Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
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An Irish citizenship by descent consultation helps you understand whether you can claim Irish citizenship through a parent or grandparent, and how to go about it. This service is a solicitor consultation on Irish citizenship by descent, covering the Foreign Births Register, parent and grandparent eligibility, and documentation strategy. It is for people living in Ireland or abroad who want clear advice from an Irish solicitor before they gather records or submit an application.
What’s included
- A solicitor consultation on Irish citizenship by descent
- Advice on the Foreign Births Register
- Assessment of parent and grandparent eligibility
- Documentation strategy
- A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards
- Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
The price shown is the full professional fee for the service as described. Any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply.
Who this is for
- People born outside Ireland with an Irish-born grandparent
- People born outside Ireland whose parent was an Irish citizen, but not born in Ireland, when they were born
- Parents on the Foreign Births Register, or eligible for it, who want to understand how citizenship passes to their children
- Anyone whose family history includes missing records, name changes or other complications
How it works
- Complete a short questionnaire about your family history and any documents you already hold, and upload any existing documents or correspondence.
- A solicitor would review your instructions, confirms the scope with you and raises any questions by email or phone.
- You receive your consultation and a written summary by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Irish citizenship by descent consultation cost?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
Can I get Irish citizenship through my grandparent?
If you were born outside Ireland and one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, you can become an Irish citizen by registering your birth on the Foreign Births Register. You can also register if one of your parents was an Irish citizen when you were born but was not born in Ireland, for example because they were registered on the Foreign Births Register or naturalised. You become a citizen once you are entered on the register.
Do I need to register if my parent was born in Ireland?
Generally, no. If your parent was born in Ireland and was an Irish citizen by birth, you are automatically an Irish citizen even if you were born abroad. You do not need to register on the Foreign Births Register and can apply for an Irish passport with evidence of your parent’s Irish birth.
Citizenship through the Foreign Births Register only passes to the next generation if the parent is registered before the child is born, so it is worth getting advice early. For more on permits, visas and citizenship, see our immigration and citizenship guide for Ireland.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.