Can My Child Get Irish Citizenship by Ancestry? Complete Child Citizenship Guide

Parents who secure Irish citizenship by descent obviously want to know if their children qualify, too. The answer depends on whether you were an Irish citizen at the time of your child’s birth and how your own citizenship was recognized through Irish ancestry or Irish descent.

This guide explains how Irish nationality law applies to children and what families need to do to ensure that their children can acquire Irish citizenship by ancestry, too.

Why Irish Citizenship by Ancestry for Children Matters

For children, an Irish passport opens up huge opportunity. It secures:

• EU residency rights.
• Lower education costs across Europe.
• Healthcare access within the EU.
• Heritage connection.

How Irish Citizenship Passes to Children

If You Are an Irish Citizen at Birth

If you were already an Irish citizen when your child was born, your child is automatically Irish. For example:

• Born abroad to a parent who was born in Ireland.
• Born abroad to a parent who was already registered in the Foreign Births Register before the child’s birth.

If You Became Irish Later

If you obtained citizenship after your child’s birth (for example, by registering in the FBR after they were born), your child does not automatically qualify. In this case, you may need to explore alternative routes.

Adopted Children

Adoption is treated a bit differently under Irish law. Here’s the clear breakdown, based on the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended) and the Department of Foreign Affairs guidance:

• If the adopting parent was already an Irish citizen at the time of adoption
  The adopted child becomes an Irish citizen automatically once the adoption is legally recognized in Ireland. No registration with the Foreign Births Register (FBR) is needed.
  
• If the adopting parent became an Irish citizen later (e.g., by registering in the FBR after the adoption)
  The adopted child does not automatically qualify. Just like biological children, the key test is whether the parent was already an Irish citizen at the time the parent–child relationship was legally established.
  
• Adoption abroad
  For the adoption to be recognized, it must be:
  • Valid under the laws of the country where it took place, and
  • Recognized under Irish law. (This usually means the adoption is listed in the Irish Register of Intercountry Adoptions.)

So to answer directly:

• If you are Irish at the time of adoption → your adopted child is Irish, no FBR needed.
• If you become Irish later → your adopted child will not qualify through you.

Legal Framework for Irish Citizenship by Ancestry

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 governs these rules. Amendments have ensured equal rights through both maternal and paternal lines and clarified how registration affects children.

The Role of the Foreign Births Register (FBR)

The Foreign Births Register (FBR) is central to determining whether your child qualifies for Irish citizenship by ancestry.

• If you were born in Ireland: You are an Irish citizen from birth. Your children are automatically Irish, no FBR registration required.
  
• If you became Irish through the FBR: Timing matters.
  • If you were registered in the FBR before your child was born, your child is automatically Irish.
  • If you registered after your child was born, your child does not qualify through you.

This rule is often misunderstood. Citizenship only passes to the next generation if the parent was already an Irish citizen at the time of birth.

For parents who plan to have children in the future, registering in the FBR early ensures that citizenship will carry forward.

Irish Citizenship by Ancestry Application Process for Children

1. Determine your status. Were you Irish at the time of your child’s birth?
2. Collect documents. Child’s birth certificate, your Irish citizenship proof, marriage/adoption records if relevant.
3. Register if required. If the child qualifies through the FBR, complete the process before applying for a passport.
4. Apply for a passport. Once recognized as an Irish citizen, your child can obtain an Irish passport.

Common Scenarios Related to Irish Citizenship by Ancestry

• Parent Born in Ireland: Child is automatically Irish.
• Parent Foreign-born Irish, but registered in FBR Before Child’s Birth: Child is automatically Irish.
• Parent Registered in FBR After Child’s Birth: Child does not automatically qualify.

FAQs About Irish Citizenship by Ancestry for Children

Important Note on Irish Citizenship by Ancestry

Every Irish citizenship by ancestry for children case is unique. Even with clear eligibility, approval is not guaranteed.

We recommend starting with our $250 full service guide and consulting a trusted citizenship expert to avoid delays.

Sources

Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended): The main law governing citizenship, including descent, FBR, and adoption. irishstatutebook.ie

Department of Foreign Affairs – Your Irish Citizenship
Overview of descent rules and when you qualify.
dfa.ie/citizenship

Citizens Information – Your Right to Irish Citizenship
Independent advice site funded by the Irish government. Confirms parent and grandparent rules, plus FBR requirement.
citizensinformation.ie

Irish Immigration Service – Citizenship Applications Based on Descent or Association
Explains discretionary “citizenship by association” and generational limits.
irishimmigration.ie

Citizens Information – Adoption and Irish Citizenship
Confirms that adopted children gain citizenship if the adopting parent was already Irish at the time of adoption.
citizensinformation.ie – Adoption and citizenship

Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, Section 11
Sets out citizenship rules for adopted children.
irishstatutebook.ie