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Ireland

Citizenship by Descent

Irish citizenship is the most valuable in the world. It allows visa-free travel to the US and Australia and enables you to stay for as long as you want in the European Union and the UK. The Ireland citizenship by ancestry program is a great way to get a Irish passport. The Ireland citizenship by Ancestry or Descent is open to individuals with Irish ancestry going back as far as great grandparents. Foreigners normally must have 5 years of residence in Ireland before being able to apply for naturalization.

Ireland accepts dual citizenship, so you won’t have to forfeit your citizenship to apply. We can assist you to become an Irish citizen now and claim your Irish passport.

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1956 serves as the foundation for Ireland's citizenship by descent laws

While the laws have been amended several times since since, including as recent as 2005, the creation of the Foreign Birth Register for descendent of Irish Citizens born abroad was established under the original provisions.

Ireland has the largest global diaspora on a per capita basis.

Almost 10% of the US population may qualify for EU Citizenship.

History of Irish citizenship laws

The Irish State's fundamental law was established by the 1937 Constitution, replacing the Irish Free State Constitution. The latter granted citizenship to those born in Ireland or to those who had lived there for at least seven years. After the Constitution of Ireland replaced it, anyone granted citizenship under the previous constitution became a citizen of Ireland.

Following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the 19th Amendment to the Irish Constitution was adopted. As a result, the Constitution was amended to include the right to citizenship at birth.The acquisition and loss of Irish citizenship is now determined by law. In 2004, the 27th amendment eliminated automatic citizenship by birth for anyone born in Ireland after January 1, 2005.

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1956 established that anyone born in Ireland was automatically a citizen, and foreign-born descendants of Irish citizens could register as citizens. In 2005, the practice of wives of citizens of Ireland claiming citizenship through a post-nuptialdeclaration ended.

Free Irish Citizenship
Eligibility Assessment

Eligibility:

Who Is eligible for Irish citizenship by descent?

For those born outside of Ireland

The rules for those born outside of Ireland hinge upon whether they have an Irish-born parent.

An individual is automatically an Irish citizen if at least one of their parents was born in Ireland, and was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth. This also applies to children who are adopted by at least one Irish citizen.

However, if the parent was not born in Ireland, then Irish citizenship is not an automatic right. Even so, it may still be possible to claim Irish citizenship by descent. This applies to those who have an Irish parent, grandparent or, in exceptional circumstances, a great-grandparent.

Condition 1
Irish citizenship by descent - Irish parent

As outlined above, an Irish parent can pass citizenship to their children, if they were born in Ireland and were Irish citizens at the time of their child's birth. In this instance, their children are automatically Irish citizens.

If a parent is born outside of Ireland, but was an Irish citizen at the time of their child's birth, then that child can claim Irish citizenship by descent. This involves registering with the Irish Foreign Births Register. Once approved, the applicant becomes an Irish citizen, effective from the date of registration.

Condition 2
Irish citizenship by descent - Irish grandparent

If someone has an Irish grandparent, then they can claim Irish citizenship by descent - but only if that grandparent was born in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The process is the same as applying for citizenship through a parent. Namely, it is necessary to register with the Irish Foreign Births Register. Once approved, the applicant becomes an Irish citizen, effective from the date of registration.

Condition 3
Irish citizenship by descent -
Irish great-grandparent

  • It is theoretically possible to claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent. However, these applications will only succeed if:

    • The applicant's great-grandparent was born in Ireland; and
    • The applicant's parent obtained Irish citizenship based on the fact that their grandparent (the applicant's great-grandparent) was an Irish citizen; and
    • The applicant's parent had obtained Irish citizenship by the time he/she was born (if born after 1986) or between 1956 and 1986

Requirements:

What are Irish citizenship application requirements?

One of the easiest citizenship by descent programs in the EU

Documentation required to apply for Ireland citizenship by descent

What Documents Are Needed  to Apply?

Documents relating to the Applicant

  • Completed, signed and witnessed application form
  • Birth certificate (showing parental details)
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
  • Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers license, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
  • 2 separate original proofs of address –
  • 4 color photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen Parent

  • Birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
  • Marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
  • Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers license, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen Grandparent born in Ireland

  • Birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
  • Civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
  • Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers license, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

What does an Irish Birth Record look like?

What information is on an Irish Birth Record?

All Irish birth certificates / civil birth register entries contain the following information:

Date of birth

Place of birth
Townland or urban street name/house number

Name of child
Sometimes blank or 'male' or 'female' if name not yet decided

Sex of child

Father's name and address
Townland or street name/house number

Mother's name and maiden name

Father's occupation

Name, address and 'qualification' (relationship) of informant.

Date registered

Name of registrar

Superintendent Registrar's District

County

Benefits

Family Privileges

EU Education
The right to an education in any EU member state.
EU Healthcare Rights
The right to free public health services in every EU member state.

Opportunities

Live & Work in the EU
The ability to live and work where in an EU member state.
Future Generations
Automatically passes on to
future generations.

Safety

Consular Protection
Each member state’s entitlement to consular protection while visiting another country.

Leverage / Control

Renounce Citizenship
Give up your ancestral passport and your high-tax citizenship.
Local Elections
The ability to cast a ballot in local elections in other EU countries.

Mobility Rights

Schengen Mobility
Mobility without restriction between members and other European nations.
Visa Free Travel
Most nations outside of the EU do not require visas for travel.

Tax Efficiency

Additional investment
opportunities

A second passport will expand your options for tax planning.

What does being an Irish citizen mean?

You are formally recognized as a national of Ireland and a citizen of the European Union. You have certain rights. These include the right to:

  • Carry an Irish passport
  • Live and work in Ireland and the EU

You may also request consular assistance from Irish embassies and consulates abroad, or from those of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish representation (EU Consular Protection Directive).

Free Irish Citizenship
Eligibility Assessment

What types of applicants qualify for ancestry-based citizenship?

Types of applicants to Irish citizenship

Path #1

Citizenship
by Birth

Path #2

Citizenship
by Descent

Path #3

Citizenship by Association (ICA)

Citizenship by Birth

The key question:

Are you an Irish citizen who was born on or before December 31, 2004? Or, are you a child of a parent born in Ireland on or before December 31, 2004?

Answer:

Yes - Congratulations, you are eligible for Irish citizenship
in both situations.

Citizenship by Descent

The key question:


Are you a grandchild of someone born in Ireland, BUT your parents and you were born outside of Ireland?

Answer:

Yes- Congratulations, you’re entitled to Irish citizenship. BUT you’re first required to register in the Foreign Births Register.

Are you the great-grandchild of someone born in Ireland, AND all your grandparents, parents and you were born outside of Ireland?

Answer:

Yes- You're possibly entitled to Irish citizenship only if your parents had already registered with the Foreign Births Register before your birth. If you’re fortunate enough to be in this position, then you also must register with the Foreign Births Register.

Citizenship by Association (ICA)

The key question:


Are you the great-grandchild of someone born in Ireland, AND all your grandparents, parents and you were born outside of Ireland?

Answer:

If your parent had not registered in the Foreign Birth Register before your birth, you can apply for citizenship by association after 2-3 years of residency.

How long does it take to get Irish Citizenship by Descent?

Irish citizenship by descent | Application processing time

Can I apply on my own?

How long does it take to get Irish Citizenship by Descent?

The Do-It-Yourself Route (DIY):  30-48 Months

Adds 6 to 12 months to the process
  • If DIY simply added 4 to 5 hours more of work, that's one thing but....What if I told you that the DIY route automatically adds no less than 6 months, and more likely 9 to 12 months to the process?
  • With the perpetual learning curve of how and what actions to take, coupled with the inclusion of superfluous steps resulting from a deficient grasp of the government's true requirements, the majority of self-directed endeavors endure an additional six-month delay in the completion of their applications.

Delays compound on each other

  • During the additional six months DIYers spend preparing their own petitions, hundreds of qualified applicants will have filed their applications before you, making your wait that much longer.
  • If you make a single mistake and are denied as a result, then you're sent back to the end of the line.

How to obtain Irish Citizenship by Descent

Applying for Irish Citizenship by Descent:
A step-by-step guide

What are the steps in applying for Irish Citizenship?

Step 1: Collection of Vital Records

Identify and obtain the records for all applicable family members
in-line with your anchor-ancestor.

Step 2: Fill out Application

Once you have collected all your lineage documents, it's time to begin filling out the citizenship/ foreign birth registry application.

Step 3: Find a Professional Witness

To complete the entire application process, you will require the assistance of a legal witness. They must complete the applicable section of the application according to the guidelines. Few categories of persons can serve as your legal witnesses.

Step 4: Submit Application

Along with the online application, hard copies must also be submitted to the appropriate authorities.

Step 5: Apply for Irish Passport

Once your initial application is approved, you’ll  receive your official Irish Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) in the mail, now its time to apply for your Passport. The actual application for an Irish passport must be mailed.

Step 6: Drink Guinness in Ireland!!

Once your initial application is approved, you’ll  receive your official Irish Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) in the mail, now its time to apply for your Passport. The actual application for an Irish passport must be mailed.

Fees and Costs

What are the Government Fees and Costs related to Irish Citizenship by Descent

FBR Application/Gov Fees:

The cost for processing your Italian dual citizenship application can very from consulate to consulate, however are generally in the range of $350-$400 USD.  This is a non-refundable fee paid directly to the Italian Consulate General.

18 years of age and over:

  • Registration plus Certificate: €270
  • Non-refundable postage and handling fee: €8
    • Total: €278

Under 18 years of age

  • Registration plus Certificate: €145
  • Non-refundable postage and handling fee: €8
    • Total: €153

Once your application have been approved and you are an Irish Citizen, you will need to apply for your Irish Passport

Irish Passport Fees

The fees that vary depending on the validity length and size of the Irish passport are as follows:

The figures mentioned above do not include the additional postal fees which amount to €5 if you’re inside Ireland whereas they cost an additional €15 if you’re outside Ireland.

Statistics

What is the History of Irish Immigration?

It is estimated that over 6 million Irish people have emigrated to the US since 1820.

Of all the emigrants to the US between 1851 and 1860, it is estimated that 81 per cent (990,000) were Irish. Today one sixth of US citizens (43 million) identify their national background as IrishThe peak of Irish emigration resulted from the Great Famine of 1845-1852. It has been estimated that nearly two million people - about a quarter of the population - emigrated to the United States in a ten year period at that time. In Mayo the population declined from 388,887 to 274, 830, between 1841 and 1851.

19th Century Irish Population Growth
The relative prosperity that resulted from Napoleonic wars from 1790 to 1815 was followed with a doubling population of Ireland in the first half of 19th century. By 1800 the population of Ireland was 4,500,000. This rose to 8,200,000 by 1841.Factors encouraging this 19th century growth included marriage at young ages and increased numbers of births as well as the practice of subdividing land for the next generation. The same land was supporting a greater number of people. In tandem with this population growth was a growing dependence on a single crop - the potato. The ‘spud’ could be grown on relatively infertile soil and in sufficient quantities to nutritionally feed the doubling population.

Irish Famine and Emigration
A peak in Emigration occurred as a result of the Great Famine of 1845-1852. The failure of the potato crop, due to blight, and insufficient provision of alternative food supplies resulted in destitution, death and emigration on a cataclysmic scale. It was not until 1855 that the total harvest reached half of what it had been in 1844. Mass evictions, the near-famines of 1861-1864 and 1879-82, and the hardships of subsistence farming meant emigration to North America continued to be seen as an opportunity to support and improve life. Migration to the US declined during World War 1 when shipping was severely disrupted, but reached a peak from 1921 to 1923 followed by a decline due to international depression and introduction of US restrictions on immigrant numbers.

Gender – Irish female Immigrants
A distinguishing feature of Irish emigration was the large number of females, often young single women, who emigrated to America. Between 1856 and 1921 half of all Irish emigrants were young women. Between 1876 and 1885 the female /male emigration ratio was 120:100 from County Mayo to the USA via Irish ports. In the years 1886 to 1905 it reached a peak of 175:100.

Source; Fitzpatrick, David, “The Modernization of the Irish Female”, in P O’ Flanagan, P Ferguson and K. Whelan (eds.) Rural Ireland 1600-1900: modernisation and change, (Cork, Cork University Press, 1987)

Where are Irish Americans Now?

Life in Ireland

Best Places to Live

Dublin

Being a major tech hub in Europe, offers numerous opportunities to meet people. Apart from frequenting your local pub, you can also join social groups such as Meetup to connect with both locals and fellow expats.

Cork

If you're looking for a more affordable option than Dublin, consider Cork as your new home. Situated in the southern part of the country, the cost of living in Cork is approximately 23% less than Dublin.

Galway

Galway is another popular city in Ireland, especially for expats looking for a quieter lifestyle, low crime rates, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. It's one of the best places to live in Ireland if you prefer a smaller city.It's important to be ready for the gloomy weather, regardless of where you choose to live in Ireland. Due to the dark winters, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADS) affects both locals and expats. You can learn how to cope with expat depression by discovering ways to adjust to the climate, make friends, and tackle other challenges that come with adapting to a new place and culture.
Furthermore, expats considering a move to Italy should also be aware of the high income tax and social security requirements compared to other EU countries.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ireland is comparable to that of the United States. It's not uncommon to see young people living with their families until their 30s due to the high cost of living and low wages. Additionally, like many cities around the world, there is a shortage of housing in Ireland, which has resulted in exorbitant rent prices.

Many Americans who have relocated to Ireland can attest to the fact that living there as an expat is expensive. Dublin, in particular, is one of the most costly cities in Europe, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment hovering around $2000 per month. Furthermore, it can be challenging to find pet-friendly rentals.

Although housing costs may be more reasonable in smaller Irish cities, the prices of everyday goods tend to be somewhat higher than in many parts of the United States. For instance, a regular cup of coffee will cost approximately $4.50, while a nice lunch out will set you back roughly $25, depending on where you are in the country.

Tax Implications for Irish and US dual Citizens

What are the potential tax implications of becoming a dual citizen with Ireland ?

In accordance with citizenship-based taxation, U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide income by the U.S.government, and Irish citizens are taxed on their worldwide income by the Irish government under the parameters of residential taxation. This means that U.S. citizens who become dual citizens with Ireland can be subject to double taxation on the same income.
To avoid this situation, the U.S. and Ireland have a bilateral tax treaty in place that outlines the rules for determining which country has the right to tax certain types of income and provides for tax credits to be claimed in the country of residence. If a U.S. citizen becomes a resident of Ireland, they will be taxed as a resident ofIreland, however, they may be able to claim a foreign tax credit on their U.S. tax return for any Irish taxes paid on the same income.

How does Ireland Define a Tax Resident?

Under Ireland’s tax rules, your tax residency is determined by the number of days you spend within Ireland during a tax year. Therefore, you are tax resident in Ireland if you are in the State:

  • for 183 days or more in a tax year, or

  • for 280 days or more in total in the tax year and the preceding tax year

Therefore, if you travel frequently between Ireland and another country, it will be the number of days you’ve spent in Ireland during a tax year that will determine whether Ireland will deem you to be an Irish tax resident under Irish rules. The country you travel to may also deem you to be a resident under their domestic tax rules.

FAQs

What happens if your Grandparent never had a Birth Certificate?

During the early 1900’s, many children in Ireland never received official birth certificates, especially in more rural areas. Because doing so required traveling to the nearest big city (something not every family could do easily).Instead, local churches recorded births with Baptismal Certificates. In this instance, you can still apply for citizenship, but you must first search for your grandparent’s birth certificate through the General Registrar’s Office anyway.

What is the Foreign Birth Registration?

Section of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that process's applications for Foreign Births Registration otherwise known as Citizenship by Descent. This can be a complex process that may require you to submit official documentation relating to three generations which may have been issued by several jurisdictions.

What about Great Britain/USA/Canada/Australia?

Embassies and Consulates in these countries do not process Foreign Birth Registrations. All applications are now processed in Dublin.

Can my sibling and I apply for Foreign Birth Registration jointly?

Yes, you can use the same set of papers and supporting documents for both applications. Just enclose the two separate application forms in one envelope and send it to us with a letter saying that some of the documents apply to both applications. This only applies if you are resident in the same country when applying.

I secured Irish citizenship through the Foreign Birth Registration process. Can my children be registered as Irish citizens as well?

- If your children were born after your entry onto the Foreign Births Register then they too are eligible to apply for entry on the register.
- If your children were born before you were registered, they are not eligible to apply as you were not an Irish citizen at the time of their birth.

Do you return all of my certificates?

Yes. At the end of the process we will return all your original certificates to the address on your application form.

Can I apply for an Irish passport at the same time as applying for Foreign Birth Registration?

No, you cannot apply for an Irish passport until you are an Irish citizen.

Still have a question?

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Capital city

Dublin

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Visa free countries

185

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Total area

84,421 km²

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Languages

English, Irish Gaelic

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Currency

Euro €

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Population

4,832,765

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Time zone

GMT

Ireland Map
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Irish Citizenship by Ancestry Options

Determining eligibility for Irish citizenship by descent is primarily dependent on:

Where and when you and your parents were born.

Where and when your Irish Ancestor was born.

For those Born outside of Ireland

  • An individual is automatically an Irish citizen if at least one of their parents was born in Ireland, and was an Irish citizen at the time of their birth. This also applies to children who are adopted by at least one Irish citizen.
  • If the parent was not born in Ireland, then Irish citizenship is not an automatic right. However,  it may still be possible to claim Irish citizenship by descent. This applies to those who have an Irish parent, grandparent or, in exceptional circumstances, a great-grandparent.

For those with an Irish parent

  • Irish parent can pass citizenship to their children, if they were born in Ireland and were Irish citizens at the time of their child's birth. In this instance, their children are automatically Irish citizens.
  • If a parent is born outside of Ireland, but was an Irish citizen at the time of their child's birth, then that child can claim Irish citizenship by descent.

For those with an Irish grandparent

  • If someone has an Irish grandparent, then they can claim Irish citizenship by descent - but only if that grandparent was born in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Path 4: Irish Citizenship by Option

It is theoretically possible to claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent. However, these applications will only succeed if:

  • The applicant's great-grandparent was born in Ireland; and
  • The applicant's parent obtained Irish citizenship based on the fact that their grandparent (the applicant's great-grandparent) was an Irish citizen; and
  • The applicant's parent had obtained Irish citizenship by the time he/she was born (if born after 1986) or between 1956 and 1986
  • The applicant's parent had obtained Irish citizenship by the time he/she was born (if born after 1986) or between 1956 and 1986
    - If this can be established, then the applicant can obtain Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent by registering with the Irish Foreign Births Register.

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Visa-free travel
to 185 countries once citizenship is granted

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Freedom of movement
in the EU

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European Citizenship awarded after 5 years

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No residency requirement

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Download the Country Factsheet

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PROCESS

Application Processing Time: 1-5 Years

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STAGE 1 | YEAR 1

Gather your documents and proof of ancestry by searching records in your home country and Ireland. If you’re in category 1, simply go to the Irish consulate near you and apply for your Irish passport. If you’re in category 2 or 3, you’ll need to file your request with the Foreign Births Register. If you’re in category 4, you’ll need to obtain a resident permit, preferably under the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme. The application process takes a few months.


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STAGE 2 | YEAR 2

If you’re in category 2 or 3, expect to have your citizenship certificate sent to you after 12 to 18 months. If you’re in category 4, you’ll have to wait 3years before you can petition the Minister for fast-track naturalization.







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STAGE 3 | YEAR 4

If you’re in category 4, you can petition the Minister for naturalization after 3 years of legal residence. You must submit all documents proving your Irish ancestry. The approval is expected to take 2.5 years.







Documentation & Vital Records Requirements

Documents relating to the Applicant:

  • Completed, signed and witnessed application form
  • Birth certificate (showing parental details)
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
  • Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers license, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application
    form witness
  • 2 separate original proofs of address –
  • 4 color photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen Parent:

  • Birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
  • Marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
  • Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers license, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable)

Documents relating to the Grandparent born in Ireland

  • Birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
  • Civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
  • Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers license, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR original civil death certificate (if applicable

Family

When you become Irish, your children automatically become Irish citizens with you. Irish citizenship cannot be passed to your parents. Your spouse could qualify for naturalization after you receive your Citizenship Certificate if you’ve been married for at least 3 years and she has lived most of the year in Ireland during those 3 years, with 12 months of continuous residence before her submission.

Ireland Citizenship by Ancestry

Do you qualify for Irish citizenship?

Take a free eligibility test today! Your eligibility for ancestry-based citizenship will be determined within 48 hours by the internal genealogy team at Global RCG.

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Latest Articles on Ireland

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Ireland Citizenship by Descent Requirements - How to apply | Global RCG

In the US, 33 million Americans have Irish ancestry, and the vast majority of them can claim Irish citizenship by descent. Read more.
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Application Process

Subheading one

Step 1: Member onboarding

Kick-off call

Portal
set-up

Complete Pedigree Tree

Subheading two

Step 2: Vital Records Retrieval

Ireland

USA

Subheading three

Step 3: Vital Records Prep

Notarizacion

Apostillization

Subheading four

Step 4: Application Preparation

Preparation

Submission

Subheading four

Step 5: Citizenship Approval

Preparation

Subheading four

Step 6: Passport Approval

Citizenship Certificate

Irish Passport

Enjoy the freedom to live, work and invest anywhere in the world

Eliminate dependency on a single nationality and passport

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