Irish Citizenship By Descent Through Great Grandparents - "By Association"
APPLYING FOR Ireland CITIZENSHIP by descent THROUGH ASSOCIATION
Irish Citizenship Through Association
Irish citizenship by association through great grandparents means becoming a citizen by naturalization, and is for individuals who have Irish ancestry, but are not eligible to apply through the foreign births register.
Relevant Legislation
Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 recognizes that a person is of Irish associations if:
(a) 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
(b) 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.
Authority in Making Decisions
The Immigration Division of the Department of Justice is responsible for handling applications, and it is the Irish Minister for Justice who makes the final decision in terms of granting or denying an application, and has the total authority and discretion to waive or not the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for Irish Citizenship by Descent Through Great-Grandparent
In order to qualify for Irish citizenship through great grandparents (by association), you need to be 18 or over, meet the residency requirements, which is that you have around 3 years of lawful residency in Ireland, you are of “good character”, and you intend to live in Ireland, or if you are the spouse/civil partner of an Irish citizen, you plan to reside on the island of Ireland.
You could also qualify for citizenship through association if: you have Irish ancestors, but are not eligible for citizenship by descent, you are with an Irish citizen who has a right to Irish citizenship, you have been adopted by an Irish citizen, or you have a close connections and ties to Ireland.
Cases that do not meet the residency criteria
In relation to the residency criteria, if you do not meet this requirement, as citizenship by association applications through great grandparents are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, you will need to make a strong case that demonstrates a meaningful connection to Ireland in order to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Applications Pertaining to a Great Grandparent
If you have a great-grandparent who was born in Ireland, but you do not qualify to apply via the Foreign Births Register because your parent was not registered (did not have Irish citizenship) when you were born, you still have the pathway of applying for Irish citizenship through great grandparents (by association).
However, you will need to build a compelling case, which will require stating your connections to Ireland, including any business, relative, or friendships relations you may have there, any plans to relocate or reside in Ireland, travel in Ireland (holiday, study or work), and any Irish memberships to clubs you may have.
Documentation Required for Irish Citizenship by Association
You will be required to submit original copies of birth, marriage and death certificates (where applicable) for each individual in your family lineage: you, your parent, grandparent and Irish-born great-grandparent.
Where do I submit my application?
In order to submit your applications through association, by naturalization, you will need to access the home webpage of the Immigration Division of the Department of Justice. Here you will find step by step instructions regarding the application and submission process.
How long does an application take to process?
Currently it is taking approximately 30 months or longer to review and make a decision regarding Irish citizenship applications through great grandparents made through association.
Furthermore, if additional information is needed, or if your application is complex, it can take longer.
Administrative Fees
Applications for Irish citizenship through association, by naturalization, cost €175, which is non-refundable and need to be made payable to the Secretary General, Department of Justice.
Additionally, in the event that your application is successful, you will need to pay for your certificate of naturalization. The fee for an adult is €950, and for minors the cost is €200.
Once Citizenship is Granted
Following your being granted Irish citizenship, you will be required to attend a citizenship ceremony, whereby you will take an oath of fidelity.
Once this declaration has been made, your certificate of naturalization will be issued and this acts as evidence of citizenship.
You are then able to apply for an Irish passport.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I get Irish citizenship if my great grandparents were Irish?
Applying for citizenship by descent through the Foreign Birth Register is applicable only to those who have a parent or grandparent born in Ireland. However, citizenship through association, which falls under the category of citizenship by naturalization, may be a way for those who have a great grandparent that was born in Ireland to claim Irish citizenship. The individual must meet other additional requirements, such as residency in Ireland, to be able to apply and the decision is at the discretion of the Irish Minister of Justice.
Can I become an Irish citizen if my great grandparents were Irish?
Qualifying through a great-grandparent falls under Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, and is considered an application based on Irish descent or Irish association. Decisions are made at the Minister’s discretion and this discretion is used very rarely. These cases fall under the category of citizenship by naturalization, where there are other eligibility requirements, including residency in Ireland.
Can I get an Irish passport if my great grandparents were Irish?
Irish citizenship through association, which falls under citizenship by naturalization, may be for those who have a great-grandparent who was born in Ireland, and therefore have a claim to Irish citizenship, but do not meet the citizenship by descent criteria. Applicants must meet a number of eligibility requirements, including residency in Ireland, and decisions are made at the Irish Minister for Justice’s discretion.
What is Irish citizenship though association?
Irish citizenship through association is a pathway to becoming an Irish citizenship if you have Irish ancestry, but cannot apply for citizenship by descent- via the foreign births register.
What is the legal definition for Irish citizenship by association?
As outlined in Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, Irish association applies to those who are “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.”
Do I qualify for Irish citizenship through a great grandparent?
You are eligible to apply for Irish citizenship through association if you have resided legally and lawfully in Ireland for a period of around 3 years. Also required is that you are of “good character”, and are aged 18 or over, or married if under 18.
Where do I apply for Irish citizenship through a great grandparent?
The Immigration Division of Department of Justice is responsible for processing applications, and the Irish Minister for Justice is responsible and has absolute authority in deciding whether to grant or deny an application.
If I do not meet the residency requirement, can I still apply?
If you do not meet the residency criteria, which asks that you have resided lawfully in Ireland for around 3 years, you are still able to submit an application through association (under the category of naturalization) and must present a case that proves you have you have a strong and meaningful connection with Ireland.
What documents do I need to submit?
You will need to submit birth, marriage and death certificates (if and where applicable) for each person in your ancestry. Therefore, you, your parent, grandparent and great-grandparent who was born in Ireland.
Can I become an Irish citizen if my great grandparents were Irish?
Qualifying through a great-grandparent falls under Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, and is considered an application based on Irish descent or Irish association. Decisions are made at the Minister’s discretion and this discretion is used very rarely. These cases fall under the category of citizenship by naturalization, where there are other eligibility requirements, including residency in Ireland.
How long does it take to process Irish citizenship applications by association?
At present, applications are taking up to 30 months to review. However, if more information is required, it will cause delays.
What is the cost of an Irish Citizenship application by association?
There is a non-refundable application charge of €175, made payable to the Secretary General, Department of Justice.
In addition to this, if you are granted citizenship, you will need to pay €950 (adults), and €200 (minors) for the naturalization certificate.
What happens once citizenship is granted?
If your application is approved, you will be required to attend a citizenship ceremony in order to take an oath of fidelity. Following this, you will be issued with a certificate of naturalization, which is proof of citizenship.
You are then able to apply for your Irish passport.
This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian
Contact Us
There are many ways to qualify for Ireland citizenship by descent. Contact us at (213) 658-6833 to learn if you qualify.
