Foreign Birth Registration

Irish Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) is a process that allows individuals born outside of Ireland to Irish parents or grandparents to establish their Irish citizenship. This registration provides a unique opportunity for individuals with Irish heritage to connect with their ancestral roots, claim Irish nationality, and enjoy the benefits of being an Irish citizen. In this article, we will explore the importance and benefits of Irish Foreign Birth Registration and outline the process for obtaining Irish citizenship through this route.

Our Irish immigration solicitors deal with all types of Foreign Birth Registration applications. We can advise whether you are eligible to Irish Foreign Birth Registration. If so, we can manage the process on your behalf.

Call us on 01 901 1355, email info@rnlsolicitors.ie or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back and we will contact you at a convenient time.

We can be contacted outside of Irish office working hours and can communicate with you via phone, email and WhatsApp.

Importance of Irish Foreign Birth Registration

Irish Foreign Birth Registration holds significant importance for individuals of Irish descent, as it offers them a chance to reclaim their heritage and become a part of the Irish community. This process is particularly valuable for those whose ancestors emigrated from Ireland in the past, preserving the link to their Irish identity and culture. By acquiring Irish citizenship, individuals can gain access to various rights and privileges, including:

1. Freedom of Movement: Irish citizens enjoy the right to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). This advantage opens up opportunities for studying, working, and residing in other EU/EEA member states.

2. Voting Rights: Irish citizens have the right to vote in national elections, referendums, and European Parliament elections. This ensures that individuals can actively participate in shaping the country’s political landscape and policies.

3. Social Benefits: Irish citizens are entitled to access Ireland’s social welfare system, including healthcare benefits, unemployment support, and pension schemes.

4. Education: Irish citizenship allows individuals to benefit from reduced or free tuition fees at Irish universities and educational institutions.

5. Dual Citizenship: Ireland permits dual citizenship, enabling individuals to retain their current citizenship while gaining Irish citizenship.

The Process of Irish Foreign Birth Registration

Eligibility:

To be eligible for Irish Foreign Birth Registration, applicants must meet certain criteria:

1. Have a parent who was an Irish citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth.
2. In certain cases, have a grandparent who was an Irish citizen.
3. Be of good character and not have any previous criminal convictions.

Application Procedure:

The application process involves several steps:

1. Gather Documents: Applicants need to collect supporting documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and proof of Irish citizenship of the parent/grandparent.

2. Complete the Application Form: The applicant must fill out the Foreign Birth Registration application form provided by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

3. Pay the Fee: There is a non-refundable fee for processing the application. As fees are subject to change, applicants should check the latest fee schedule on the Irish government’s official website.

4. Submit the Application: The completed application, along with all necessary documents and the fee, should be submitted to the Irish embassy, consulate, or relevant authority in the applicant’s country of residence.

5. Await Processing: The processing time for Irish Foreign Birth Registration can vary, but applicants are generally notified of the outcome within a few months.

Do you want to become an Irish citizen?

Call us on 01 901 1355, email info@rnlsolicitors.ie or fill in the Free Online Enquiry Form. You can also request a call back and we will contact you at a convenient time.