Distant Irish ancestry
People with an Irish-born great-grandparent or more distant Irish ancestry
What you get
- An assessment of your connection and whether the Foreign Births Register is open to you instead
- Help researching and gathering ancestry and relationship documents
- A detailed submission explaining your Irish descent or associations
About this service
Naturalisation – Irish Descent or Irish Associations
If you have Irish ancestry beyond a grandparent, or other close connections to Ireland, you may be able to apply for naturalisation under section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. The Minister for Justice decides these applications at their discretion, guided by published guidelines. They take a long time, so a well-evidenced application matters. We assess your connection and build your case. Applications on Irish descent or associations are very personal, and the evidence often spans several generations. We help you research the family records and present your connection to Ireland as clearly as possible.
€1229
Fixed fee
4
Areas we cover
5
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Relatives of Irish citizens
People related by blood, marriage or adoption to Irish citizens
Other connections
People with other strong connections to Ireland
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Descent or associations
You're of Irish descent or have Irish associations, for example by being related by blood, affinity or adoption to an Irish citizen
02
Minister's discretion
The Minister can waive some of the usual naturalisation conditions, but decides each case at their discretion under ISD's published guidelines
03
Good character
You're of good character
04
Documented connection
You can document your connection to Ireland
Our promise
What's included
Naturalisation – Irish Descent or Irish Associations
€1229
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 5 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We assess your connection and the best route.
- 2Step 2
We help you gather the family records.
- 3Step 3
We prepare a detailed submission and your application.
- 4Step 4
We submit it and respond to any requests.
- Step 5
If approved, you attend a ceremony and receive your certificate.
Good to know
Our fee
€1,229 VAT included. Government fees are separate.
Government fees
€175 application fee and €950 certification fee if approved.
Processing time
ISD reported in December 2025 that Irish association cases were taking more than 30 months.
Published guidelines
ISD has published guidelines on how it considers these applications, and it has invited applicants with pending cases to send further information.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register stops at grandparents. People with more distant Irish ancestry, such as an Irish-born great-grandparent, or with other close connections to Ireland, can't register as Irish, but they may be able to apply for naturalisation based on Irish descent or Irish associations, under section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. Under this provision, the Minister for Justice can waive some of the usual naturalisation conditions, including residence, for applicants of Irish descent or with Irish associations, such as being related by blood, marriage or adoption to an Irish citizen. Each case is decided at the Minister's discretion, guided by published guidelines, so approval is never automatic and strong documentary evidence is essential: birth, marriage and death certificates linking the applicant to their Irish ancestor or relative, evidence of that person's Irish birth or citizenship, and evidence of other links to Ireland, such as residence, work, study or family. These cases are slow: ISD reported in December 2025 that Irish association applications were taking more than 30 months. The fees are the standard €175 application fee and €950 certification fee if approved. Anyone with an Irish-born grandparent should use the faster and more certain Foreign Births Register instead.
No. You can register on the Foreign Births Register instead, which is faster and more certain. See our Citizenship by Descent service.
The Minister can waive the usual residence conditions in these cases, but decides each one individually. We'll advise on how your situation fits the guidelines.
No. These applications are at the Minister's discretion, so strong evidence of your connection is essential.
Children apply separately. Minors of Irish descent or associations have their own route, which we can prepare.
These applications are discretionary, each person's connection to Ireland is assessed in detail, and there's a large backlog.
Yes: €175 to apply and €950 for the certificate if you're approved.
Ready when you are
Get started with Naturalisation – Irish Descent or Irish Associations
€1229
€1229
Naturalisation – Irish Descent or Irish Associations