Can I move to Ireland from the UK and get an Irish passport?

Can You Move to Ireland from the UK and Get an Irish Passport?

If you're living in the UK and considering a move to Ireland, you might be wondering about eligibility for an Irish passport. The good news is that residency in Ireland isn’t a requirement to apply. Under Irish law, you can apply for citizenship and a passport regardless of where you currently live—including from the UK.

However, getting an Irish passport isn’t automatic. The easiest path is through ancestry. If you have an Irish parent or grandparent, your route is usually straightforward. For example, if one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you’re automatically entitled to Irish citizenship. If it’s a grandparent, you may need to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register before applying.

For those without Irish lineage, naturalisation is the alternative, and this does require actual residence in Ireland. Typically, you need to have lived there for at least five out of the previous nine years, with one full year spent immediately before applying. This is where moving from the UK becomes relevant—physically relocating helps meet residency requirements.

It’s also worth noting that Ireland permits dual citizenship. So, even if you’re a British citizen, you can become an Irish citizen without giving up your UK nationality. This makes Ireland an attractive option for those wanting greater freedom of movement within the EU.

While moving to Ireland isn’t mandatory to apply, doing so can strengthen your long-term prospects—especially if you're building a life there. Whether for work, family, or lifestyle, combining residency with ancestral ties opens the door more widely.