Newly obtained figures from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs show that Foreign Birth Registration applications from Canada rose from 1,454 in 2024 to 2,123 in 2025, an increase of approximately 46%.
The annual Canada-specific figures span 2013 through 2025 and were provided directly to Irish By Descent in response to a Freedom of Information request.
Irish By Descent is publishing the figures following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to Ireland. Carney received a warm welcome in Dublin and County Mayo, where his paternal grandparents were born. The visit highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Canada and Ireland.
The number of annual Foreign Birth Registration applications from Canada increased by 669 from 2024 to 2025. The sharp year-over-year increase suggests growing interest in Irish citizenship by descent across Canada. The complete annual series below places the recent increase in a broader historical context.
2013: 401 applications
2014: 434 applications
2015: 328 applications
2016: 577 applications
2017: 745 applications
2018: 716 applications
2019: 761 applications
2020: 477 applications
2021: 281 applications
2022: 815 applications
2023: 1,174 applications
2024: 1,454 applications
2025: 2,123 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 Canada.
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.
Our June 30, 2026 GlobeNewswire press release can be found here:
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.
