Foreign Birth Registration — requirements, costs & how to apply

Who is eligible

Costs

Duration & renewal

Initial stay: 12 months.

Documents

• Completed, signed and witnessed application form
• 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 for Irish citizen parent (e.g., original civil birth certificate, ID documents, marriage/change name document)
• Documents for grandparent (if applicable, e.g., original civil birth certificate)

Who can apply

Open to all nationalities.

How to apply

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
2. Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/citizenship/born-abroad/registering-a-foreign-birth/.
3. Typical processing: ~365 days.