Ireland
From James Joyce to U2, Ireland has gifted the world with cultural treasures that far outsize its compact geography. This small island nation of storytellers, poets, and musicians has cultivated a global diaspora of over 70 million people who claim Irish ancestry, including nearly 32 million Americans. Through Second Pass, you can transform that ancestral connection into full citizenship, opening doors to both Ireland's flourishing innovation economy and the broader European Union.
When you claim your Irish heritage, you're embracing a nation that consistently ranks among the world's happiest countries, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge progress. The famed "craic" (pronounced "crack")—that uniquely Irish combination of conversation, fun, news, entertainment, and gossip—is a fleeting experience for a tourist, and a lifestyle for a citizen. As the only English-speaking country that remained in the European Union after Brexit, Ireland offers Americans an unparalleled combination: familiar language with unfamiliar possibilities, centuries-old traditions with world-class technology infrastructure, and a stepping stone between North America and mainland Europe.
Pathways to Irish Citizenship
By Descent
One of the following family members must hold Portuguese citizenship for you to qualify:
Parent
Grandparent
Special Cases:
Great-grandparent: If a great-grandparent is your closest connection, your parent must have been registered in Ireland’s Foreign Births Registry before you were born.
Marriage to an Irish citizen: While not automatic, this may reduce the residency requirements from five years to three years.
Disqualifications:
A serious criminal record may impact your eligibility for Irish citizenship.
If your Irish family member renounced their citizenship before you were born, you may not qualify.
Golden Visa
Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (AKA “Golden Visa”) closed acceptance of new applications in 2023, with no current plans to return. See below for other potential citizenship opportunities.
Life as a Irish National
Once known primarily for emigration and agriculture, today's Ireland stands as Europe's fastest-growing economy and a global tech powerhouse. Life in modern Ireland means experiencing this remarkable transformation firsthand. Dublin's Silicon Docks district is home to the European headquarters of Google, Facebook, and over 1,000 multinational companies that have transformed Ireland’s capital into one of the world's most dynamic tech hubs. Building and expanding your professional network comes easily in a country where business relationships are built organically through Ireland's blend of professionalism and conviviality.
The rhythms of daily Irish life differ substantially from American patterns. Work-life balance isn't just encouraged—it's expected. The standard 20-25 vacation days annually allows for meaningful exploration of both Ireland and continental Europe, and family-friendly policies typically include substantial parental leave.
While Dublin commands premium housing prices, regional cities like Galway (European Capital of Culture), medieval Kilkenny, or waterfront Cork offer stunning properties at 40-60% less than the capital. The government's National Broadband Plan ensures high-speed internet reaches even remote villages, enabling remote work from picture-perfect coastal communities along the Wild Atlantic Way or in the lush countryside of counties Kerry and Wicklow.
Ireland's healthcare system offers universal coverage through the Health Service Executive (HSE), complemented by private options that provide expedited specialist care. Public schools maintain high standards nationwide, while prestigious universities like Trinity College Dublin (founded in 1592) and University College Dublin charge citizens a fraction of American tuition rates. Transportation infrastructure continues to improve, with extensive bus networks connecting towns and cities, while the compact size of the island means even the most distant corners are accessible within a half-day's drive. For those seeking an active retirement, Ireland's temperate climate—rarely below freezing or above 75°F—supports year-round outdoor activities, from world-class golfing at Ballybunion to hiking the ancient pilgrim paths of Croagh Patrick.
Benefits of Irish Citizenship
Irish citizenship opens doors to exceptional global opportunities while maintaining a strong connection to your heritage. Ireland fully embraces dual citizenship, allowing you to maintain your existing passport while adding an Irish one to your portfolio.
Key benefits include:
The Irish passport ranks among the world's most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, including post-Brexit UK
Access to Ireland's comprehensive healthcare system with both public and private options
Free or low-cost education at Ireland's prestigious universities for citizens
Strong social welfare system providing support for citizens during various life stages
Beyond Ireland's shores, Irish citizens benefit from extensive consular support worldwide, offering peace of mind during international travel. Property ownership comes with minimal restrictions, and Ireland's favorable corporate tax structure makes it an ideal base for international business ventures or remote work.
While Ireland's personal income tax rates are higher than American rates, various credits and allowances often offset the difference, especially for families with children. Additionally, Ireland maintains tax treaties with numerous countries to prevent double taxation.
Benefits of EU Citizenship
Because Ireland is part of the European Union (EU), you're granted access to a wide array of benefits across all 27 EU member countries in Europe:
Freedom to live, work, study, and retire anywhere within the EU without visa requirements
Access to healthcare coverage across the European Union through the EHIC system
Ability to vote and stand as a candidate in European Parliament and municipal elections
Streamlined business operations across the EU single market
Consular protection from any EU member state while traveling internationally
Access tuition rates for EU citizens at universities in any country
Next Steps
If you believe you may qualify for Irish citizenship by descent, here's how to begin your journey:
Take the Second Pass eligibility quiz to receive a personalized assessment of your citizenship options based on your family history.
Start tracing your Irish ancestry through resources like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, or the National Archives of Ireland, which maintains civil records dating back to 1864.
Gather initial documentation including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates for you and your Irish ancestors. Parish records can be particularly valuable for earlier generations.
Create a family tree focusing on your Irish lineage, noting birth locations and dates to establish your connection to Ireland.