Your guide to obtaining German citizenship by descent in Canada
This guide helps you understand how to obtain German citizenship by descent in Canada and how Wise can help with cross currency requirements
Your guide to obtaining Irish citizenship by descent in Canada
If you have family ties to Ireland, you have the luck of the Irish! Many Canadians want to obtain Irish citizenship by descent to visit, work, or travel to Ireland and the European Union.
This article walks you through the steps to apply from Canada and introduces tools like Wise that can save you time, money, and hassle.
Who qualifies for Irish Citizenship by descent in Canada?
Canadians with Irish ancestry may be eligible for Irish citizenship even if they’ve never lived in Ireland—through an Irish-born parent or grandparent.¹
Basic eligibility criteria
- One grandparent was born on the island of Ireland.1
- One parent was an Irish citizen at the time of the individual's birth, even if the parent was not born on the island of Ireland.1
How to apply for Irish citizenship by descent from Canada
After confirming qualification, apply to the Foreign Births Register! To register your birth:
- Complete the application form in full online.1
- Print a copy of the completed form and pay online.1
- Submit the printed form, required documents, photos, and checklist to the address listed in the top right corner of the form—either an Irish Embassy, Consulate, or a PO Box in Ireland.1
What documents do you need to apply for Irish citizenship by descent?
Required documents vary depending on your application type and your relationship to the Irish ancestor.
Required Documents Based on Your Connection to Ireland
| Relationship to Irish Ancestor | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Parent |
| |
| Irish Grandparent |
| |
| Irish Great-Grandparent |
|
Fees, processing times, and where to submit your application
Application Fees
All payments are made online when you submit your application.2
| Item | EUR |
|---|---|
| Adult application |
|
| Child application |
|
Processing Time and Embassy Contact Info
After completing the form and paying fees, print the application and mail it to the provided address.
Due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration process, it takes approximately 9 months to process an application.2
- Embassy of Ireland, Ottawa, Address: 150 Metcalfe St Suite 1700, Ottawa, ON K2P 1P1
- Consulate General of Ireland, Vancouver: Address: 1095 W Pender St #1300, Vancouver, BC V6E 2M6
Can You Hold Both Irish and Canadian Citizenship?
Yes, Canada and Ireland both allow dual citizenship, so you can hold two passports without giving up either citizenship.
Using Wise for Irish Citizenship Payments and More
When abroad, fees can creep up… and quickly! That’s where Wise steps in.
Why Wise Is a Smart Choice
Wise offers a fair mid-market exchange rate, giving you more euros and pounds for your Canadian dollars without hidden markups. Fees are clearly shown before you complete a transfer. The process is fast, fully online, and you can pay using a bank account or credit/debit card. Wise’s multi-currency account lets you hold CAD, EUR, and 30+ other currencies for maximum flexibility.
Beyond the Irish citizenship by descent application, Wise will make your time in Ireland a breeze! Use your Wise card to pay for travel, meals, relocation costs, and manage multiple currencies all in one place.
Wise simplifies access and converts your money without costly fees or long delays.
FAQs – Common Questions About Irish Citizenship by Descent
Q: Can Canadians get Irish citizenship by descent?
A: Yes, Canadians with at least one Irish-born parent, grandparent, or sometimes great-grandparent may qualify through the Foreign Births Register.
Q: How long does the Foreign Births Register take to process?
A: Processing time is currently 9 months.2
Q: Do I need to live in Ireland to get citizenship by descent?
A: No, you can apply from Canada and are not required to reside in Ireland.
Q: Does Irish citizenship pass to my children?
A: Once officially on the Foreign Births Register, your children may also apply—provided you register them before they have children of their own..1
Conclusion
Gaining additional citizenship, like Irish, is a meaningful investment in your future and global mobility. The path to Irish citizenship offers many benefits, and Wise helps make the financial side smooth and stress-free. Sign up for Wise today.
Sources:
- Born Abroad | Citizenship | Department Of Foreign Affairs | Ireland.ie
- Registering A Foreign Birth | Citizenship | Department Of Foreign Affairs | Ireland.ie
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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