Citizenship

Being an Irish citizen means that you are formally recognised as a national of Ireland and a citizen of the European Union. It gives you certain rights, including the right to carry an Irish passport, live and work in Ireland and the EU, and receive consular help from Irish embassies and consulates abroad.

The Minister for Justice and Equality is responsible for deciding who is entitled to Irish citizenship and all applications and questions about citizenships are dealt with by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of the Department of Justice and Equality.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade only process applications for citizenship through Foreign Births Registration.

Born outside Ireland

If you were born outside Ireland, you must meet certain criteria to claim Irish citizenship

Naturalisation

You can become an Irish citizen through naturalisation if you meet certain criteria

Reclaim your citizenship

You can reclaim your Irish citizenship by making a declaration of citizenship

Renounce your citizenship

You can renounce your Irish citizenship by making a declaration of alienage

Print page