Just call me FrankO'Sinatra
Thanks to now dead Irish grandparent, I applied for Citizenship via the Foreign Births Register. Today that has been accepted, next stage is Irish / EU passport then hassle free travel through Europe!
I will obviously be popping out for a pint of something (not sure what....) to celebrate but also planning a 4-5 day bike tour in Ireland next year to get to know my fellow Irish citizens. Any routes / trails / tours / areas to recommend?
Congrats.
Time to look at properties? Somewhere nice and sunny. Rules out Ireland, though.
ohh thats interesting.
Whats the basic criteria ? does it stop at grandparent, or does great grand etc mean you qualify.
My Fathers family originate from Derry, when it was a village, and the DNA profile is 100% Irish, Mothers side is southern Irish, with quite a number of 'Irish dancers'
'Irish dancing' Possibly invented from being hanged by the English.
I looked at this as I know Dad's mum was a Rooney of Irish ancestry. Unfortunately for me it was her grandparents who came over which is too far back for me to be able to claim an Irish passport, as far I'm aware
You lucky lucky bastard* - or perhaps not if you have the correct lineage 🙂
* closest I can get to getting an EU passport is a french ancestor from over 200 hundred years & 5 generations ago.
Time to look at properties? Somewhere nice and sunny. Rules out Ireland, though.
That's the plan. Relatively early retirement and house in Andalucía. Its all mapped out...
Whats the basic criteria ? does it stop at grandparent, or does great grand etc mean you qualify.
Proper Irish grandparent, born in Ireland is enough. You need a lot of evidence like all three generations of birth certificates, marriage certificates etc. You also need deep pockets, it cost about £280 or so. I think it stops at grandparents though, I don't think my kids are eligible but I need to look into that more.
Congratulations so.
Whats the basic criteria ?
A grandparent born on the island of Ireland
My mum's side of the family are from County Mayo, she was born in Bury but everyone before her was born in Ireland so I qualify for this. Indeed one of my sisters has already done it and has full Irish citizenship now and I keep meaning to.
I don’t think my kids are eligible
They're not (other sister has daughter and was hoping she'd be eligible, but no joy)
That’s the plan. Relatively early retirement and house in Andalucía. Its all mapped out…
We had plans to buy my in law's place in Corsica, live there for 9 months pa & let it out for the busy & hot summer months...
nicely. I need to do this. Preferably in the next year or so before my English passport expires! I'm hoping an Irish mother (who is still alive) will make it easier...
I keep meaning to do this as my mum was born in Ireland.
I'm quarter Irish too; grandad (deceased ) from Kerry.
What's the actual benefit of doing it generally??
Gártha! I'd be looking at doing a section of the Wild Atlantic Way. You can take in amazing scenery plus Achill Island (Banshees), Westport (Matt Molloy's for absolutely ace traditional music and Guinness), Clifden (more music), Galway for a bit of urban experience. It's best out of season but then the weather is a bit (!) of a gamble.
nicely. I need to do this. Preferably in the next year or so before my English passport expires! I’m hoping an Irish mother (who is still alive) will make it easier…
If your Mum was born in Ireland it should be super straightforward, also means if you have kids they will be eligible.
A quick Google suggests that my kids are not eligible as I got my citizenship after they were born. If I had kids now they would be eligible as I would be Irish citizen at the point of their birth. So, tip top tip for the younger forums members, if you don't have kids yet and you have an Irish grandparent, do your future kids a favour and get your citizenship!
What’s the actual benefit of doing it generally??
EU passport, that is my main reason for doing it.
Also, was born in England, have lived in Scotland all of my adult life and am now an Irish citizen. Means I have three times the opportunity a winning team to cheer in the rugby!
This is something I've been meaning to do, while my father was born Northern Ireland he still qualifies as Irish thanks to the Good Friday agreement. Not sure if that extends to my kids being able to apply in this case though.
Lucky ****er!
I missed out by one generation on my grandads side... my great grandad on my mother side was Irish....but I don't qualify as I too far removed...
This is something I’ve been meaning to do, while my father was born Northern Ireland he still qualifies as Irish thanks to the Good Friday agreement. Not sure if that extends to my kids being able to apply in this case though.
I don't know the technicalities, but if you qualify for duel citizenship you should 'just because you can' as you might then be able to pass that right to your kids, but if you don't, then it's certaintly not an option for you kids in future?
What’s the actual benefit of doing it generally??
EU passport, that is my main reason for doing it.
Also, was born in England, have lived in Scotland all of my adult life and am now an Irish citizen. Means I have three times the opportunity a winning team to cheer in the rugby!
Ah, ok, not a big benefit for me then as I rarely travel abroad and if I did it'd not be for a long period of time or regularly.
Last time was Norway in 2016, and my passport has run out.
I keep meaning to do this as my mum was born in Ireland.
You’re already Irish: you just need to register.
You’re already Irish: you just need to register.
I know, I have a paperwork phobia though.
I know, I have a paperwork phobia though.
Sounds like you're in the same position I've been in since, oh, about 2016....
My brother's done it, several of my cousins have done it.... need to pull my socks up!
Ah, ok, not a big benefit for me then as I rarely travel abroad
If you were ever to buy a holiday home in spain for example...then you'd have to pay 24% tax on the rental income with no offsets... as an eu citizen you only pay 19%, and you can offset that bill further with property maintenence costs.
So if you or your kids or grandkids ever intend to live in europe, it's an absolute no brainer.
Irish dancing’ Possibly invented from being hanged by the English.
Are you ignoring Scotlands role in the whole shambles on purpose?
Ah, ok, not a big benefit for me then as I rarely travel abroad
If you were ever to buy a holiday home in spain for example…then you’d have to pay 24% tax on the rental income with no offsets… as an eu citizen you only pay 19%, and you can offset that bill further with property maintenence costs.
So if you or your kids or grandkids ever intend to live in europe, it’s an absolute no brainer.
Haha! You mistake me for the stereotypical STW member lol! Not going to happen.
As for kids/grandkids they're already 'here' so if what was said up there ^^ is true they've already missed out.
Whats the basic criteria ?
Anyone who is born on the island of Ireland is an Irish citizen, as are their children, though you need to do something to activate it e.g. apply for an Irish passport. The grandchild of anyone born in the island of Ireland is also eligible but needs to be registered on the FBR, which is cheaper if they're <18; the great-grandchild might be eligible but their parent needs to be registered via the FBR and anyone born after 2010 is only eligible if their parent was registered before they were born. @fooman Your kids should be eligible as they're in the same boat as mine who are both FBR'd on the strength of my Mum being born in Co. Antrim.
You’re already Irish: you just need to register.
AIUI you just have to activate your citizenship by applying for a passport*, you don't need to register via the FBR. I don't actually know if I've activated mine by putting the girls on the FBR.
What’s the actual benefit of doing it generally??
We'd not have bothered (I'm unlikely to go and work in the EU) but we thought it would make it easier if the girls decide to get a summer job in the EU, or study there as they'd not then need a visa.
*As an aside, Ireland doesn't have domestic ID cards but you can get a natty photocard with your passport which is valid for EU travel
I know, I have a paperwork phobia though.
It’s understandable - it took me ages to get around to filling in my kids’ forms.
the great-grandchild might be eligible but their parent needs to be registered via the FBR and anyone born after 2010 is only eligible if their parent was registered before they were born.
This is very interesting as it fits my situation perfectly, all of my kids were born before 2010. I've not seen this on any of the official sites, do you have a source?
Ah, I guess my son could potentially want to work or study in the EU. Currently doing his Highers.
But it would be his great grandad who is Irish, so that'd rule him out? Plus if I got mine he wouldn't count as he's already been born?
Is a visa for that stuff actually difficult to get, or just a paper work exercise?
Edit: just seen the above post. He was born 2009.
I’m Irish, you know proper Irish, born and raised (a bit) in Ireland(NI). My kids have all had UK passports (as have I) until now but when they come up for renewal they are picking up Republic of Ireland EU versions. All very straightforward, they send off their birth certificate together with a copy of mine. There was a big delay the year after lockdowns but no actual issues.
There isn’t any concept of activating your citizenship, if you were born anywhere on the island you are a citizen, and your children are too, wherever they are born. Even without a passport you would be entitled to consular help abroad, though how you would prove that, who knows. Because you are a citizen, they will issue a passport, and if you have your certificates already it works out slightly cheaper than a UK renewal.
@longdog In theory (if I'm right about the cut-off) you'd have to register then he could do so as the child of an Irish citizen born overseas. But this will all cost €€€ so I'd try and take some advice from someone who actually knows what they're talking about ie. not me.
@franksinatra I remember reading this somewhere before I put my kids' FBR paperwork in, but can I find it now? Can I hell.
Alpin, no, but I have been happily living in Scotland without any need for visa or passports.
Not likely to be working in EU as I'm not able to work and not likely to be buying a holiday home in the EU (or anywhere).
Was vaguely interested for my son who has mentioned about going to Germany to study, not that he's been there or talks German.
I wish it worked backwards. My son was born in Northern Ireland and this entitles him to Irish citizenship, despite neither me nor his mum having any recent Irish lineage. He hasn't sorted out his passport yet, I shall remind him! Enjoy OP, you lucky sod!
Are you ignoring Scotlands role in the whole shambles on purpose?
It was a bit of gallows humour. Calm down dear
Congratulations! Welcome to the fast passport line. One of the best things I’ve ever done was applying for my Irish passport. You can join me waiting for my bags, which with UK-originating flights, seem to be suspiciously timed to arrive alongside the array of bedraggled / bewildered/ fuming UK passport holders. Even returning home from the EU I use the Irish passport as to quote a Uk border force bod at Hull port “Ah, an easy one, we’ll do yours first. You need to get your kids one!”
I have to go to Saudi in a few weeks. Probably the only time I’ll use my British passport this year.
@longdog and anyone else with kids about to study.
son who has mentioned about going to Germany to study, not that he’s been there or talks German.
Three years residency, especially of studying or working, in Germany is enough to qualify for applying for citizenship. Used to be eight, currently five but being lowered to three. Language is relatively easy to pick up, certainly to the standard required for the citizenship test.
Anyone with children who qualifies, can I encourage you to get your European citizenship?
I'm watching a 22 year old and 19 year old who are keen to study or work in Europe. Both are blocked from doing so without significant costs or impassible barriers as UK passport holders. Ridiculously they are likely to end up in Canada (maybe NZ) and Japan instead.
I'm watching colleagues become Portuguese and Danish citizens for similar family links, the aim being thier children can travel, study and work in Europe.
My great grandparents are Irish, but they're one generation too old.
**** Brexit.
comhghairdeas agus fáilte a chur roimh
"Is a visa for that stuff actually difficult to get"
yeah kinda - side question, did you vote in the referendum?
LOL (not) at the general lack of knowledge about what we and more importantly our children lost. Disproportionally cross doesn't come in to it...
My daughter is planning to work in Europe next summer for several months as a gap year...her best friends parents heard about her plans and thought it would be an excellent idea if their daughter went with her. Unfortunately for them, my daughter has an EU passport and theirs does not. It took me a while to explain the issue to them.
"but she has a British passport they said....." I just had to laugh at their absolute certainty this was the best thing ever
They voted for Brexit.
****wits.
"But she has a British passport they said…..” I just had to laugh at their absolute certainty this was the best thing ever
And that is why there should never have been a referendum. If the electorate aren't engaged and don't understand the issue how can you get a sensible answer.
Also, was born in England, have lived in Scotland all of my adult life and am now an Irish citizen. Means I have three times the opportunity a winning team to cheer in the rugby!
if asked, what nationality would you say you were? ?
I should get my Irish citizenship sorted but for me it would be about €1,300 as I don’t have the Irish relative route. As a Scot living in Ireland (longer than I lived in Scotland these days) and married to an Irish national, the kids are Irish ( I do try to tell them they are half Scottish but funnily they have no interest in a British passport) I get to stand in a different queue at passport control for the time being. I will get round to it one day but the cost has put me off up to now.
if asked, what nationality would you say you were?
When asked, I say I'm from Scotland. I've lived here since I was nineteen, spent 25 years working in the public sector, have raised three kids here and do a lot of community type work. I think I've earned it. Also, its just better.
I got my Polish citizenship through my Polish grandparents.
it’s a lovely feeling isn’t it.
My wife and I can now spend as much time as we want within the EU come retirement in 12 years or so.
Hopefully things will change significantly for the better, in the future, so that my kids (6 and 9) will enjoy the late teens, early 20’s/30’s that my wife and I had working in the EU.
xxxx Brexit.
Next phase of the project is to fully explore what option my wife has via her Italian grandmother. I'm then really, really hoping that one of these routes will extend through to my kids. They would never have voted for Brexit, but it is them who are missing out the most. I would love to be able to get them an EU passport.
I will obviously be popping out for a pint of something (not sure what….) to celebrate but also planning a 4-5 day bike tour in Ireland next year to get to know my fellow Irish citizens. Any routes / trails / tours / areas to recommend?
Congratulations, give me a shout when you are coming over and I can show you around the popular trails in Dublin and Wicklow.
@franksinatra How long did yours take? I sent off my application in June.
I’ve never had to get a visa for anywhere.
Well, that’s alright then. No in-person interviews at the consulate and seemingly random fees for you.
My nieces have managed to get Italian passports through their grandfather on the other side. Just before he died.
My own kids, well, no dice… my only “claim” is that I was born in Germany. But for the Germans, residency trumps all else, so I’d have to be living back there… which I wouldn’t mind at all… but it wouldn’t help my kids, and I can’t move there anyway, because I only have a UK passport… because…
Arrived in about 8 weeks. Needed to get my mums long form birth certificate. Really annoyingly it's cheaper to get than a "blue" UK one. Oh and it was nice to glide past the queue at Barcelona in the summer.alsonquicker back in as the non-UK queue was so much shorter.
On behalf of everyone in Ireland, I'd like to apologise for the lack of blue covers. That said, welcome aboard.
Missed it by one generation - my great-grandfather was Irish, but then if I could include my other genealogy, I could claim Guyanese, Mali, Senegal and Nigeria depending on how far you go back. If I go back on my mother’s side, I could probably claim residency at Armley prison as a few of my ancestors lived there. 😉
Aha, I've discovered another route into the EU, if my heritage of Irish great grandparents is outwith the criteria
ITALIAN 😀
My G/GF was Italian, and if parent, grand or great grand was from Italy, you can apply for citizenship.
Interestingly, if Scotland gains independence, and NI is reunified with southern Ireland, i could end up with Scottish, English, EU, Irish and Italian passports
How long did yours take? I sent off my application in June.
I sent everything away in January this year, confirmation of applicaiton email received at the beginning of Feb.
My mum's Irish, and still has an Irish passport although she's been in this country since 1962.
Should I apply for an Irish passport? The issue is my wife will still have a British passport so if we go anywhere I'll still have to wait for her to clear the non-EU section anyway.
Assuming I do apply and receive an Irish passport, does that mean my children can then apply? Freedom to work and travel through the EU zone would be more useful to them than to me.
I’m too far removed- great great grandads family moved from Cork to the Rhondda in the mid 1800s
My mum’s Irish, and still has an Irish passport although she’s been in this country since 1962.
Should I apply for an Irish passport? The issue is my wife will still have a British passport so if we go anywhere I’ll still have to wait for her to clear the non-EU section anyway.
Assuming I do apply and receive an Irish passport, does that mean my children can then apply? Freedom to work and travel through the EU zone would be more useful to them than to me.
Generally speaking, Irish citizenship extend to grandchildren, not great grandchildren. So your kids should be eligible through Foreign Births Register as their grandparent is Irish.
Wife and kids doing the same thanks to her mum. I'll be billy no-mates in passport control!
Before we get the pitchforks out can we establish whether you voted for Brexit or not? 😉
so I can get a Ukrainian passport as my grandparents came from there, but it's not much use unless they get allowed into the EU and they remove that renounce your GB passport clause
I looked into trying for an Irish passport, after an Ancestry DNA test revealed I'm 14% Irish, and my mothers side of the family had the Magee surname.
My family tree now traces back to early 1700s (7x great grandparents), and still no trace of an Ireland born relative, so I'm resigned to sticking with the brexit passport edition 🙁
To close this thread off, look what arrived today! 11 months from submission of citizenship through Foreign Births Register to delivery of passport
my own little F*** You to Brexit.
Lucky thing, despite my Irish srname the relatives are too far back to qualify. My Mother is Norwegian and they keep changing the rules but If I can spend some time there I might get a Norwegian passport, then hello again EU land.
ah crap. I need a new passport this year and haven't got round to sorting out my irish citizenship yet. 11 months is gonna be too long for my hol in September! Why did I leave it til now...
nice to glide past the queue
Extra points for shouting 'brexit W******S!' as you stroll past 🙂
Hurrah for the Irish side of my family. It’s great skipping through passport control whilst the Brits all get to queue and complain.
Are you this deeply nasty in real life - or do you save it up for a British biking forum?
Hurrah for the Irish side of my family. It’s great skipping through passport control whilst the Brits all get to queue and complain.
Meh passport controls for plebs thou, easier to get off the Gulfstream and head to the FBO lounge and into the Rolls 🙂
My great grandparents were from Ireland, but my grandfather was born in the Tower of London so I missed out on applying for an Irish passport. However, my dad became an Irish citizen the week before he died from cancer, the Irish government expedited his application because we told them he was dying. We all thought that was incredible of them.
Fortunately my mums’ parents were born in Poland so I got one of these a month ago. So happy!
if you cant get the info from your relatives, how would you find all the details required for the irish passport?
i just have some names and dates
If you've got names and dates and it's NI, you can get copies of certificates from the NI public record office.
Same for the RoI, if you have the locations and birthdates, marriage and death dates you can apply for copies of the certificates.
if your relatives aren’t playing the game, a short subscription to something like Ancestry will enable you to dig into where these events have happened to clarify the details.
You need to be able to show how you are connected at each point. So your birth certificate showing the parent in question, and then follow backwards show the logical links.
Obviously they will need to see each of the official documents as proof.
Mrs JAMJ and no longer mini-JAMJ’s all qualify for Irish citizenships and passports. I have dual nationality United Kingdom/Mauritius - unfortunately a Mauritian passport is not much of an asset to friction-free travel.