Applying for an Irish Passport

Are you wondering whether you are eligible to become an Irish citizen? And if so, is it necessary to instruct a solicitor to guide you through the process?

There are a number of routes under which you may be eligible to apply for an Irish passport. They are as follows:

1. Naturalisation based on residence – e.g. if you have resided in Ireland for five out of the last nine years (including the last full year) with permission to remain on Stamp 1, 3 or 4 conditions, you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation. We can assist you with the completion of your application form, ensure the appropriate documentation is provided, and arrange to have the necessary declarations witnessed and copy documents certified by a solicitor. Factors that may adversely affect these applications are criminal convictions, failing to submit the correct documentation, or failing to adequately prove five years residence in the State. With our help, we can advise you how to approach the situation and make submissions to ensure your application has the best possible chance of success.

2. Naturalisation based on residence and being a spouse of an Irish citizen – The application process is similar to that described above, but the Minister has absolute discretion to reduce the residency requirement outlined above. Again, we can advise as to how to ensure your application has the best possible chance of success.

3. Naturalisation based on residence and Irish Associations – e.g. if you are related by blood, affinity or adoption to, or if you are the civil partner of an Irish citizen, including deceased citizens, the Minister for Justice has the discretion to waive the standard residency requirements. We can assist with advising on the best way possible to prove your Irish association and prepare and submit your application with a detailed cover letter to ensure your best chance of success.

4. Citizenship by descent – e.g. if your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland, or if not, if your great-grandparent was born on the island of Ireland, and your parent was registered as an Irish citizen in foreign births register before you were born, you may be eligible to register as an Irish citizen. We can assist with the online application form, obtaining and compiling the relevant documentation and submitting the completed application, together with a detailed cover letter to the appropriate Consulate, Embassy or Department. Potential problems may arise if you are no longer in touch with a relevant family member and are therefore unable to track down necessary certificates and documents. In the event we cannot track down these certificates on your behalf, we can provide a detailed explanation in a cover letter and provide supporting documentary evidence where possible to account for this.

If you wish to discuss any of the above options in further detail, please feel free to contact our office.