Data shows Irish Citizenship is in high demand

Ireland has become one of the most popular countries to move to in recent years as Irish citizenship ranks among the world’s top citizenships. Searches and applications for Irish citizenship have spiked significantly. There were 30,000 decisions on Irish citizenship in 2024, up from 20,000 in 2023.

Speaking to the Financial Times, IAS lawyer Okeremute Okeregha said:

“Americans are exploring citizenship links in Ireland as they grow increasingly uncertain of how life will look in the US under President Trump.

“More people are considering having an option in case they need to leave the US quickly and settle elsewhere.”

Irish citizenship from the UK hits post-Brexit peak

British people are moving to Ireland due to economic and societal factors linked to the cost-of-living crisis and Brexit. Ireland offers access to the EU and all the benefits that the British people no longer receive after the finalisation of the Brexit deal.

Businesspeople may want to return to the free labour market, while families and young people want greater freedoms and options. Ireland offers the life that many are looking for.

Americans eye Irish citizenship post-election and inauguration

We also see swathes of Americans moving to Ireland, disillusioned or fearful of the Trump presidency. Based on existing ancestral ties, Ireland is one of the best places for Americans to move to. 

We have seen searches for Irish Citizenship by Descent spike directly after major events in American politics.

• Irish citizenship applications from North America surged from 8,900 in 2023 to 13,055 in 2024
• On the day after the US election, searches for Irish citizenship by descent spiked by 333%
• On the day after Trump’s inauguration, searches for Irish citizenship by descent spiked by 716%

5000 new Irish citizens by naturalisation

In February, over 5000 people were sworn in as Irish citizens following a citizenship ceremony, where families and skilled workers settling in Ireland were given their naturalisation papers. 

Among them were the Leinster and Ireland rugby star James Lowe and his wife Arnica, who was conferred Irish citizenship five years after first pulling on the Irish national team shirt. James Lowe said:

 “We are now proud Irish Citizens. It was obviously a very proud moment; we’ve been in Ireland eight years now, had two beautiful children here, and see our future here in Ireland.”

Government reviewing DNA citizenship applications

Following the news reported by the BBC that Arizona professor John Portmann was granted Irish citizenship after proving via DNA that he is 100% Irish, the government is reviewing its policy on DNA citizenship claims, of which Prof. John Portmann believes he was the first successful case. 

Adopted as a baby, he had never searched for his birth parents until his test results sparked a deep curiosity about his heritage. With the help of a DNA expert, he traced his Irish roots, leading to a successful citizenship application.