Start to Finish: Step-by-Step Process & Timeline

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•Step 1: Document Collection

•Step 2: FBR Online Application

•Step 3: Professional Witness

•Step 4: Mail Documents

•Step 5: Notification from FBR application is being processed

•Step 6: Your witness may or may not get contacted via phone/email

•Step 7: Notified of approval

•Step 8: Sent FBR Certificate

•Step 9: Apply for Passport

•Step 10: Drink Guinness in Ireland

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Start to Finish: Step-by-Step Process & Timeline

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Understanding the full scope of the Irish citizenship by descent process helps you plan effectively. This comprehensive overview maps out each stage of your journey, from initial document gathering to final submission, with realistic timelines and key milestones.

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What is the Best Order of Operations

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The most efficient path to Irish citizenship follows a strategic order of operations. Begin by gathering documents, as this typically takes the longest time. Only start your online application once you have most documents in hand, as you'll need specific information from them to complete the form accurately. Having a clear understanding of this sequence helps you avoid common pitfalls and delays.

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Step 1: Document Collection

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Start with gathering your personal documents, then work backwards through generations.Request vital records from various state offices and the General Register Office in Ireland (see 'Documentation Deep Dive pages). This phase requires patience as processing times vary significantly between jurisdictions.

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Case Example - Document Requirements

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Ancestral Lineage:

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2 generations- Principal Applicant < Parent < Grandparent (Anchor Ancestor)

• Anchor Ancestor is a Grandparent born on the Island of Ireland

• Parent born in US

• Principal Applicant born in USDocuments

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Anchor Ancestor

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• Birth Certificate (Certified Copy or Original)

• Order online - GRO/Irish Registry

• Or, a Baptismal Certificate ill suffice if Birth Certificate does not exist, as well as copy of "no-results" letter/email from Irish Foreign Registry

• Marriage Cert (Certified Copy or Original- Regardless of Male or Female)

• If Married in Ireland- Order online - GRO/Irish Registry

• If Married in US- Order from applicable State or county register where marriage took place

• (If still alive) Photocopy of current state issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers license, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses

(• If Deceased) Death Certificate (Certified copy or Original)

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Parent Born in US (Or any other country not Ireland)

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• Birth Certificate (Certified Copy or Original)

• Order from applicable State Dept. of Health or county register where Birth took place

• Marriage Cert (Certified Copy or Original- Regardless of Male or Female)

• Order from applicable State Dept. of Health or county register where Birth took place

• (If still alive) Photocopy of current state-issued ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by a professional from the list of witnesses

• (If deceased) Death Certificate (Certified copy or Original)

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Principal Applicant

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• Completed, signed and witnessed application form (see 'Professional Witnesses' page)

• Birth Certificate (Certified Copy or Original- Long form,e.g. showing parental details)

• Order from applicable State Dept. of Health or county register where Birth took place

• Marriage Certificate (Certified Copy or Original (if applicable) OR other change of name document (if applicable)

• Order from applicable State Dept. of Health or county register where Marriage took place

• Photocopy of current state-issued photographic ID document (i.e. passport, drivers licence, national identity card) certified as a true copy of the original by application form witness

• 2 separate original proofs of address

•Electric Bill

•Credit Card Bill

•Phone Bill

•Bank Statements

•Utility Bill

• 4 color photographs (2 of which to be witnessed) - do not attach these to the application form

• Sizes: US Size [2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)] Or, Irish/EU size (35-38 mm wide by 45-50 mm high).

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Step 2: FBR Online Application

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Once you have most documents, complete the online Foreign Birth Registration application.Fill out all sections carefully, ensuring names and dates exactly match your supporting documentation. Once completed, pay the registration fee, submit, save and print your application reference number.

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Step 3: Professional Witness

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Find an approved professional to witness your documents. Schedule an appointment with a lawyer, doctor, or other qualified professional. Bring original documents, copies, and your identification. Have them complete all necessary witness forms and provide their business card or credentials.

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Step 4: Mail Documents

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Package your documents carefully in the required order. Use a secure shipping method with tracking. Make copies of everything before sending. Include your printed application and all witnessed documents. Send to the designated FBR address in Ireland.

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Step 5: Notification from FBR

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Receive confirmation that your application has been received and is being processed. This usually comes via email and includes information about current processing times. Your online application status will update to "Documents Received."

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Step 6: Witness Contact

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The FBR may contact your professional witness to verify their role. This doesn't happen in all cases, but your witness should be prepared for a possible phone call or email verification request.

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Step 7: Approval Notification

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After the review period, receive notification that your application has been approved. This comes via email and your online status will update accordingly.

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Step 8: FBR Certificate

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Your FBR certificate arrives by mail. This document proves your Irish citizenship and is needed for your passport application. Store it safely with other important documents.

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Step 9: Apply for Passport

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With your FBR certificate in hand, apply for your Irish passport. This requires another application process, new photos, and additional fees. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks.

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Step 10: Drink Guinness in Ireland

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The final, celebratory step! Travel to Ireland with your new passport and raise a pint to your ancestors. You're now officially an Irish citizen with all the rights and privileges that entails, including the ability to live and work anywhere in the EU.

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Completing Your Online FBR Application

Access the online application here

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The online FBR application is your formal request for Irish citizenship. This detailed guide walks you through each section of the application, explaining what information is needed and how to present it correctly to avoid common pitfalls and delays.

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Step-by-Step Guide

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The online FBR application must be completed carefully and accurately to avoid delays or rejection. Pay special attention to the guide below and make sure you follow the steps carefully:

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Account Creation and Login

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Begin by visiting the official Foreign Birth Registration website on the Department of Foreign Affairs portal. You'll need to create a new user account using a current email address - choose one you check regularly as this will be used for all official communications. After submitting your email, you'll receive a confirmation link to verify your account. Once verified, log in to start your application. Keep your login credentials safe as you may need to access your application multiple times.

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Personal Information

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The first section of the application requires your personal details. Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate, including all middle names. Your current residential address and contact information must be complete and accurate, as this is where your FBR certificate will eventually be sent. Input your date and place of birth precisely as shown on your birth certificate.

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Irish Ancestor Details

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In this crucial section, you'll provide information about your Irish-born ancestor. Enter their full name as it appears on their Irish birth certificate or other official documents. Include their exact date of birth and the specific location in Ireland where they were born - this should include the town/townland and county. If you have information about their parents (ex. your great-grandparents), include these details as well. Any marriage details for your Irish ancestor should also be entered exactly as they appear on official documentation.

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Connecting Generations

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Now you'll document the generational chain connecting you to your Irish ancestor. Start with your parents' information, then work through each generation systematically. Enter the full names, dates, and places for all births and marriages that create your line of descent. This information must match your supporting documents exactly - even minor discrepancies can cause delays. If names have changed or been spelled differently across documents, you'll have an opportunity to explain these variations later.

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Document Declaration

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Review the comprehensive list of required documents provided by the system. You must confirm that you have or will obtain all necessary certificates. Pay special attention to the witness requirements for your documents. Understanding these requirements now will help you prepare your physical document package correctly later.

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Application Review

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Before submission, carefully review all entered information. Verify that dates are in the correct format (DD/MM/YYYY) and match your supporting documents exactly. Check that all names are spelled correctly and match your certificates. Confirm that all addresses and locations are complete and accurate. This review stage is critical - errors caught now are much easier to fix than those discovered after submission.

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Payment

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Once satisfied with your application, proceed to the payment section. Select your preferred payment method from the available options. Enter your payment details carefully and complete the transaction. Save or print the payment confirmation for your records - you may need this if there are any questions about your payment later.

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Save Your Application

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After payment is processed, save and print your completed application. Write down your application reference number and keep it somewhere safe - you'll need this for any future correspondence about your case.

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Additional Tips

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Certain strategies can make the online application process smoother and help avoid common pitfalls:

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• Have all your documents organized and in front of you while completing the form - this prevents errors in transcribing information.

• Use a desktop computer rather than a mobile device, as the form is better optimized for larger screens.

• Take screenshots of each completed page for your records.

• Double-check all fields before submission, paying particular attention to dates, which must be in the correct format.

• If you encounter technical issues, clear your browser cache or try a different browser.

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Professional Witnesses

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Having your documents properly witnessed is a critical requirement for the FBR application.This section explains who qualifies as a professional witness, what they need to do, and how to ensure your documents are properly certified to meet FBR standards.

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What Documents Need to be Witnessed?

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• Principal Applicants Documents

• FBR Application- the printed application form

• Photo Copy of Current State Issued ID

• Signed, Stamped and Dated from witness on the list and written "I certify this is a true copy of the original as seen by me"

• 2 Passport Photos

• Two of the four photographs must be signed, stamped and dated by a witness from the list below. They should sign it with a suitable phrase like "I certify this is a true copy of the original as seen by me" with a date and signature.

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*If witness doesn't have a stamp, include their business card.

*If AA and IA are still alive and are using copies of their current Photo ID's, then those will need to be witnessed and signed as well.

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Who Can Sign and How to Find Them

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Professional witnesses must be from a specific list of approved professions recognized by the FBR. These include lawyers, doctors, police officers, accountants, bank managers, and religious ministers who are currently practicing. The key is finding someone who is actively working in their profession - retired professionals typically cannot serve as witnesses. Look for witnesses in your local community through professional directories, your local chamber of commerce, or professional associations.

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Acceptable List of Witnesses

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• Garda Síochána/ Police Officer

• School Principal/ Vice Principal/ Teacher/ School Secretary/ Pre-school Manager/ Montessori Teacher/ Lecturer

• Member of Clergy

• Medical Doctor

• Nurse

• Physiotherapist

• Speech Therapist

• Pharmacist

• DentistLawyerNotary Public/ Commissioner for Oaths

• Peace Commissioner

• Bank Manager/ Assistant Bank Manager or Credit Union Manager or Assistant Manager

• Accountant

• Elected Public Representative

• Veterinary surgeon

• Chartered Engineer

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Do You Have to Actually Know Them?

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You do not need to have an extensive, pre-existing relationship with your witness, but they must be able to certify you are who you say you are. The witness's role is to verify your identity and documents, not to vouch for your character or background. Many professionals are familiar with document witnessing requirements and regularly provide this service to the public.

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There is one known exception to the requirement of the witness being personally known to the applicant, that is if they are a professional Notary Public / Commissioner for Oaths.

People in this profession witness documents as their job and applicants have been successful when using a Notary Public who they did not know personally.

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The Notary Public may make a note on/with the application that they do not know the applicant personally, but that they have seen and verified the applicants National ID (passport, drivers licence, etc).

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What Do They Actually Do and What Exactly is Needed?

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The witness must verify your identity by checking your current photo ID (passport or driver's license) as well as your photos. They need to sign and stamp each document, complete the witness verification form, and provide their business card or professional credentials. The witness must include their professional registration number (if applicable) and contact details. They should sign in their professional capacity, not as a personal acquaintance.

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Do They Ever Get Contacted? What Does That Entail?

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Yes, the FBR may contact witnesses to verify their role in your application. This usually involves a brief verification call or email to confirm they witnessed your documents and to verify their professional credentials. The contact is typically minimal and straightforward - they simply need to confirm they performed the witnessing service. This is why it's important to use witnesses who are easily contactable through their professional office and who will remember witnessing your documents.

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What If They Don't Have a Business Card?

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If your witness doesn't have a business card, there are acceptable alternatives. They can provide a letter on their professional letterhead stating their credentials, registration number, and contact information. Alternatively, they can use their professional stamp or seal along with detailed contact information written on the witness verification form. The key is providing clear, verifiable information about the witness's professional status and how they can be contacted.

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Passport Photo Requirements and Common Mistakes

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Your passport photos must meet specific criteria for the FBR application. This practical guide covers the technical requirements for your photos, highlighting common mistakes to avoid and providing tips for ensuring your photos will be accepted.

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What is Required for Application?

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4 photographs -2 are signed, dated, stamped (if no stamp use card or letter headed sheet with brief statement) by a VALID witness. Also, add the application number (it's says that in Section E on the application itself).

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What Size is Needed?

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The FBR requires passport photos that meet Irish passport photo standards. These should measure 35mm x 45mm (approximately 1.4 x 1.8 inches), with the head height between 25mm and 35mm. The photo must show your head and top of shoulders, taken against a plain light-colored background. Digital photos should be high quality, with a minimum resolution of 720 x 960 pixels. When printed, the photo should be on high-quality photo paper with no marks, creases, or damage.

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Are EU, Irish, and US Sizes All Acceptable?

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While the FBR specifically requests Irish-standard photos, they generally accept photos that meet EU passport standards as these share the same specifications. However, US passport photos (2x2 inches) are not acceptable without being resized. If you have US-size photos, you'll need to have them professionally reformatted to meet Irish requirements. Many photo services can convert between different passport photo sizes, but always specify that you need Irish passport format photos.

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What Can I/Can't I Wear?

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The FBR has specific requirements about appearance in passport photos. You can wear everyday clothing, but there are several restrictions. Religious clothing worn daily is permitted, but head coverings that obscure facial features are not. Glasses are generally discouraged unless medically necessary, and if worn, they must not reflect light or obscure your eyes. Hair should not cover your face or eyes, and your expression should be neutral with your mouth closed and looking directly at the camera.

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Prohibited Items:

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• Sunglasses or tinted lenses

• Heavy makeup that alters appearance

• Decorative hair accessories

• Visible headphones or wireless devices

• Uniforms or camouflage attire

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Prohibited Items:

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• Daily religious headwear (face must be fully visible)

• Medically necessary glasses (no glare)

• Regular clothing with no logos

• Small, non-decorative earrings

•.Regular makeup

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Remember: Having your photos rejected can significantly delay your application. When in doubt, have them taken by a professional photographer familiar with Irish passport photo requirements.

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Mailing your FBR Application

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Properly assembling and mailing your application package is one of the most critical steps in your Irish citizenship journey. After gathering all your documents and completing the online application, you need to ensure everything reaches the FBR office safely and in the correct format. This section guides you through where to send your application, what to include, and how to properly address your package for successful delivery.

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What Do I Need to Include in my Application?

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Your application package should contain all required documents (this list will vary based on your circumstances), arranged in the following specific order:

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1. Printed application form with your reference number

2. Payment receipt from online application

3. Witness declaration forms

4. Your birth certificate

5. Your photo ID (certified copy)

6. Your current passport photos

7. Documents proving your connection to your Irish ancestor, arranged chronologically

8. Professional witness's business card or credentials

9. Cover letter explaining any name variations or special circumstances

10. Self-addressed envelope for return of original documents (if required)

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How Do I Address the Envelope?

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Properly addressing your package is crucial for successful delivery:

• Write the address clearly in block lettersInclude "IRELAND" on its own line in capital letters

• Include your return address on the package AND on the inside

• Mark the package as "DOCUMENTS - NO COMMERCIAL VALUE"

• If using a courier service, include both your phone number and email

• Write your FBR reference number on the outside of the package

• Consider writing Foreign Birth Registration Application" on the package

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Remember to keep your tracking number safe and make copies of everything you send.Track your package until it shows delivered, and save the delivery confirmation for your records.

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Where Do I Send My Application?

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The Foreign Birth Registration application package must be sent to the dedicated FBR processing office in Dublin, Ireland. The current mailing address is:

Foreign Births Registration Section

Department of Foreign Affairs Balbriggan Business Campus

Balbriggan

Co. Dublin

K32 DC11

IrelandI

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nternational mail service standards vary, so choose a secure shipping method with tracking capability and delivery confirmation. Many applicants successfully use FedEx, DHL, or UPS for reliable international delivery.

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