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For those with Irish ancestry, acquiring Irish citizenship and a
passport is easier than one may have imagined. Through a simple and
favorable program called Irish Citizenship by Ancestry (CBA),
individuals of Irish descent may qualify to apply for Irish
citizenship directly without residing in Ireland or making
investments in the country. Not only does this process require less
time and cost compared to other immigration options, Irish CBA also
permits individuals to gain access to an Irish passport and all the
rights and privileges that come with being an Irish citizen, making
this one of the most attractive immigration options in Ireland.
Benefits of obtaining Irish citizenship
Obtaining Irish citizenship offers a range of benefits. First,
successful applicants may live, study, and work freely in Ireland
and any European Union (EU) member state. Second, they may vote and
secure social welfare benefits, including educational and
healthcare benefits, in Ireland.
With an Irish passport, one gains visa-free or visa-on-arrival
access to 175 destinations around the world. In times of emergency,
Irish passport holders can seek assistance or protection by
contacting the nearest Irish embassy or an embassy or consulate of
another EU member state. In other words, securing an Irish passport
not only enhances one’s global mobility, but it also opens
doors to new education and career opportunities abroad.
Irish CBA eligibility requirements
One advantage of the Irish CBA program is that individuals can
claim citizenship beyond their parents. Those born outside of
Ireland may be eligible for Irish CBA if one of their grandparents
was born on the island of Ireland or if one of their parents was an
Irish citizen at the time of their birth.
A number of requirements need to be considered before making the
application. For instance, the applicant must typically submit
documentation indicating their relationship with the Irish
ancestor. They will also be required to provide documentation
proving the Irish nationality of the ancestor. If the Irish
ancestor was adopted, applicants will need to provide an adoption
certificate issued by the central authority in the country where
the adoption took place to support the application.
Notably, in certain exceptional and compelling cases, the Irish
authorities may grant Irish CBA to individuals with an Irish
association that is more than two generations away on a
discretionary basis. In such cases, applicants seeking such
discretion are expected to have resided in Ireland for a reasonable
period, usually around three years, to demonstrate substantial and
tangible connections with Ireland and the Irish society.
Due to the various requirements and exceptions involved, it is
important to carefully review all the variables involved in an
applicant’s lineage to determine their eligibility for Irish
CBA. This is why we Harvey Law Group adopt a case-by-case approach
in determining each client’s eligibility for Irish CBA and
carefully identify potential challenges before assisting clients in
the application process.
Irish CBA application process
The process to acquiring Irish citizenship and a passport
through one’s bloodline typically begins with gathering all the
necessary documents that establish the applicant’s link with
their Irish ancestors. If the applicant does not have sufficient
documentation to prove their connection to their Irish ancestor, it
may be necessary to search for the relevant documents at the Irish
authorities before submitting the application. Once all the
required documentation is available, the application must be
carefully reviewed and prepared to ensure that it meets the
submission standards required by the Irish authorities.
The processing time for Irish CBA applications can vary greatly
from case to case. On average, Irish authorities take around 9
months to process applications made through foreign birth
registration and approximately 30 months to process applications
submitted on basis of Irish associations. Longer processing times
are possible if the submitted application is incomplete or if
certain documentation is not properly certified or translated. If
all requirements are met, the Irish authorities will issue a
foreign birth registration certificate, and the individual may then
apply for an Irish passport and enjoy all the rights and benefits
conferred to Irish citizens.
In conclusion, acquiring Irish CBA can be a straightforward
process for those who are eligible. It not only provides a simple
method for those of Irish descent to reconnect with their heritage
but also allows individuals to gain access to Ireland and other
European Union nations. At the end of the day, we understand that
often immigration can be an overwhelming and daunting experience.
Whether you are retiring abroad, starting a business, or looking to
obtain a second citizenship, the Irish CBA program offers a wide
range of benefits that may suit your needs.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact your
local HLG office
here for more details. Our lawyers would be delighted to
conduct a free preliminary assessment and consider if you have a
qualifying blood link to meet the eligibility criteria of the Irish
CBA program.
Founded in 1992,
Harvey Law Group (HLG) is a leading multinational law firm with
offices across Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and
the Middle East to cater to your specific needs for immigration and
beyond.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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