Become.Irish

Usually Not Eligible

Unfortunately, Irish citizenship cannot be claimed through a great-grandparent in almost all cases.

Important Warning

In nearly all cases, Irish citizenship cannot be claimed through a great-grandparental link. Many websites, including some legal firms, may suggest that you can obtain citizenship through this relationship.

Unfortunately, these claims are usually misleading, and some companies charge for research or services only to later confirm that citizenship cannot be granted.

The Reality

What's Not Possible

If your great-grandparent was born in Ireland, you may wonder if you are eligible for Irish citizenship. Unfortunately, the Irish government does not allow citizenship claims based on a great-grandparent unless your parent was registered in the Foreign Births Register (FBR) before your birth.

Key Point:

You cannot simply trace your lineage through a great-grandparent to claim Irish citizenship. The connection must be more direct, or there must be prior registration in the family line.

The Only Exception

The only situation where citizenship through a great-grandparent might apply is:

Your parent was registered on the Foreign Births Register before you were born

If your parent was not registered before your birth, it is not possible to pass Irish citizenship down through your great-grandparent.

Beware of Misleading Services

Some companies and law firms might offer services claiming they can help you gain citizenship through a great-grandparent.

In most cases, after charging for their research or legal fees, they will inform you that citizenship is not possible. Please be cautious of such claims.

If You Think Your Parent Was Registered

If you believe your parent was registered in the Foreign Births Register before your birth, the process is similar to claiming citizenship through a grandparent. However, you will need to include your parent's Foreign Birth Registration certificate in your application.

Alternative Options

Consider Other Routes

If you're not eligible through your great-grandparent, you might want to explore other immigration routes to Ireland or the EU, such as:

  • Work visas and skilled migration programs

  • Student visas for education in Ireland

  • Investment programs