When applying for Irish citizenship by ancestry from outside Ireland, you’ll need to direct your application through the competent authorities. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) handles Irish citizenship and immigration matters under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, which governs how individuals of Irish descent can secure their status as an Irish citizen.
If you’re claiming Irish citizenship by descent, your application process materials will be handled by the relevant diplomatic mission in your jurisdiction. In the U.S., there are nine embassies and consulates across major cities that handle Irish citizenship by ancestry cases, ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements set by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice.
Below, we outline where these offices are located and how to determine which one to use for your citizenship application process based on your place of residence.
Embassy of Ireland in Washington, D.C.
The Embassy of Ireland in the U.S. is located in D.C. Its jurisdiction includes:
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- Virginia
- West Virginia
This embassy manages applications related to Irish Nationality, registration under the Foreign Birth Registration, and inquiries concerning dual citizenship for U.S. residents of Irish ancestry.
Consulate General of Ireland, New York
The New York consulate to Ireland has a jurisdiction including the following states and U.S. territories:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
Applicants under this consulate typically submit their supporting documents – such as birth certificate, proof of lineage, and completed application forms – directly to the consular office.
Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago
You’ll deal with Ireland’s consular office in Chicago if you reside in:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
This office manages Irish citizenship by descent applications and coordinates with the Department of Justice on verification of ancestral documents.
Consulate General of Ireland, Los Angeles
Ireland’s Los Angeles consulate has a jurisdiction including:
- Arizona
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Southern California (south of the San Bernardino County line only)
- Utah
This office assists applicants pursuing Irish citizenship by ancestry who were born abroad to parents or grandparents of Irish descent.
Consulate General of Ireland, San Francisco
The Consulate General of Ireland in San Francisco deals with residents of:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Montana
- Northern California (north of the San Bernardino line only)
- Oregon
- Washington
- Wyoming
Applicants here can expect a processing time of 12–18 months depending on documentation completeness and verification under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act.
Consulate General of Ireland, Miami
Ireland’s Miami consulate provides citizenship services for residents of the following states and territories:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Mississippi
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Applicants under this jurisdiction should ensure all supporting documents are notarized and meet eligibility requirements for registration in the Foreign Births Register.
Consulate General of Ireland, Boston
Boston’s consular office for Ireland has a jurisdiction including:
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Many applicants here are second or third-generation Irish Americans seeking Irish citizenship by descent to reconnect with their Irish ancestry and participate in local Irish Associations across the region.
Consulate General of Ireland, Austin
The Irish consular office in Austin, TX, covers the following jurisdiction:
- Arkansas
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Applicants are encouraged to contact the consulate early to confirm the application fee, schedule appointments, and prepare all necessary documentation, including birth certificate, marriage certificates, and supporting documents verifying lineage.
Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta
The Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta, GA, has a jurisdiction including:
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
Applicants from this region may also receive guidance from local Irish Associations to assist with the application process and maintain cultural connection through community programs.
A Note on Dealing with Consular Offices
Bear in mind that most consulates and embassies have limited hours and are usually open to the public by appointment only.
You can reach out to U.S. consulates to schedule appointments through the official website, where phone contact and web query form options are available.
What’s Next After Locating Your Consulate?
Once you’ve determined which Irish consulate you’ll deal with for your Irish citizenship by ancestry applications from abroad, the next step is to start gathering your application materials.
Documents required for Irish citizenship by descent applications include passports, proofs of address in your country of residence, marriage and birth certificates, Foreign Births Register applications, citizenship applications, cleared criminal records, among others. For a full breakdown of the required forms for Irish citizenship, check out our guide to required documentation.
These are submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs through your local consulate. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications, but typically takes between 12–24 months.
Benefits of Irish Citizenship by Ancestry
Obtaining Irish citizenship by ancestry allows you to become an Irish citizen and enjoy full rights within the European Union, including work, travel, and residency. With an Irish passport, you gain visa-free access to over 180 countries, and for residents of Northern Ireland, special cross-border rights are protected under Irish law.
Recognition through the Foreign Births Register grants permanent citizenship, meaning you can pass on your Irish citizenship by descent to future generations. This process strengthens both personal identity and national belonging within Irish Nationality frameworks.
Reconnecting with Heritage Through Irish Citizenship by Ancestry
Applying for Irish citizenship by ancestry is a profound way to celebrate your family’s history and preserve its legacy. Whether you are part of long-established Irish Associations abroad or newly exploring your roots, this pathway under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act ensures that descendants of Irish ancestry can reclaim their heritage through legal recognition.
Through collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice, applicants can secure full Irish Nationality, dual citizenship, and an Irish passport that symbolizes both identity and freedom within the European Union.
If you’re ready to begin your journey to acquiring Irish citizenship through ancestry, we recommend starting with our $250 full service guide. Our trusted citizenship experts can help you determine eligibility and make your EU citizenship goals a reality. Sign up today!