Citizenship for
Children

Children under 18 who aren't Irish citizens can become Irish through naturalisation, with a parent or guardian applying on their behalf. There are three main routes. A child of a parent who has become an Irish citizen by naturalisation can apply if they live in Ireland. A child born in Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 who wasn't entitled to citizenship at birth can apply after living in Ireland as part of the family for 3 years. And a child of Irish descent or with Irish associations can apply at the Minister's discretion. The application is made online and must document the child's identity and residence: a certified birth certificate, the child's passport, original letters from the child's school for the past 3 years (photocopies aren't accepted), and the child's IRP card if they're 16 or over. The fees are €175 to apply and a reduced certification fee of €200 if the application is approved. Children don't attend a citizenship ceremony: their certificate is posted to the family, and the child can then apply for an Irish passport. Each child needs their own application, although it can be prepared alongside a parent's. Before applying, it's worth checking that the child isn't already Irish, for example through birth or the Foreign Births Register.

No. Each child needs their own application, but we can prepare them alongside yours.

Possibly. Children born abroad after a parent became Irish may be able to register on the Foreign Births Register, and some children born in Ireland are Irish from birth. We'll check first.

Original letters from the child's school covering the last 3 years. Alternatives apply if the child has been in school for less time.

Once the naturalisation certificate arrives, you can apply for their first Irish passport.

For children born in Ireland who aren't Irish at birth, 3 years' residence as part of the family is required. Other routes have their own conditions, which we'll check.