Registering a foreign birth

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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 (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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 applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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)
• Original Irish Naturalisation Certificate

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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)
• Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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)
• Original Post Nuptial Citizenship Certificate

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate original proofs of address
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original adoption certificate and adoption order of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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)
• Original proof of Irish citizenship at the date of adoption coming into effect

Documents relating to the grandparent born in Ireland (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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 applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) – do not attach these to the application form

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Documents relating to the grandparent born in Ireland (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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 applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Irish Naturalisation Certificate
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Irish Naturalisation Certificate of Irish citizen parent
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate of Irish citizen parent
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the Irish citizen parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Post Nuptial Certificate
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Original Post Nuptial Certificate of Irish citizen parent
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses OR civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Documents relating to the applicant (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see list of witnesses at 1 above)
• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness
• Letter from school, family doctor or other relevant source on headed paper which includes the minor’s address.
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed)

Documents relating to the parent (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

Application made by Irish citizen parent on behalf of a minor

• Original adoption certificate and adoption order of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish citizen parent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Certified Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) or civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original proof of Irish citizenship at the date of adoption coming into effect
• 2 separate proofs of address for Irish citizen parent
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of Irish citizen parent

Application made by non-Irish citizen guardian on behalf of a minor

• Original adoption certificate and adoption order of Irish citizen parent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) of Irish citizen parent OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Certified Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of Irish citizen parent (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) or civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Certified Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document of declarant (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) or civil death certificate (if applicable)
• Original proof of Irish citizenship at the date of adoption coming into effect
• 2 separate proofs of address for declarant
• 4 colour photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) of declarant
• Proof of guardianship/ parental responsibility for declarant (if not named as a parent on the applicant’s birth certificate)

Documents relating to the grandparent born in Ireland (unless stated, originals must be submitted):

• Original civil birth certificate of Irish born grandparent (showing parental details)
• Original civil marriage certificate of Irish born grandparent (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)
• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, 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)

You are automatically an Irish citizen if one of your parents was an Irish citizen and was born in Ireland. You don’t need to apply to become an Irish citizen in this case.

If you were born outside of Ireland, you can become an Irish citizen if:

One of your grandparents was born on the island of Ireland, or;

One of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, even though they were not born on the island of Ireland

In these cases, you can become an Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration.

Once a person is entered onto the Foreign Births Register they are an Irish citizen and entitled to apply for an Irish passport.

Who can apply for Foreign Birth Registration?

People with a grandparent born on the island of Ireland

If your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland, your parent was born outside Ireland, and you were born outside Ireland, you can apply for entry on to the Foreign Births Register.

People with a grandparent born outside Ireland, but with a parent who is an Irish citizen.

If your parent became an Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration or Naturalisation prior to your birth and you were born outside Ireland, you can apply for Foreign Birth Registration.

How long does it take to process my application?

Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process, it takes approximately 9 months to process a completed Foreign Birth Registration application. If you are an expectant parent applying to be entered on the Foreign Birth Register, you should mark this clearly on your application.

Have you received my application and documentation? 

We advise you to send your application by recorded post so that you can track its delivery, as we do not acknowledge receipt of post.

What is the current status of my application?

Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process, it takes approximately 9 months to process a completed Foreign Birth Registration application. If we require further documentation, we will contact you.

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.

Should I send a prepaid envelope for return of my documentation?

No, all your documentation will be returned by recorded mail – you will have to sign for the package.

Can I bring my application to your office in person?

No, we do not have a public office. Applications must be sent by post to the address given on your printed 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.

What name will be printed on my FBR certificate?

Your FBR certificate will feature your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate. If you have changed your name since birth you may still get an Irish passport in the name you use by providing the appropriate documentation.

Further details on how to apply for a passport that will show a new name can be found here. Similarly, your Irish citizen parent's name on your FBR certificate will be exactly as it appears on their birth certificate.

Where can I get an application form?

The application form is online only - there is no physical application form.

How much does it cost to apply?

The fees are €278.00 Euros for over 18s and €153 Euros for under 18s – these fees include postage for return of your certificates. The fee is paid online when you are completing your application form.

Who can witness my application?

A list of the professions which can witness an application is included on the application form.

Which documents do I need to submit with my application?

A list of the documentation that you would need to submit with your application can be found on our Registering a Foreign Birth page.

Can I send my child’s FBR application and my passport application to the Department of Foreign Affairs in the same envelope?

You should not include passport applications in the envelope with a Foreign Births Registration application as these applications are not processed in the same office. All documents (including the FBR application) will be returned to you to allow you to submit them correctly.

My Grandparent was born before 1864, when Irish civil birth registrations began – what other documents can I supply?

We can accept your grandparent’s Baptismal certificate in this instance.

My parent/grandparent was adopted – which additional documents do I need to supply?

For an Irish-born person who was adopted: we will require an adoption certificate, issued by the central authority in the country in which the adoption took place along with the other required documents (including the original longform Irish birth certificate).

If you are applying through an adoptive grandparent or parent, and not through a biological link, you may wish to contact us directly. 

What is a certified document?

A certified document is one that has been signed and dated by a recognised person or organisation as a true copy or translation of the original.

The following may qualify to make a certified copy of your document:

• Organisation or authority that issued your original document
• Solicitor/Barrister
• Notary
• Commissioner of Oaths
• Post Office Service

A document will be considered certified/notarised where the following procedure has been adhered to:

• Ask the person or organisation you have contacted to create a copy or translation of your document.

Then ask them to:

• Write 'Certified to be a true copy/translation of the original seen by me' on the document.
• Sign and date the document.
• Print their name under the signature.
• Add their occupation, address and telephone number.
• Attach their stamp/seal, business card, or include their professional register reference number.

My Grandfather was born in Ireland but neither of my parents have Irish Passports. Am I entitled to apply for Irish citizenship?

Yes. An application for Irish citizenship through Foreign Births Registration can be submitted by any person with a grandparent born on the island of Ireland.

I have Irish citizenship through Foreign Births Registration. Can my children now also be registered as Irish citizens?

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.

I am an Irish citizen who lives abroad. Can I obtain proof of Irish citizenship?

An Irish passport is proof of your Irish citizenship. Details of how to obtain a passport living abroad are available here. If you are a Foreign Birth Registration applicant you will require your Foreign Birth Certificate before you apply for a passport.

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 already am a citizen through FBR. Can I now apply for FBR in my preferred gender?

Yes, this is now facilitated under the Gender Recognition of Foreign Births Regulations 2017. If you have already been registered, you can apply in your preferred gender (on the Register of Gender Recognition of Foreign Births) as long as you have a valid Irish Gender Recognition certificate. Please see the Gender Recognition page for more information.

I have amended my birth certificate – will you accept this?

Yes. You can apply as normal with an amended birth certificate, as long as it is issued by the state authority.

Can I check if someone has registered under a new gender?

Members of the public are not entitled to determine if someone has been entered in the Register of Gender Recognition of Foreign Births – only specific individuals with a familial link to the person entered on the register under the Gender Recognition of Foreign Births Regulations 2017, will be allowed to request an extract of the register.

• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by one of the professionals listed below
• Original civil marriage certificate (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable) to link the birth certificate to the photo identification
• 2 original proofs of address
• 2 passport size photographs to be witnessed by the same person who certifies the photo identification.

Documents for the person on the register

• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Original civil death certificate
• Original marriage certificate

Documents for the applicant requesting the replacement certificate

• Original civil birth certificate
• Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) of person applying for the certificate certified as a true copy of the original by one of the professionals listed below
• 2 original proofs of address

Documents for the person on the register

• Original civil birth certificate (showing parental details)
• Change of name document (if applicable) to link the birth certificate to the photo identification
• Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) for the person on the register certified as a true copy of the original by one of the professionals listed below
• 2 passport size colour photographs to be witnessed by the same person who certifies the photo identification

Documents for the applicant requesting the replacement certificate (parent)

• Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) of person applying for the certificate certified as a true copy of the original by one of the professionals listed below
• 2 original proofs of address

• Garda Síochána/ Police Officer
• School Principal/ Vice Principal/ Teacher/ School Secretary/ Pre-school
• Manager/ Montessori Teacher/ Lecturer
• Member of Clergy
• Medical Doctor
• Nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Speech Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Dentist
• Lawyer
• Notary Public/ Commissioner for Oaths
• Peace Commissioner
• Bank Manager/ Assistant Bank Manager or Credit Union Manager or Assistant Manager
• Accountant
• Elected Public Representative
• Veterinary surgeon
• Chartered Engineer

When certifying documents, the witness should include a contact telephone number and email address.

Please do not send original photo identification.