This page presents annual Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) application figures for residents of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia from 2013 through 2025.
Irish By Descent obtained the figures from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs through a Freedom of Information request. The Department confirmed that the figures are based on applicants’ country or region of residence.
The chart below compares annual Foreign Birth Registration applications recorded for residents of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. Together, the figures illustrate the substantial growth in applications across four of the world’s major Irish diaspora communities.
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.
