Free tool
Irish citizenship eligibility checker
Answer a few plain-English questions about where you and your family were born. You’ll see straight away whether you’re likely already Irish, can register through the Foreign Births Register, or need another route.
This free checker gives general information, not a legal determination or guarantee. Always check the requirements with the relevant Irish authority before you apply.
How the checker works
The four main routes to Irish citizenship
The checker works through these in order, then looks at adoption and the most common naturalisation routes if none of them apply.
Born on the island of Ireland
Born there before 1 January 2005? You’re an Irish citizen by birth — or, in Northern Ireland, entitled to be one. For births since then, it depends on your parents’ citizenship or residence.
Apply for a passportA parent born in Ireland
If a parent was born on the island of Ireland and was an Irish citizen when you were born, you’re already Irish — even if you were born abroad.
Apply for a passportAn Irish-born grandparent
Born abroad with a grandparent born on the island of Ireland? You can become Irish by registering on the Foreign Births Register.
Foreign Births RegisterA parent who was already Irish
If your parent was born abroad but was an Irish citizen when you were born — through naturalisation or their own FBR entry, for example — you can register too.
Foreign Births Register
What about great-grandparents? A great-grandparent only helps if your parent was already on the Foreign Births Register when you were born — see the FAQ. Other routes, such as naturalisation or Irish associations, are explained by Citizens Information (opens in a new tab).