Naturalisation by Irish Descent or Irish Associations: A Possible Route to Citizenship

(a rather relaxed puffin on Skellig Michael)

I am frequently contacted by clients asking if they can claim Irish citizenship through an Irish great-grandparent.  While it is absolutely possible to make an application on this basis, it is not straightforward and expert advice for this application type is essential due to the specific documentation needed and to improve the likelihood of success.   

How it Works:

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 permits the Minister for Justice to make an exception to the normal rules around naturalisation and grant an applicant a certificate of naturalisation where they can prove a blood (or marriage or adoption) connection to an Irish citizen.  The Department of Justice refers to these as “applications based on Irish descent or Irish associations”.

Historically there has been very little guidance about how to practically make such applications except for a policy requirement that applicants should show 2-3 years of lawful residence in the state on top of their family connections.

Very helpfully for applicants, a set of guidelines has recently been published by the Department of Justice assigning point values to different categories of connections to Ireland.  This guidance provides applicants more certainty about chance for success before submitting an application and these categories are:

· Experiential connection to the State

· Family connections to the State

· Cultural connections to the State

· Establishment in the State

How I Can Help

I get great satisfaction working with clients on these types of applications because their love of Ireland and their Irish heritage shines through the whole process, particularly when they share with me treasured family photos and records of their Irish relations. 

If you have Irish connections and would like to discuss your options for making an application based on Irish descent or Irish Associations, contact me for a consultation to discuss your unique circumstances and how I can assist you in making your application.