Obtaining Irish Citizenship by Descent: A Comprehensive Guide
Irish citizenship is highly valued for a variety of reasons including the fact that it provides individuals with the right to reside, work, and study in any of the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU). Irish citizenship can be acquired by birth, by marriage, and by descent. In this article, we will focus on how to obtain Irish citizenship by descent.
Who is eligible?
Irish citizenship by descent is available to individuals whose grandparents were born in Ireland or to individuals whose parents were registered on the Irish Foreign Births Register before the birth of their child. If any of your grandparents were born in Ireland, you are eligible to apply for Irish citizenship.
How to apply?
The application process for Irish citizenship by descent can be completed online or through the submission of a paper application. The online application requires a registration process, and an activation code will be sent to the applicant’s email address. The process for submitting a paper application is straightforward and can be done by following the instructions on the application form.
Documents required
The following documents are required when applying for Irish citizenship by descent:
– Birth certificates of all Irish ancestors
– Marriage or civil partnership certificates, if applicable
– Your birth certificate
– Parents’ marriage certificate, if applicable
– Proof of identity
– Proof of residency, if applicable
– Fee payment
Processing time
The processing time for applications for Irish citizenship by descent varies depending on the volume of applications received by the Irish government at that time. The current average processing time is estimated to be around six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to apply for Irish citizenship if my great-grandparents were born in Ireland?
A: No, Irish citizenship by descent is only available to individuals whose parents or grandparents were born in Ireland.
Q: How long do I have to reside in Ireland after obtaining Irish citizenship by descent?
A: There is no legal requirement to reside in Ireland after obtaining Irish citizenship by descent.
Q: What happens if my application is rejected?
A: If your application for Irish citizenship by descent is rejected, you can appeal the decision. The appeal must be lodged within 90 days of receiving the decision.
Q: Do I need to renounce my current citizenship to obtain Irish citizenship by descent?
A: No, Ireland allows dual citizenship, which means that you can hold Irish citizenship and the citizenship of another country simultaneously.
Conclusion
Irish citizenship by descent offers individuals the opportunity to become a citizen of one of the most globally connected countries in the world. With its strong economy, friendly people, and rich cultural heritage, Ireland is a great place to live, work, and study. The application process for Irish citizenship by descent may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward and successful process.