriously. Many find themselves filing FBARs yearly once they establish any accounts in Ireland.

Irish Taxes for Residents and Investors

Simply holding Irish citizenship does not trigger Irish tax residency. Ireland will tax you only if you reside there or have Irish-source income.

If you decide to move to Ireland, you'll become tax resident by spending the requisite time there (typically 183 days in a year or an average of 280 days over multiple years). As an Irish tax resident, you'll pay Irish income tax on your earnings.

Ireland does not tax non-resident citizens on foreign income. So if you remain living in the US and just have Irish citizenship, Ireland won't tax your US salary. The only Irish tax you might face as a non-resident would be on Irish assets, such as rental income from Irish property.

Inheritance and Estate Tax Considerations

Ireland imposes Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) on inheritances and gifts above certain thresholds at a rate of 33%. The tax applies based on the relationship to the deceased/giver and whether either party is Irish-resident or the assets are in Ireland.

The United States taxes estates (the deceased's estate pays federal estate tax, up to 40% on amounts over the exemption). A US citizen inheriting from an Irish estate could potentially face both Irish CAT and US estate tax implications.

Fortunately, there is a US-Ireland estate tax treaty that prevents double taxation on estates and inheritances. For example, if Irish CAT and US estate tax both apply to the same inheritance, the treaty allows a credit to avoid double taxation.

Given the complexity, estate planning with an expert is advisable for wealthy dual citizens. For most people, however, the existing treaty means you won't be double-taxed on your legacy.

Financial Accounts and Investments

With Irish citizenship, you might open local bank accounts, buy property, or invest in Ireland or the EU. Beyond the reporting requirements, consider currency exchange risks and the tax treatment of investment income.

US citizens need to be particularly careful about foreign mutual funds, as US tax law treats them harshly under the PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) rules. Many US expats stick to US-based investments or specific compliant funds to avoid these complications.

While these considerations go beyond citizenship issues, they become relevant once you start mixing financial jurisdictions.

Is Irish Citizenship Worth It for US Citizens?

After exploring all the details, the question remains: Is pursuing Irish citizenship worth the effort? For most Americans with qualifying Irish ancestry, the answer is a resounding yes.

The benefits—expanded global mobility, EU freedom of movement, access to opportunities across Europe, deeper connection to your heritage—far outweigh the administrative responsibilities of maintaining dual citizenship.

The application process, while detailed, is straightforward if you have the right documentation. And once completed, your Irish citizenship lasts a lifetime and can be passed down to future generations (provided they register before having children of their own).

The tax and financial reporting requirements, while important to understand, are manageable with proper planning. Many Americans successfully navigate dual citizenship life and find the expanded horizons well worth the paperwork.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Past and Future

Claiming Irish citizenship represents more than just acquiring a second passport. It's about reconnecting with your heritage and opening doors for yourself and potentially future generations.

For many Irish Americans, there's a profound emotional component to reclaiming citizenship in the land their ancestors left behind—often under difficult circumstances. It's a way of completing a circle, of healing a historical rupture.

At the same time, it's forward-looking, providing practical benefits in our increasingly global world. From professional opportunities across Europe to educational advantages for your children, Irish citizenship offers tangible advantages for 21st-century life.

The process requires patience and attention to detail, but the rewards last a lifetime. Whether you're planning an immediate move to Europe, considering options for retirement, or simply want to expand your family's future possibilities, Irish citizenship through descent is a powerful legacy to reclaim.

If you have Irish ancestry, exploring your eligibility for citizenship isn't just about paperwork—it's about possibilities. It's about acknowledging where you came from while expanding where you and your family can go.

The journey to Irish citizenship is both a return and a beginning. It honors the past while opening doors to the future. And for many Americans with Irish roots, it's one of the most meaningful journeys they'll ever take.