Moving to Ireland: every visa & residency route in 2026
There is 1 way to move to Ireland legally as of 2026 — spanning ancestry routes. Here's every one, what it actually requires, and where it leads.
This route checked against official government sources · July 2026
Every route, side by side
| Route | Type | Requirement | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Descent (Foreign Births Register) | Ancestry | Grandparent born on the island of Ireland (or a parent who was already an Irish citizen / FBR-registered before your birth) | Direct citizenship / passport |
Ancestry route to Ireland
Compare citizenship & residency by descent across every country →
Grandparent born on the island of Ireland (or a parent who was already an Irish citizen / FBR-registered before your birth)
If a grandparent was born in Ireland you can register on the Foreign Births Register and become an Irish (and EU) citizen. Beyond grandparent, each generation must register BEFORE the next is born to keep the chain alive. No language, residency, or investment requirement. Processing ~9–12+ months. Ireland allows dual citizenship.
Official source →Planning a move to Ireland?
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Moving to Ireland: FAQ
How many ways are there to move to Ireland?
This dataset tracks 1 residency or visa route into Ireland as of 2026, across ancestry pathways. Each has its own income, investment, or heritage requirement.
Can I get Ireland citizenship by descent?
Grandparent born on the island of Ireland (or a parent who was already an Irish citizen / FBR-registered before your birth) If a grandparent was born in Ireland you can register on the Foreign Births Register and become an Irish (and EU) citizen. Beyond grandparent, each generation must register BEFORE the next is born to keep the chain alive. No language, residency, or investment requirement. Processing ~9–12+ months. Ireland allows dual citizenship. This is a direct route to a passport, not just residency.
Does moving to Ireland lead to a second passport?
Yes — at least one route to Ireland has a defined path to citizenship. The exact timeline and physical-presence rules vary by program; check each route's official source below.
Ireland, compared
Visas, cost, and healthcare side by side with the alternatives people weigh.