Born in Ireland

A child born in Ireland is entitled to Irish citizenship from birth if a parent meets the residence test or has unrestricted permission. Otherwise the child can apply later after reckonable residence.

Passport135 visa-freeof 218 countriesPapers ready inAbout 4–6 weeksafter the birthDual citizenshipAllowedKeeps yours tooHealth care82/100

Baby's passport fee€20

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The visa your passport needs for Ireland
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Who qualifies:A parent is Irish or British, can live in Ireland without restriction, or lived on the island of Ireland for 3 of the 4 years before the birth (study and asylum-seeker time does not count).

For your baby

Citizen from birthA Ireland passport of their own
135 countries visa-freeof 218 countries
Keeps your citizenship tooIreland allows dual citizenship
Free to live, study and workIn Ireland, for life

Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (revised) - Law Reform Commission Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, s.6A and s.6B (inserted by Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004) · checked Nov 3, 2026

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Whether having your baby in Ireland gives you residence or a faster route to citizenship.

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How to start

Baby's papers ready: about 4–6 weeks after the birth

1
Get to Ireland legallySign in to see the visa your passport needs.Prepare your Short stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa application Most parents stay about 3 months: airlines limit late-pregnancy flights.
2
Register the birthHSE Civil Registration Service (any office in the State), within 12 months.Official source Up to 10 daysOnce the birth is registered, order the long-form certificate (€20) online from the HSE; it aims to post certificates within 10 days, plus postage.Official source
3
Get the baby's passportFee €20 · Under 18, 5-year passport via Passport Online (plus EUR 5 postage; EUR 30 by post)Official source About 4 weeksFirst-time child application on Passport Online: average 20 working days from when all documents arrive, plus delivery. Paper (Passport Express) takes about 6 to 8 weeks. No urgent service for first-time applications.Official source
4
Pass on your own citizenship
- Ireland allows dual citizenship: the baby can hold both.