Naturalisation by Association
If you have a substantial connection to Ireland – such as an Irish great-grandparent – then you could apply for Irish citizenship by association. Speak to our Irish immigration solicitors to find out if you’re eligible.
We can be contacted outside of Irish office working hours and can communicate with you via phone, email and WhatsApp.
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.
What is citizenship by association?
According to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, a person is of Irish associations if:
- He or she is related by blood, affinity or adoption to, or is the civil partner of, a person who is an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen, or
- He or she was related by blood, affinity or adoption to, or was the civil partner of, a person who is deceased and who, at the time of his or her death, was an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen.
This wording is very legalistic. It might not help you understand whether you can get Irish citizenship by association. To find out for certain, contact us at RNL Solicitors. We can confirm whether you are eligible.
You could be eligible if:
- You have Irish ancestry, but do not qualify for citizenship by descent. This might be the case if you have an Irish great-grandparent
- You are the partner of an Irish citizen or someone who is entitled to Irish citizenship (or was at the time of their death)
- You have been adopted by an Irish citizen or someone who is entitled to Irish citizenship (or was at the time of their death)
- You have some other close affinity to Ireland
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.
Requirements for Irish citizenship by association
Applications for citizenship by association are assessed on a case-by-case basis. They are reserved for scenarios where the applicant has an affinity to Ireland, but does not meet the normal citizenship criteria. In these situations, the Minister for Justice has the discretion to waive the requirements for naturalisation.
However, the applicant must show that they have some ‘substantial and tangible connection with Irish society and the State’. Typically, this means that you must have:
- Lived in Ireland as a lawful resident for around three years; and
- Have a blood affinity to Ireland, or some other close connection
You might not have to satisfy the residency requirements – it depends on the circumstances. However, an association going back two generations generally requires some other link to the State.
You must also:
- Be 18 or over (applications for minors must be completed by a parent or guardian)
- Be of good character
- Make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish State at an official citizenship ceremony
Are you eligible to get Irish citizenship by association?
It can be difficult to know whether you qualify for Irish citizenship by association as there are no hard-and-fast rules. We can assess your situation and advise whether you meet the requirements. If you want, we can then manage the application process for you.
These applications can be easy to get wrong. If you don’t submit evidence that proves a ‘substantial and tangible connection’ to Ireland, then your citizenship could be denied. We will apply our legal expertise to make sure this doesn’t happen. We’ll guide you through the process, offering our support and knowledge at every stage.
Start your citizenship application today
We can be contacted outside of Irish office working hours and can communicate with you via phone, email and WhatsApp.
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.
Naturalisation by association – quick facts
Can I get Irish citizenship through a great-grandfather or great-grandmother?
You may be able to get Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent. However, you are not automatically eligible to citizenship. Instead, you’ll have to apply for citizenship by association.
How many generations back can you claim Irish citizenship?
It is often said that you can only claim Irish citizenship based on a parent or grandparent. This is true if you want to get Irish citizenship by descent, meaning you register with the Foreign Births Register. However, it might be possible to go back more than three generations by making an application based on citizenship by association (and not descent). Usually, you cannot go back more than four generations.
Who is eligible to Irish citizenship by association?
You could be eligible to Irish citizenship by association if you have a blood affinity to Ireland (or some other close affinity) and have lived in the State for around three years. The eligibility requirements differ from case to case, which is why we always recommend getting legal advice.
Are you interested in getting Irish citizenship?
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.
