Newly obtained figures from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs show that annual Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications from Australia rose from 810 in 2022 to 1,883 in 2025. The 2025 total was also the highest annual total in the 2013–2025 figures. Measured over the longer term, applications rose approximately 143% from 775 in 2015 to 1,883 in 2025.
The figures come during a milestone year for Australia and Ireland. In 2026, the two countries are marking 80 years of diplomatic relations, while Ireland has also expanded its presence in Australia with the opening of a new Consulate General in Melbourne.
2013: 722 applications
2014: 649 applications
2015: 775 applications
2016: 777 applications
2017: 995 applications
2018: 1,078 applications
2019: 1,016 applications
2020: 571 applications
2021: 259 applications
2022: 810 applications
2023: 1,194 applications
2024: 1,545 applications
2025: 1,883 applications
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the figures are based on applicants’ country of residence. The figures therefore represent applications from people residing in Australia.
Foreign Birth Registration is a process through which some people born outside Ireland may pursue Irish citizenship based on their ancestry. Once a person is entered onto Ireland’s Foreign Births Register, they become an Irish citizen and may apply for an Irish passport.
Irish citizens have the right to live and work in Ireland and throughout the European Union.
Journalists and other members of the media may request supporting materials, including the official response letter provided to Irish By Descent by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, by emailing outreach@irishbydescent.com. Please identify your publication or media organization when contacting us.
Irish By Descent, LLC is an online education company based in the Washington, D.C. area. The company provides practical guidance on Foreign Birth Registration and related genealogy research. Irish By Descent, LLC is not affiliated with the Government of Ireland or any Irish government agency.
